Parental Perceptions and Acceptance of Silver Diamine Fluoride in Italy

University of Bologna234 enrolled

Overview

Parental perceptions on staining due to Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) could affect its implementation in pediatric dentistry. This study represents the second part of a wider project focused on SDF aesthetic acceptability among Italian parents.

The aim of this survey was to assess the parental acceptance of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) staining in Italy, and to examine wether the level of acceptability depends on location, child's behavior, or demographic background. A cross-sectional study was undertaken, involving 234 Italian parents whose children were attending two university dental clinics. Using a validated Italian version of the questionnaire 'Parental Perceptions of Silver Diamine Fluoride Dental Color Changes', researchers administered a series of closed-ended Likert-type questions to parents. The questionnaire included sets of colored photographs showing both anterior and posterior teeth before and after SDF treatment. Respondents were requested to provide their assessments based on the presented visual stimuli.

Study Type

OBSERVATIONAL

Enrollment

234

Conditions

Perceptions Acceptability SDF

Eligibility

Sex: ALL

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Italian-speaking parents * Parents of healthy children or children with mild systemic disease. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) status 1-2 * Parents of children under the age of 12 years * Parents of children with previous caries experience in primary teeth * Parents who consented to participate Exclusion Criteria: * No Italian-speaking parents * Parents of children with ASA status ≥ 3 * Parents of children over the age of 12 years * Parents of children without previous caries experience in primary teeth * Parents who no consented to participate

Locations (1)

Servizio di Assistenza Odontoiatrica per disabili in età evolutiva e di odontoiatria infantile

Bologna, Italy

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Parental overall acceptance of SDF staining on anterior and posterior teeth

Measurement tool: questionnaire. Specific questions focused on the general acceptability of the visible SDF staining for anterior and posterior teeth. Scores for levels of acceptability were 'unacceptable' (scoring 1), 'somewhat unacceptable' (scoring 2), 'somewhat acceptable' (scoring 3), and 'acceptable' (scoring 4). Higher scores mean a better outcome.

Time frame: Baseline

Secondary Outcomes

Parental willingness to accept SDF treatment on anterior and posterior teeth depending on child's behavior

Measurement tool: questionnaire. Acceptance of SDF treatment was evaluated by asking parents if they would allow the treatment to be done on their children in a context of hypothetical scenarios of child cooperation (child cooperative; child upset but could cooperate; child crying; child needs physical restraint; child screaming or kicking; child needs nitrous oxide sedation; child needs oral sedation; child needs general anesthesia). This assessment was carried out separately for anterior and posterior teeth. Scores for acceptance level were 'extremely unlikely' (scoring 1), 'somewhat unlikely' (scoring 2), 'somewhat likely' (scoring 3), and 'very likely' (scoring 4). Higher scores mean a better outcome.

Time frame: Baseline

Parental overall acceptability of SDF staining according to demographic background

Measurement tool: questionnaire. Specific questions were strategically formulated to capture a comprehensive range of demographic variables of the participants, including factors such as age, education, and socioeconomic status. The findings from this analysis contribute valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between demographic characteristics and parental attitudes towards SDF staining in the Italian context.

Time frame: Baseline

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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