The Effect of Parental Presence on Dental Fear

150 children aged between five and seven years presenting for the first dental visit, whose parents consented to participate in the study were selected from patients reporting to the dental clinics Riyadh Colleges of Dentistry and Pharmacy using convenience sampling. Only children who were classified as anxious but able to cope were included in the study (Rating 2 on the Venham's scale).

Pulse rate for each patient was measured at six different clinical situations. 1) Baseline 2) Seating of the child at the chair, 3) Arrival of the dentist, 4) Administration of local anesthesia 5) During the procedure, 6) End of Appointment.

Based on the accompanying person the children were classified as children accompanied by mothers alone, children accompanied by fathers alone, children accompanied by both parents.

The behavior of the child at each situation was recorded using the modified Venham's scale at each interval. The heart rate and oxygen saturation were recorded using pulse oxymetry

Inclusion criteria

• No previous restorative dental experience
• At least one maxillary posterior tooth requiring restorative care
• Parental consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Children with previous restorative dental experience
• Children with intellectual disability
• Children with diagnosed neurobehavioral disorders, including (but not limited to ), Autism spectrum disorders, learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder