Behavior management

Behavior management is the means by which the dental health team effectively and efficiently performs treatment for a child and at the same time, instils a positive dental attitude (Wright, 1975).

Objectives of behavior management

• To establish effective communication with child and parent.
• Gain child and parent confidence for dental treatment.
• Teach child positive aspect of preventive dental care.
• Provide a comfortable, relaxing environment to the child.

Various behavior management strategies

Primary prevention

Based on environment:

• Home and child rearing
• Preappointment approaches
• A safe, controlled environment
• Sense of control to the child
• Introduction of the child to the dental office

Secondary prevention

Behavioral treatment of fearful children:

• Communication
• Euphemisms
• The Guidance-cooperation Model
• Time-structuring
• Distraction
• Guided imagery
• Behavior modification
• Parent in the operatory

Tertiary behavioral treatment strategies

Behavioral treatment of anxious children:

• Desensitization
• Modeling
• Tell show do
• Combined behavioral treatments

Pharmacologic management strategies

Behavioral treatment of uncooperative/handicapped children:

• Nitrous oxide sedation
• Oral sedation
• Rectal sedation
• Parenteral sedation
• Aversive techniques
• General anesthesia

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Behavior management

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  Maslow's hierarchy of needs