Abstract
Seven-hundred and sixty dentists, selected randomly from all States and Territories except Victoria, responded to a questionnaire survey on beliefs, attitudes and the techniques used in the management of children with anxiety or behaviour problems. The most common techniques used were permitting the child some degree of control over terminating treatment if difficulties were experienced, coaxing and reinforcing positive behaviours, and furnishing waiting areas with child-oriented play materials. Most respondents never used TV or video-tape distraction strategies, film or video-modelling tape or hypnosis. More than half of the respondents believed there was insufficient information available to them on current anxiety/behaviour management techniques. The use of particular management techniques varied by gender, age, university of graduation, State or Territory of residence, and membership of the Australian and New Zealand Society of Paediatric Dentistry. Patterns of use of particular techniques showed similarities and contrasts with other studies. Patterns of use in the national sample were almost identical to the frequency and pattern of use by Victorian dentists. In contrast, however, North American studies have reported a higher frequency of use of hand-over-mouth, and lower use of general anaesthesia within the armamentarium of techniques and strategies used by dentists to manage anxious or difficult children.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
