Protective stabilization in pediatric dentistry: A qualitative study on the perceptions of mothers, psychologists, and pediatric dentists.

Background: Evidence regarding the feelings evoked, distress caused, and the best way to conduct protective stabilization for the management of young children is lacking.

Aim: Describe the perceptions of mothers, psychologists, and pediatric dentists regarding the use of protective stabilization during the dental care of children up to three years of age attending a University Dental Clinic in southern Brazil.

Design: After watching a video of dental care involving the protective stabilization technique, individualized qualitative interviews were held with three groups [mothers (n = 5), psychologists (n = 7), and pediatric dentists (n = 4)] to investigate four categories of interest: importance of the technique, affective attitude, distress caused to the child, and participation of parents. After the transcription of the recorded comments, qualitative content analysis was performed.

Results: Protective stabilization generated emotional discomfort but was well accepted by all groups. All expressed the need to create a bond between the dentist and caregiver; and the active participation of the caregiver was considered fundamental. The mothers and psychologists rejected other options, such as passive restraint, general anesthesia, and sedation.

Conclusion: The three groups admitted having negative feelings, recognized the importance of protective stabilization, and suggested conditions for its use.