Children’s Oral Health Overview, DENT ESTET 4 KIDS Study
After nearly two decades of sustained efforts in early oral health education, results are starting to show: fear of the dentist is increasingly replaced by curiosity, and routine check-ups are becoming more common.
However, a recent study conducted by DENT ESTET 4 KIDS, part of the DENT ESTET Group, reveals that there is still a long way to go in terms of educating about the importance of early prevention and combating myths about oral health. Only 2 out of 10 children have their first dental check-up before the age of 3, and half visit the dentist to treat a dental condition.
A paradigm shift in children’s perception of the dentist
According to the research based on questionnaires completed by parents regarding their children’s dental health, only 12% of underage patients still feel fear when visiting the dentist, and only 6% experience anxiety. In contrast, nearly 1 in 3 children shows curiosity (26%), and 34% have a neutral attitude – indicating a more relaxed relationship with dental visits.
“These results confirm that the efforts made in early oral education and in creating an empathetic, personalized environment dedicated to children can completely transform the experience of a dental visit. Through open communication and age-appropriate solutions, we manage to eliminate fear and promote proper oral hygiene from a young age. We are pleased to see more and more parents understanding the preventive role of regular check-ups, and that our educational efforts are paying off. However, at the same time, we support the idea that consistent education is necessary to lay the foundation for long-term sustainable dental health.”, said Dr. Dana Dulgheru, pediatric dentist at DENT ESTET 4 KIDS clinics.
Prevention remains a challenge: 1 in 2 children visit the dentist only when a problem arises
Although 81% of parents agreed that there is a direct link between oral and overall health, and specialists recommend that the first visit to the dentist should occur after the emergence of the first teeth or around the age of 1-year, Romanian parents tend to postpone this moment.
Despite the progress, the study reveals a concerning reality: only 16% of children have their first consultation before the age of 2, and half of the initial check-ups are motivated by the appearance of a dental issue rather than prevention. Furthermore, 43% of parents believe that pain is the first sign that a visit to the dentist is needed – a misperception that can lead to worsening dental problems.
“We see a clear gap between the increasingly positive perception of children and the lack of awareness among parents regarding the role of preventive check-ups. We need to strengthen education and correct myths that delay the first visits. The initial consultation should take place at the appearance of the first teeth, not when pain occurs,” emphasizes Dr. Oana Taban, CEO and Founder of DENT ESTET.
On the other hand, most of the children of those interviewed had a pleasant experience during their first visit to the dentist, which led to an increase in preventive visits, with an average frequency of 2-3 visits per year.
Cavities and dental traumas, the main issues detected during the first visit
According to the study, cavities in baby teeth and permanent teeth (18%) and dental traumas (13%) are the most commonly identified issues at the initial visit to a pediatric dentist. Other common problems include dental abscesses (9%) and inflamed gums (4%), indicating that diseases are already in advanced stages when parents decide to seek dental care.
Additionally, 55% of parents believe that aggressive brushing provides superior cleaning. In reality, a correct and gentle technique is essential to protect children’s delicate enamel and gums. Although 61% of parents associate sugar as the main cause of cavities, it’s important to emphasize that the direct cause is bacterial plaque, which appears due to inadequate oral hygiene, with sugar simply fostering bacteria development.
“17 years ago, we opened the first clinic dedicated exclusively to children, because we understood the importance of a personalized approach. Since its opening, DENT ESTET 4 KIDS has been involved alongside parents in educating their children about their dental health. Our study’s results give us hope, but further efforts are needed in this direction.
As pediatric dentists, we know there’s a significant difference between dental issues in children and adults, and our goal is to convince as many parents as possible that it is necessary to bring their child to the clinic as soon as the first teeth appear. We want parents to remain active partners in oral education and to understand that early prevention is not a cost, but a guarantee of a healthy life for their children.” – Dr. Oana Taban.
The data from this study confirm that Romania is making significant progress regarding pediatric oral health education. However, to turn these positive results into habitual behaviors, ongoing and sustained efforts are necessary. DENT ESTET 4 KIDS reaffirms its commitment to collaborate with parents in educating and protecting their children’s dental health from the earliest ages.
Methodology
The DENT ESTET 4 KIDS study was conducted nationwide, through personalized interviews on a sample of 367 parents with children aged 0 to 12 years.
About DENT ESTET
The DENT ESTET Group was founded in 1999 and is currently the market leader in dental services in Romania. Over its 26 years of existence, it has built a community of over 600 engaged members, including 185 doctors who work exclusively within DENT ESTET clinics. Today, the group operates 18 multidisciplinary dental clinics across Bucharest, Timișoara, Sibiu, Brașov, Ploiești, Cluj-Napoca, Oradea, Craiova, and Arad, catering to all age groups. It also features seven unique centers of excellence in Romania (DE Implant Division, Aesthetic Division, Ortho DE Digital Team, DE Laser Division, DE Periodontics Team, DE Endodontics Team, DE Prevention & Prophylaxis Division), along with Romania’s first digital dental laboratory—Aspen.
Among the major innovations introduced to the Romanian market are DENT ESTET 4 KIDS (2008) and DENT ESTET 4 TEENS (2012), the first dental clinics in Romania and Eastern Europe dedicated exclusively to children and adolescents. Since 2008, DENT ESTET 4 KIDS clinics have experienced exponential growth, now comprising 6 clinics dedicated solely to children and 5 pediatric departments within adult clinics.
DENT ESTET clinics meet international standards in dentistry, holding accreditations from numerous global institutions, including the International Team for Implantology, Digital Dentistry Society, Leading Implant Centers, The European Federation of Periodontology, World Federation of Orthodontists, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. We were the first to implement the Certificate of Quality Commitment in Romania, benefiting our patients.
Since 2016, DENT ESTET has been part of the MedLife Medical System, a Romanian company with a rich tradition that chooses to invest in other impactful Romanian projects serving local communities.