CONSIDERATIONS ON THE PERCEPTION OF THE DENTAL OFFICE AMONG A GROUP OF 4-12 YEAR OLD CHILDREN

The aim of the present study was to assess how children of different age stages perceive the dental office and certain dental procedures. Materials and methods. The study was carried on a group of 70 children chronologically aged 4-12 years old by completing a questionnaire The questionnaire evaluated the participants past experience regarding: dental office environment, and various dental treatments. Results. The majority of the children (81%) stated that they were consulted without any problems by the dentist and experienced in a positive way the treatment for a carious lesion. The children who participated in our study had in general a positive experience at the dental office and felt that the attitude of the dental team was a good one, therefore 86% stated they would return with pleasure in case of need. Conclusions. Dental treatments should focus not only on the technical aspects of the treatment but also on the psychological aspects that the treatment involves in order to identify the most appropriate approaches for dealing with child-patients for a positive long-term relationship.