Purpose: Desensitization is o behavior guidance technique that has been used to help improve behavior and capacity to receive dental core in patients with outism spectrum disorder (ASD). The purpose of this study was to elicit porentf perspectives regarding the effectiveness, beneDts, and barriers associated with desensitization. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach was used. Participants included parents of children with ASD who received regular dental core in o pediatric hospital. Doto were collected through individual in-depth semi-structured interviews. All interviews were audio-recorded to be tronscribed verbatim and analyzed using a thematic approach. Results: Thirteen parents were interviewed. The Dndings indicate that desensitizotion improved childreris dental core experience, os the repetition of appointments allowed them to develop familiarity in the clinical setting, reduced their stress ond anxiety, and consequently treatment acceptance. However, parents described certain barriers to desensitization, including the organization and burden of frequent appointments and structural and flnancial issues. os the cost associated with desensitization visits was not covered by Medicare/Medicaid. Conclusion: Desensitization is seen by parents as on important avenue for improving dental encounters for children with outism spectrum disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]