Evaluation of Parents and Child Satisfaction Toward Primary Molar Restoration with Preformed Metal Crowns and Its Impact on Child Bullying.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the psychosocial impact of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) among primary school children in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, focusing on bullying experiences, child satisfaction, and parental perception. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2025 among 123 children (mean age 7.8 years; 52% male) from two randomly selected schools. Schools were chosen using simple random sampling from a Ministry of Education-approved list. All children aged 6-10 years with at least one SSC placed for six months or more were eligible. A validated, self-administered questionnaire completed by children and their parents assessed bullying related to SSCs, satisfaction with the crown's appearance, and perceived impact. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, Chi-square tests, and logistic regression to evaluate associations between variables (p < 0.05). Results: Bullying was reported by 39.0% of children, primarily verbal (58.1%), followed by social exclusion (29.1%). Although gender differences in bullying were not statistically significant (p = 0.829), boys more often reported nickname-based teasing (p < 0.001). Only 35.0% of children were satisfied with the crown's shape and 29.3% with its color. Nearly half (48.8%) felt uncomfortable when asked about it. In contrast, parental satisfaction was higher (69.1%), though only 42.3% believed their child had fully accepted the crown. Conclusions: While SSCs are clinically effective and accepted by most parents, a notable proportion of children experience bullying and aesthetic dissatisfaction. These findings highlight the need for child-centered care and consideration of esthetic alternatives.