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

Abstract

Objective: Behavior management is widely agreed to be a key factor in the care of children in pediatric dentistry. It is important dentists have a wide range of behavior guidance techniques to meet the needs of the individual child. To investigate the dental practitioners` use of the non-pharmacological behavior management techniques in attending pediatric dental patients from different age groups.Methods: An anonymous, self-completed mailed survey was sent to 200 dentists. The recorded information included items on the frequency of using different non-pharmacological behavior management techniques and factors influencing their use, socio-demographic questions, working experience, specialty status. Descriptive statistics were generated to estimate demographic data and the frequency of using behavior management techniques Results: Distraction was practiced by all participants mainly for patients less than 3 years (43.22%). Positive reinforcement and Stop signals have been chosen for middle-aged children. One-third of practitioners selected Voice control techniques in each patient`s age group. The least employment of nonpharmacological techniques by respondents was for the restraint, used mainly for the very young patients (7.63%), and Latent inhibition, predominantly in children 6-12 years old. Almost all practitioners reported being influenced by children`s emotional state, their past dental experience and the age in the selection of a behavior management technique.

Behavior and anxiety levels in pediatric patient: The behavioral changes and anxiety of pediatric patient in dental clinic

“…This method can reinforce a sequence of behaviors for the child in the dental clinic (Shindova, 2018). Implementing these approaches may enable dentists to modify and manage a child's behavior during dental appointments and provide optimal dental care to the child.…”

“…Negative reinforcement through the punishment of a child could reduce dental anxiety if the stimulus perceived as aversive is removed and the appropriate behavior is immediately demonstrated. This method can reinforce a sequence of behaviors for the child in the dental clinic (Shindova, 2018 ). Implementing these approaches may enable dentists to modify and manage a child's behavior during dental appointments and provide optimal dental care to the child.…”