Comparison of Preferences between Children and their Parents based on the Characteristics of the Dental Operator and the Clinical Scenario

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the preferences of children and their parents regarding the characteristics of the dental operator and the clinical environment for dental care. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted from August 2022 to July 2023. A questionnaire was developed in English and then translated into Spanish, before being subjected to a trial and a pilot study. After obtaining informed consent, 152 parents and their children, selected by convenience sampling, participated in the survey. Bivariate statistical analysis was performed using Fisher's exact and chi-square tests. Results: Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were determined when comparing the preferences of children and parents for the variables gender, age, clothing, mask, floor, door, lighting, curtains, dental chair, play area, waiting area, and consulting room. Based on participants’ gender, it was determined that the highest percentage of boys (71.76%) and girls (86.57%) prefer to be seen by an operator of the same gender (p=0.001). Significant differences were identified among children regarding clothing preferences (p=0.001). Additionally, differences were observed in parents’ preferences for curtains and walls in the clinical scenario (p<0.05). Children showed varying preferences for the play area, waiting area, and office, whereas both parents and children had varying preferences for the reception area. Conclusion: Differences were observed when comparing the preferences of children and their parents concerning the dental operator and the clinical scenario.