BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT IN

DENTISTRYDr. Shahzadi Tayyaba

Hashmi

DNT 356

BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

• 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

OUTLINE OF BEHAVIOUR MANAGEMENT

CommunicationBehaviour

modification / shaping

Behaviour management

1) COMMUNICATION

• 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 ) VERBAL COMMUNICATION

a) Style of conversationb) Matter of conversationc) Choice of wordsd) Voice control

A) STYLE OF CONVERSATION

• The wordings have to be natural, comfortable and relaxing

• One should speak to gain the child’s attention

B) MATTER OF CONVERSATION

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

1. Call the patient by name2. Compliment the patient dress3. Ask about hobbies, friends etc

C) CHOICE OF WORDS

• 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

D) VOICE CONTROL

• 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

II) NON - VERBAL

• 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