330 - Parent Demographics and the Acceptance of the Protective Stabilization Board

Parent Demographics and the Acceptance of the Protective Stabilization Board.

Purpose: The use of the protective stabilization board is a controversial topic in dentistry due to the potential adverse effects on the child, specifically with the advancements in pharmacological behavior management techniques that can be provided today. The purpose of this study was to obtain more information about parent demographics and their perception on the use of protective stabilization with their child at St. Louis University Center for Advance Dental Education.

Methods: The parents of healthy children ages 0-7 years old at St. Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education Pediatric Clinic were recruited for this study. A short questionnaire was administered at their child’s new patient or recall appointment. The parents primary spoken language was English. Parents of special needs or medically complex children were excluded.

Results: A chi-squared test for equality of proportions was performed on each grouping of variables without a multiple testing adjustment. There were not statistically significant results found for parent demographics. Statistically significant results were: In routine use: the proportion agreeing to PSB who were familiar with PSB (χ2 = 12.73, df = 1, p = .0004). In multiple routine use: the proportion agreeing to PSB who were familiar with PSB (χ2 = 4.44, df = 1, p = .035). In emergency use: the proportion agreeing to PSB who were familiar with PSB (χ2 = 12.46 df = 1, p = .0004).

Conclusions: In this study, parent demographics did not affect the acceptance of protective stabilization utilization. Parents may be more likely to accept treatment with protective stabilization if they were familiar with it.