Application of Behavior Management Techniques for Paediatric Dental Patients by Tanzanian Dental Practitioners

Abstract

Background:Management of children’s behavior is an integral component of pediatric dental practice.Objective:To investigate the oral health care providers’ awareness, use and factors for choice of behavior management techniques when attending paediatric dental patients.Methods:A cross-sectional study among dental practitioners in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Data collection was done through interview using a structured questionnaire. The recorded information included: awareness and application of behavior management techniques (BMT) when attending a child dental patient, factors influencing choice of a particular technique, socio-demographics, level of professional training, working experience and facility profile. Using SPSS program version 18, frequency distributions and cross tabulations analyses were performed.Results:74 dental practitioners participated in the study, of whom 49 (66.2%) were males and 44 (59.5%) were graduates. Most participants were aware of the behavior management techniques, ranging from 100% for Tell-Show-Do to 86% for distraction. A small proportion (9.5%) reported to have adequate skills, all of them were graduates. The use of universally accepted BMTs was reported by 65% of experienced practitioners, 61% of graduates, 59% of those reporting to have received formal training and all of those reporting to have fair/inadequate skills to apply BMTs (p= 0.01).Conclusion:Most participants were aware of BMTs, although few acknowledged having adequate skills to apply the techniques. They use BMTs during treatment of paediatric dental patients and their choice of the technique is mainly influenced by children’s factors.

Use of Behavior Management Techniques by Dental Practitioners During the Treatment of Pediatric Patients from Different Age Groups

“…This indicates that the child`s emotion and presenting behavior in the dental setting are important. Of the individual-level factors of the children, the previous dental experience was reported by the majority of authors to influence their choice that underlines the importance of proper child management in pediatric dentistry (27). In line with the present findings, Oredugba et al and Kawia et al reported that a major factor influencing the choice of BMT was also the child`s age (27,28).…”

“…Of the individual-level factors of the children, the previous dental experience was reported by the majority of authors to influence their choice that underlines the importance of proper child management in pediatric dentistry (27). In line with the present findings, Oredugba et al and Kawia et al reported that a major factor influencing the choice of BMT was also the child`s age (27,28). Unlike the present results, Carr et al reported the reason for the use of most BMT to be parental influence (29).…”

Comparison of three behavior modification techniques for management of anxious children aged 4–8 years

“…The management of children's behavior is an integral component of pediatric dental practice. Behavior modification techniques are employed by dental practitioners to establish communication, alleviate fear and anxiety, facilitate delivery of quality dental care, build a trusting relationship between dentist, child, and parent, and promote the child's positive attitude towards oral healthcare, thus helping them to cope and show willingness to undertake dental treatment procedures [3].…”

“…Behavior management techniques are a set of procedures aimed at enhancing a child's useful coping skills, in order to achieve complete willingness and acceptance of dental care, and ultimately reduce the child's perception that the dental situation is overwhelming or dangerous [3].…”

Rehabilitación oral integral y manejo de la conducta en paciente de 3 años de edad con caries de la infancia temprana severa. Reporte de caso.

“…Un estudio publicado por Mohammed, et al, demostró que los odontopediatras prefieren abordar la conducta del paciente primero con técnicas no avanzadas, que hagan énfasis en la comunicación y permitan establecer relaciones empáticas con el niño y sus padres 11 . En concordancia, una revisión sistemática realizada por Meyer, et al, concluyó que las técnicas de distracción son una excelente estrategia para desviar la atención del niño y reducir efectivamente sus niveles de miedo o ansiedad ante los procedimientos odontológicos.…”