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Patient Management

12 - Impact of Parental Age on Dental Anxiety in Pediatric Patients

Friday, May 22, 2026
10:20 AM - 10:35 AM PST
Has Audio
Abstract:
Yoo, J, Leskiv, K, Layvey-Tardalo, A, Sullivan, O

Purpose: The objective of this study is to evaluate for possible association between parental age (≥35 y.o.) and pediatric dental anxiety and to assess whether parental support and confidence in guiding child during dental visit influence this relationship.



Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 360 parent–child dyads was conducted at a pediatric dental clinic. Parents completed a voluntary, anonymous and confidential questionnaire assessing demographic characteristics, parental support during dental visits as well as their confidence in guiding children during stressful dental visits. Child’s dental anxiety was measured using a composite parent-reported anxiety score. Linear regression analysis was performed to evaluate for association between parental age and pediatric dental anxiety, adjusting for child’s prior dental history, parental support and confidence.



Results: Most children exhibited low dental anxiety, and majority of parents reported moderate to high confidence in guiding children during their dental visit. Children of ≥35 y.o. parents demonstrated slightly lower mean anxiety scores; however, parental age did not show statistically significant association with child’s dental anxiety. Parental support and confidence during dental visits did not differ significantly among parental age groups and were not independently associated with child’s dental anxiety.



Conclusions: Parental age was not found to be independently associated with pediatric dental anxiety. Additionally, parental support and confidence in guiding children during dental visits did not explain differences in pediatric dental anxiety levels. Findings suggest that other factors than parental age might play a role in pediatric dental anxiety.

Identify Supporting Agency and Grant Number: The supporting agency for this research was BronxCare Health System. This work did not receive any grant funding.