ISSN 0303-5212
 

Original Research 
RMJ. 2026; 51(3): 703-707


A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study

Umeed Jawaid, Meisha Gul, Khurram Khan, Ayesha Zafar, Shama Asghar, Aneeka Anwar.


Abstract
Objective: To assess parental perspectives on conscious sedation and factors influencing their acceptance in pediatric dentistry.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Bahria University Dental College, Karachi, from Nov 2022 to December 2023. A total of 100 parents or guardians of children 4-14 years of age were included using a convenience sampling technique. Children requiring emergency dental procedures or with mental and physical impairments were excluded. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. SPSS version 22 was used for data analysis.
Results: Out of 100, 84% (n=84) parents consented to the use of sedation during procedure if needed, 75% (n=75) considered it safe, and 87% (n=87) preferred to remain present during the procedure. Conversely, 41% (n=41) were unsure about the need for supplemental anaesthesia, and 53% (n=53) were unclear about the fasting requirement before the procedure. Significant correlation was found between parents’ perception regarding the need for injection during sedation with age (p=0.025) and education level (p=0.042).
Conclusion: Most parents perceived conscious sedation as safe and acceptable. Age and education influenced certain perceptions. Greater emphasis on parental education is recommended for informed acceptance of conscious sedation in paediatric dentistry and the need for policies supporting sedation facilities in pediatric dentistry.

Key words: Conscious, sedation, perception, pediatric dentistry, behavior, dental care.


 
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How to Cite this Article
Pubmed Style

Jawaid U, Gul M, Khan K, Zafar A, Asghar S, Anwar A. A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study. RMJ. 2026; 51(3): 703-707.


Web Style

Jawaid U, Gul M, Khan K, Zafar A, Asghar S, Anwar A. A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study. https://www.rmj.org.pk/?mno=253590 [Access: August 19, 2026].


AMA (American Medical Association) Style

Jawaid U, Gul M, Khan K, Zafar A, Asghar S, Anwar A. A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study. RMJ. 2026; 51(3): 703-707.



Vancouver/ICMJE Style

Jawaid U, Gul M, Khan K, Zafar A, Asghar S, Anwar A. A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study. RMJ. (2026), [cited August 19, 2026]; 51(3): 703-707.



Harvard Style

Jawaid, U., Gul, . M., Khan, . K., Zafar, . A., Asghar, . S. & Anwar, . A. (2026) A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study. RMJ, 51 (3), 703-707.



Turabian Style

Jawaid, Umeed, Meisha Gul, Khurram Khan, Ayesha Zafar, Shama Asghar, and Aneeka Anwar. 2026. A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (3), 703-707.



Chicago Style

Jawaid, Umeed, Meisha Gul, Khurram Khan, Ayesha Zafar, Shama Asghar, and Aneeka Anwar. "A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study." Rawal Medical Journal 51 (2026), 703-707.



MLA (The Modern Language Association) Style

Jawaid, Umeed, Meisha Gul, Khurram Khan, Ayesha Zafar, Shama Asghar, and Aneeka Anwar. "A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study." Rawal Medical Journal 51.3 (2026), 703-707. Print.



APA (American Psychological Association) Style

Jawaid, U., Gul, . M., Khan, . K., Zafar, . A., Asghar, . S. & Anwar, . A. (2026) A survey of parental perceptions of conscious sedation in pediatric dentistry: An empirical study. Rawal Medical Journal, 51 (3), 703-707.