Parental Decision of Restorative Materials Before and After Educational Material.

Objectives: To determine the factors that affect parental decision in choosing a restorative material (amalgam versus composite resin) for their child’s posterior teeth, and if this decision changes after reviewing educational material.
Methods: Using a single-site approach, qualified participants were asked to complete a pre-survey questionnaire (preSQ), followed by reviewing an educational flyer with information regarding the restorative materials. Once finished reviewing the educational material, the same participants were asked to complete a post-survey questionnaire (posSQ).
Results: With a study-sample of 126 qualified participants (51% mother, 45% father, 4% legal guardian; predominately White), preSQ revealed excess preference for composite-resin (60%) over amalgam (16%); this was largely associated with esthetics reasoning, and own dentist’s recommendation. On the contrary, posSQ showed a statistically significant shift to 35% composite-resin versus 58% amalgam (posSQ versus preSQ test: p<0.0001). Stratified analysis according to parental status showed similar significant findings (all p<0.001).
Conclusions: The present investigation serves as a reminder regarding the importance and relevance of evidence-based dentistry in patient/parental education, quality patient care, as well as providing the foundation of continuing education to the dental profession at all levels.