NON PHARMACOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT TECHNIQUES

Dental health professionals need to acquire an understanding of the dynamic nature of child dental anxiety to allow them to appreciate the hidden feelings and underlying complexity associated with the presentation of the anxious child patient. Doing so will provide the basis for empathetic care of the child dental patient, reduce the potential for regression as well as the fantasies stirred up by and connected with the actual dental treatment experience. By careful handling of the child and parent(s), the dental team can assist the fearful child cope and accept dental treatment. It is during these times that the dentist¿s clinical and patient management skills are most thoroughly tested. Success requires a personal knowledge of the patient and an understanding of human behavior, development. Proper assessment of children's behavior helps the dentist to plan appointments and render effective and efficient dental treatment. Appropriate use of management techniques can improve the child's behavior in subsequent dental visits. Finally , the most effective communication always reflects the personality of the dental professionals themselves.