Background: The selection of a paediatric dentist is an important decision for parents. To fulfil the expectations of patients and parents, it is important to know how parents become aware of the practice and how they select a paediatric dentist for their children.
Aim: This study evaluates the factors influencing parents’ decision when choosing a specific paediatric dental clinic for their child.
Methodology: The questionnaire was designed to evaluate the factors influencing parents’ decision when choosing a specific paediatric dental clinic for their child. The survey contained close-ended questions. The survey instrument was sent to all participants electronically. The collected data was statistically evaluated.
Results: The demographics of the clinician(sex, religion, age, race) have shown no impact on selection of a paediatric dental clinic. Previous negative dental experience from a general dentist was the main reason for visiting a paediatric dentist. Internet portal, recommendation from friends and family, and credentials and experience of the clinicians were the most important features for choosing paediatric dental clinic.
Conclusion: There are various factors that can influence the parents when selecting a paediatric dental clinic for their children. Parents’ satisfaction is one of the most important parameters for selecting a paediatric dental clinic. A major implication of this study is that dentists should consider these factors as a critical component of practice management.
Keywords: parental perception, patient flow, paediatric dentist, paediatric dental clinic
