Reframing in dentistry: Revisited

Abstract

The successful practice of dentistry involves a good combination of technical skills and soft skills. Soft skills or communication skills are not taught extensively in dental schools and it can be challenging to learn and at times in treating dental patients. Guiding the child's behavior in the dental operatory is one of the preliminary steps to be taken by the pediatric dentist and one who can successfully modify the behavior can definitely pave the way for a life time comprehensive oral care. This article is an attempt to revisit a simple behavior guidance technique, reframing and explain the possible psychological perspectives behind it for better use in the clinical practice.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of Play Therapy among Children Undergoing Dental Procedure through Drawings Assessed by Graphological Method: A Clinical Study

“…Reframing is defined as, “taking a situation outside the frame that up to that moment contained the individual in different conditions and visualize (reframe) it in a way acceptable to the person involved and with this reframing, both the original threat and the threatened “solution” can be safely abandoned.” 6 …”

Application of a projective method for the assessment of children’s dental fear

“…Thus, there is an aggravation of oral problems and the patient is submitted to a more complex and painful treatment. As a result, the feelings of fear and anxiety strengthen [5][6][7][8][9].…”