Student self-confidence in coping with uncooperative behaviours in paediatric dentistry

Abstract

During paediatric dental treatment, non-collaboration and fearful reactions are frequently observed in the child client. The dentistry student must be prepared to cope with these reactions, particularly considering the importance of the relationship between dentists and patients in the promotion of oral health. The present study aimed to assess undergraduate dentistry students' perceptions of their ability to cope with non-collaboration situations in paediatric dentistry. A Likert-style questionnaire was used to analyse students' self-confidence levels, and proposed solutions to 10 problem situations the students would be likely to encounter were recorded. The questionnaire was administered to two undergraduate dentistry student groups from two different Brazilian Public Faculties, comprising 122 respondents. The self-confidence analysis indicated that it varied according to the extent of the child's reaction and the invasiveness of the procedure. Responses to the open-ended questions were categorised by solution proposed, and the analysis indicated that the most frequent responses were categorised as follows: tranquilising, explanation and restriction. Significant differences were found in tranquilising (with higher values for Faculty 2 than 1, and higher values for female students than male students at Faculty 2) and restriction (with higher values for female students compared with male student at both Faculties). The results and discussion focused on the aspects of training dentistry students' social and behavioural management skills.

Student’s Perceptions about Pediatric Dental Behavior Guidance Techniques throughout a five-year Dental Curriculum

“…It may improve student self-confidence and their ability to deal with hard situations [3]. A recent study showed that predoctoral students did not feel confident to treat children [26].…”

“…To be successful in pediatric dental treatment, it is necessary to choose adequate strategies, based on procedures that stimulate children's cooperative behavior, knowledge which should have been acquired during formal dentistry training [3].…”

“…'your teeth are going to sleep') [3]. Distraction is another well-established strategy in pediatric dentistry, which includes the presentation of cartoons, videos, music, stories or even talks to the patients to deflect their attention away during the treatment [5].…”

O papel do professor na percepção dos alunos de Odontologia: impacto do ensino de graduação baseado na comunidade

“…Batista et al 45 avaliaram a percepção de estudantes de graduação em Odontologia sobre sua capacidade de enfrentar situações de não colaboração na área de Odontopediatria. Um questionário do modelo Likert foi usado para analisar os níveis de autoconfiança dos alunos e soluções propostas para 10 situações-problema que os alunos provavelmente encontrariam na vida profissional.…”

Knowledge, Attitude and Perception on Clinical Implications of Behavior Management Techniques in UG Students: A Questionnaire Survey

“…Psychological variables (anxiety and/or stress), sociocultural (individual characteristics, children"s maturity, previous dental experience), and legal requirements (parent"s consent) are involved in dental treatment interfering with professional performance [4]. To be successful in pediatric dental treatment, it is necessary to choose adequate strategies based on procedures that stimulate children"s cooperative behavior and knowledge which should have been acquired during formal dentistry training [5]. Apart from these techniques, behavioural management strategies start as soon as the patient arrives in the dental operatory, and also involve attire, voice tone, facial expression, body language, sense of humour of the dentist.…”