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VOL. 7, ISSUE 2 (2025)
Factors influencing the acceptance of space maintainers: A comparative study among parents of schoolchildren in Tulcán, Ecuador
Authors
Juan Sebastián Sanipatín Mora, Ana María Alvear, Carlos Andrés Molina
Abstract
This study explores the influence of social
beliefs and perceptions regarding oral health on the acceptance of space
maintainers among parents of children aged 6 to 10 years old in the city of Tulcán.
The objective was to evaluate prevailing beliefs and their relationship with
the acceptance of space maintainers, identifying dominant myths, parental
knowledge levels, and the role of information technologies in promoting healthy
practices across various educational institutions. The research employed a
descriptive observational approach, utilizing structured questionnaires and
qualitative content analysis applied to a representative sample of parents. One
of the most significant findings revealed that 77% of respondents believe that
primary teeth do not require care because they will eventually fall out. This
reflects a deeply rooted belief system that hampers the implementation of
preventive measures such as the use of space maintainers. The analysis of
different schools showed that the level of knowledge and acceptance of space
maintainers varies depending on the type of educational institution. In public
schools, where families typically belong to a lower socioeconomic stratum, the
acceptance of space maintainers was the lowest, influenced by prevailing myths
and limited access to reliable dental health information. In semi-public) schools,
perceptions regarding space maintainers were moderate, indicating a greater
openness to preventive treatment, although some misconceptions persisted.
Conversely, private schools exhibited higher levels of acceptance and awareness
regarding these devices, largely due to more frequent access to dental
consultations and more trustworthy information sources. The conclusions
underline the necessity for culturally adapted educational strategies,
emphasizing that training programs focused on the functional and preventive
benefits of space maintainers may play a decisive role in transforming
prevailing beliefs.
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Pages:20-25
How to cite this article:
Juan Sebastián Sanipatín Mora, Ana María Alvear, Carlos Andrés Molina "Factors influencing the acceptance of space maintainers: A comparative study among parents of schoolchildren in Tulcán, Ecuador". International Journal of Dental Sciences, Vol 7, Issue 2, 2025, Pages 20-25
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