Mothers' perceptions of children's refusal to undergo dental treatment: an exploratory qualitative study

Abstract

Very little is known about mothers' beliefs concerning children's refusal of dental treatment. This qualitative study aimed to explore mothers' perceptions of their children's refusal to submit to dental treatment. Semistructured interviews were conducted with 14 mothers of 4-12-yr-old children resistant to dental treatment who were attending two pediatric dentists. Thematic content analysis was used to interpret the data. From this, three categories were developed and labeled origins of child behavior, caregiver attitudes, and the culture of resistance. The origins of the children's behavior were related to the childs' temperament, behavior disorders, lack of affection, level of development, and refusal to submit to health procedures or other situations. Caregiver's attitudes included discipline, protection, incoherence, partnership in dental treatment, and mother-child feeling. The culture of resistance referred to the parents' or guardians' refusal of dental treatment and the mothers' recognition of this. In conclusion, the wide variety of mothers' accounts reinforced the idea that every child is unique, and it is not possible to standardize child behavior models in a dental setting.