Behaviour Management Techniques for Children

Question 1

why may children be worried of the dentist?

Answer 1

• parent behaviours are anxious
• dental care causes pain

Question 2

what is tell, show, do?

Answer 2

tell - describe what is to happen
show - demonstrate the procedure
do - do it

Question 3

how must terminology be used?

Answer 3

very very simplified, make it easy for children to understand

slow handpiece - buzzy brush
high speed - whizzy brush
aesthetic - jungle juice - something they recognise
rubber dam - rubber raincoat to stop water
probe - tickling stick

Question 4

what must you avoid saying?

Answer 4

avoid saying it won’t hurt

• false promise
• appear a liar, patient won’t trust you

Question 5

make sure to praise your patient.

Question 6

what can affect behaviour outside the dental setting?

Answer 6

• age
• social development
• prev dental/medical experiences
• peer pressure
• social media
• communication/learning difficulties

Question 7

what factors can affect the behaviour within the dental setting?

Answer 7

• appearance
• smells
• sounds
• dental team appearance and manner
• parental pressure

Question 8

does it make a difference it a parent is in or out?

Answer 8

some children find it comforting
some children handle it better without them

• can distract the dentist or patient

Question 9

3 strategies for managing behaviour

Answer 9

1. psychology - non-pharmacological
2. sedation
3. general anaesthesia

Question 10

divert attention when there is a stress-producing procedure

Answer 10

• pull lip during LA
• impression taking - breath through nose

Question 11

who are good models for children?

Answer 11

older sibling
models which are similar age

Question 12

give the patient control

Answer 12

• an agreed stop control - raise arm
• respond quickly when this is used

Question 13

what is bad about sometimes patient using the agreed stop control?

Answer 13

potential use for avoidance

Question 14

what 3 things does a needle induce?

Answer 14

• fear
• anxiety
• phobias

Question 15

how can you desensitise a patient?

Answer 15

• teach the patient to relax
• expose the patient to the anxiety provoking stimuli

Question 16

how is a child sedated?

Answer 16

inhalation

Question 17

what are indications for a child required GA?

Answer 17

• young child with extensive caries
• acute pain/infection/facial swelling
• phobic child
• uncooperative child
• difficult procedures

Question 18

what must be considered when GA is needed?

Answer 18

• risks explained
• alternatives explained
• correct diagnosis
• plan for all caries to be treated
• avoid repeats
• recognise future problems