Abstract
The continuing trend toward the nuclear family, the increasing number of working mothers and the introduction of the five-day school week have produced major changes in the lives of children. As a consequence, changes are also occurring in the time requested for visits of children to a pedodontist. This paper is a study concerning the hours and days of the week that parents and children prefer for pediatric dental appointments. It found that at any grade level Saturday appointments are preferred over weekday appointments. Parents, it seems, do not want to take their children out of school and preschool or interrupt their after-school classes. Further, with the introduction of the five-day school week, Saturdays have become holidays and are greatly preferred by parents and children who are concerned about disruptions to academic performance.
Subsequent study is necessary to understand the considerations of parents and children when they decide which time and day of the week they prefer for appointments. It also appears necessary to consider a revision of Saturday consultation hours.
