Types of Behavior Management Techniques used for Pediatric Dental Patients

A survey was conducted among pediatric dentists and general dentists in the state of Illinois. This research was completed in order to report the current, past, and anticipated change in usage of basic and advanced behavior guidance techniques used for pediatric dental patients. The data was obtained through a voluntary mailed survey. A total of 173 general dentists and 98 pediatric dentists took part in the research. Data analysis revealed that the majority of pediatric dentists reported using the basic and advanced behavior guidance techniques for pediatric patients of all ages, with the exception of moderate sedation. The majority of general dentists reported not using advanced behavior guidance techniques and nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation for pediatric dental patients; however, they did report using all of the nonpharmacological basic behavior guidance techniques for pediatric dental patients across all age groups. The majority of both groups reported no change in usage of basic and advanced techniques compared to 5 years prior and did not anticipate changes in use over the next 2-3 years. The majority of general and pediatric dentists also reported allowing parents in the operatory. Nearly all of the respondents denied using the Hand over mouth exercise (HOME). The demographic characteristics that separated the general dentists and pediatric dentists were gender, years in practice, and the percentage of patients that were self-pay. There were differences noted between general dentists and pediatric dentists in the current, past, and anticipated change in Behavior guidance technique (BGT) usage for child dental patients across most children’s age groups, with the most significant differences noted in the usage of advanced behavior guidance techniques.