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Preventive
Esther Yakubova, DDS
Pediatric Dental Resident
BronxCare Health System
Fresh Meadows, New York, United States
Evelyn Tejeda, DMD
Pediatric Dentistry Attending
BronxCare Health System
Bronx, New York, United States
Ann A. Layvey-Tardalo, DMD
BronxCare Health System
Bronx, New York, United States
Purpose: The objective of the study is to gather insights into parental attitudes and acceptance of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) as a minimally invasive treatment choice for pediatric patients, depending on the child’s level of cooperation. Parental reports of any changes in self-esteem and oral hygiene practice in the patient were also noted.
Methods: An anonymous survey was distributed to parents of children aged 0-6 receiving care at the BronxCare Pediatric Dental Clinic. The survey will assess parents’ perceptions of SDF, including concerns about staining, their level of acceptance based on the child’s cooperation, and any changes in self-esteem or oral health practices following treatment. Inclusion criteria are children with high caries risk, who are candidates for SDF treatment, and whose parents speak English or Spanish.
Results: Parents are more accepting of the aesthetic outcome of SDF when applied to posterior teeth compared to anterior teeth. Parents are more likely to consent to SDF treatment when the child is uncooperative or when the treatment is seen as an interim solution while waiting for more invasive and definitive procedures under general anesthesia.
Conclusions: The ongoing study highlights that parental acceptance of SDF treatment is influenced by the location of the caries, the perceived need for intervention, and the child’s behavior. These factors suggest that SDF could be a valuable treatment option in cases where esthetic concerns can be mitigated, or when the child requires non-invasive care. Further analysis will clarify the broader implications for pediatric dental care and parental decision-making.