BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT IN

DENTISTRY

Dr,. Shahzadi Tayyaba Hashmi shahzadi@inaya.edu.sa

• Behaviour management is as much a clinical skill as it is a science

• It is meant to develop a relationship between doctor and patient which ultimately builds trust and diminishes fear and anxiety

• Successful dentistry for children depends not only upon the dentists technical skills, but also upon his ability to acquire and maintain a child’s cooperation

• The management of a child’s behaviour begins the moment the child enters the dental clinic and continues until the child leaves

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

OUTLINE OF BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

CommunicationBehaviour

modification / shaping

Behaviour management

• The first objective in the successful management of the young child is to establish communication

• Communication establishes a relationship with the child and may help the child to develop a positive attitude towards dental care

• It can be verbal or non- verbal

1) COMMUNICATION

a) Style of conversation

b)Matter of conversation

c) Choice of words

d)Voice control

1 ) VERBAL COMMUNICATION

• The wordings have to be natural, comfortable and relaxing

• One should speak to gain the child’s attention

A) STYLE OF CONVERSATION

• One should try to know the patient prior to the treatment, in the sense that

1. Call the patient by name

2. Compliment the patient dress

3. Ask about hobbies, friends etc

B) MATTER OF CONVERSATION

• The words you choose to speak to the child should not cause fear to the child.

• Words should be in level with the IQ of the child

C) CHOICE OF WORDS

• The voice should be soft, gentle and make the child secure by your voice

• Make the child realize that you are his friend• You should alter the voice volume according to

the need of the patient

D) VOICE CONTROL

• Give him a smiling face• Walk with him / her friend around the clinic holding his/

her friend hand- foot on the shoulder, show some pictures

• Eye contact- it should show admiration, encouragement, friendliness. Children are very sensitive to facial expressions

II) NON - VERBAL