Identifying Parents' Preferences in Choosing Pediatric Dental Centers: Providing Policy Solutions to Improve Access and Quality of Services Policy Brief for Choosing Pediatric Dental Centers; شناسایی ترجیحات والدین در انتخاب مراکز دندانپزشکی کودکان: ارائهی راهکارهای سیاستی برای بهبود دسترسی و کیفیت خدمات Publisher



M Jafarzadeh Samani M ; R Ghasemi REIHANE ; E Asnaashari ELAHE ; M Moeeni MARYAM
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2025

Abstract

A qualitative study has studied the preferences of parents referring to pediatric dental centers in Isfahan to identify factors related to the selection of these centers. The findings showed that parents pay special attention to factors such as ease of access, history and reputation of the center, physical environment suitable for children, efficient scheduling system, treatment costs, quality of services, and staff behavior. To improve these indicators, several solutions have been proposed, including facilitating the scheduling system mainly development of online scheduling systems, specialized training of staff in dealing with children, expansion of insur ance coverage of dental services, design of child-friendly treatment environments, and increase in service centers in deprived areas. The implementation of these solutions is accompanied by challenges, the most important of which include financial constrai nts, resistance to changing traditional methods, infrastructure problems in underprivileged areas, and inadequacies of insurance systems. To overcome these obstacles, it was suggested that low-cost and quickly implementable projects such as the establishment of an electronic scheduling system be prioritized. At the same time, communication skills of employees can be improved by holding training courses. For more costly sectors such as physical development of centers or expansion of insurance coverage, attracting private sector participation and long-term planning seem essential. The important point in the successful implementation of these plans is to include all stakeholders, including medical centers, employees, insurance companies and especially families. Continuous monitoring of the implementation process and flexibility in dealing with emerging challenges will also be key factors in achieving the goals of these programs. Finally, combining these solutions with appropriate prioritization can lead to impro ving the quality of pediatric dental services, increasing family satisfaction and, as a result, improving oral health indicators in the community. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.