Childhood Choice of the Atmosphere of the Waiting Room

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 141 views

The Atmosphere of a Comfortable Waiting Room for Children in Dental Clinics: Differences in Preferences Based on Sex and Age

Dental anxiety, or fear of dental care, often haunts children. A good first impression in the dental clinic waiting room can be the key to relieve this anxiety and build a positive relationship between children and dentists. Recent research in Medan shows that the child's preference for the atmosphere of the waiting room is very diverse and is influenced by gender and age.

Childhood Choice of the Atmosphere of the Waiting Room

This study involved children aged 6-11 years in Medan, using an interview method with a questionnaire to uncover their preferences on various aspects of the dental clinic waiting room. The results show that the majority of children choose a female receptionist (78%), staff wearing white coats (80.2%), dentists welcome and take patients to the waiting room (92.2%), fragrant waiting rooms (96.6%), and natural lighting sources (51.7%). They also like picture walls (62.1%) and blue (30.2%), use of oral hygiene posters (92.7%) and plants (92.2%), and sofas as seats (56.9%).

The findings of this study highlight the importance of creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere in the waiting room. A female receptionist, for example, can make girls feel more at ease, while a fragrant waiting room can increase the comfort and welfare of children. The use of natural lighting sources, picture walls, and blue colors can also contribute to a calming and pleasant atmosphere.

Interesting Activities to Reduce Anxiety

Children also want a pleasant and interactive atmosphere of waiting room. As many as 83.2% of children chose to play while waiting, 71.6% chose music playback, especially songs (61.6%), and 62.1% chose to watch television, especially cartoon channels (72.4%). In addition, 44% of children like drawing activities on the board.

The results of this study suggest that providing interesting activities can help reduce anxiety in children. Playing, listening to music, and watching television can be effective ways to distract children from their anxiety and make them feel more comfortable. Drawing activities on the board can also be a fun and engaging way to keep children entertained while waiting.

Differences in Preferences Based on Sex and Age

This study also shows differences in preferences based on gender and age group. Girls prefer female receptionists (p = 0,000), blue walls (p = 0,000), and song type music (p = 0.038), while boys prefer to play in the waiting room (p = 0,000).

Meanwhile, children aged 6-8 years tend to like wall designs with pictures (p = 0,000), while children aged 9-11 years prefer to play in the waiting room (p = 0.002).

The findings of this study highlight the importance of considering the sex and age of children when designing a waiting room. Girls, for example, may prefer a female receptionist and blue walls, while boys may prefer to play in the waiting room. Children aged 6-8 years may like wall designs with pictures, while children aged 9-11 years may prefer to play in the waiting room.

CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

The results of this study provide an important guide for dentists in designing a comfortable and attractive pediatric waiting room for children. By considering various preferences based on sex and age, dentists can create a friendly and pleasant atmosphere, thereby reducing children's anxiety and improving their experiences in dental clinics.

Some recommendations that can be applied:

*** Paying attention to the sex of the receptionist: ** Choosing a female receptionist can make girls more comfortable. *** Using an attractive wall color: ** Blue and images can be a choice that is liked by children, especially women. *** Provides a wide selection of activities: ** Games, music, television with cartoon channels, and blackboards can help children feel more calm and entertained while waiting. *** Making a fragrant and clean waiting room: ** A fresh and clean atmosphere can increase the comfort and welfare of children.

By paying attention to these factors, dentists can create an ideal waiting room for children, so they feel comfortable and positive about the experiences of the dental clinic.

Implications for Dentists and Parents

The findings of this study have important implications for dentists and parents. Dentists can use the results of this study to design a waiting room that is comfortable and attractive for children. Parents can also use the results of this study to prepare their children for dental visits and to help them feel more comfortable in the waiting room.

In conclusion, the atmosphere of a comfortable waiting room for children in dental clinics is a critical factor in reducing anxiety and improving their experiences. By considering the preferences of children based on sex and age, dentists can create a friendly and pleasant atmosphere that meets the needs of all children.
Frequently Asked Questions: Creating a Comfortable Waiting Room for Children in Dental Clinics

As a dentist or parent, you may have questions about creating a comfortable waiting room for children in dental clinics. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you create a welcoming and anxiety-reducing environment for children.

Q: What are the most important factors to consider when designing a waiting room for children?

A: The most important factors to consider when designing a waiting room for children are:

A female receptionist to make girls feel more at ease
A fragrant waiting room to increase comfort and welfare
Natural lighting sources to create a calming atmosphere
Picture walls and blue colors to create a pleasant and interactive atmosphere
A wide selection of activities, such as games, music, and television with cartoon channels
A clean and fresh atmosphere to reduce anxiety

Q: How can I make my waiting room more appealing to children?

A: To make your waiting room more appealing to children, consider the following:

Use bright and cheerful colors, such as blue and yellow
Add fun and interactive elements, such as games and puzzles
Create a cozy and comfortable seating area with pillows and blankets
Display child-friendly artwork and decorations
Play calming music or nature sounds to create a relaxing atmosphere

Q: What activities can I offer to reduce anxiety in children?

A: To reduce anxiety in children, consider offering the following activities:

Games, such as puzzles, coloring books, and board games
Music, such as children's songs and nursery rhymes
Television with cartoon channels or educational programs
Drawing activities on a blackboard or whiteboard
Reading books or magazines with child-friendly content

Q: How can I make my waiting room more accessible for children with special needs?

A: To make your waiting room more accessible for children with special needs, consider the following:

Provide a quiet and comfortable area for children who may be overwhelmed by noise and activity
Offer a variety of seating options, such as wheelchairs and adaptive seating
Use visual aids, such as pictures and symbols, to communicate with children who may have difficulty understanding language
Provide a separate area for children who may need to take a break or have a meltdown

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when designing a waiting room for children?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when designing a waiting room for children include:

Creating a waiting room that is too loud or overwhelming
Failing to provide a comfortable and clean seating area
Not considering the needs of children with special needs
Not providing a variety of activities and entertainment options
Not creating a welcoming and friendly atmosphere

Q: How can I measure the success of my waiting room design?

A: To measure the success of your waiting room design, consider the following:

Monitor the number of children who report feeling anxious or stressed in the waiting room
Conduct surveys or focus groups to gather feedback from children and parents
Track the number of children who are able to relax and enjoy the waiting room
Monitor the number of children who are able to complete their dental appointments without incident

By following these tips and avoiding common mistakes, you can create a comfortable and anxiety-reducing waiting room for children in dental clinics.