An exploratory study investigating children's perceptions of dental behavioural management techniques

E Bethan Davies,Heather Buchanan

doi:10.1111/ipd.12007

E Bethan Davies, Heather Buchanan

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1111/ipd.12007

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Abstract

Behaviour management techniques (BMTs) are utilised by dentists to aid children's dental anxiety (DA). Children's perceptions of these have been underexplored, and their feedback could help inform paediatric dentistry. To explore children's acceptability and perceptions of dental communication and BMTs and to compare these by age, gender, and DA. A total of sixty-two 9- to 11-year-old school children participated in the study. Children's acceptability of BMTs was quantified using a newly developed Likert scale, alongside exploration of children's experiences and perceptions through interviews. anova and t-tests explored BMT acceptability ratings by age, gender, and DA. Thematic analysis was used to analyse interviews. Statistical analyses showed no effect of age, gender, or DA upon BMT acceptability. Children generally perceived the BMTs as acceptable or neutral; stop signals were the most acceptable, and voice control the least acceptable BMT. Beneficial experiences of distraction and positive reinforcement were common. Children described the positive nature of their dentist's communication and BMT utilisation. Dental anxiety did not affect children's perceptions of BMTs. Children were generally positive about dentist's communication and established BMTs. Children's coping styles may impact perceptions and effectiveness of BMTs and should be explored in future investigations.

Highlights

Dental treatments have significantly improved over time, dental anxiety remains prevalent in society[1]
Compared to those with low dental anxiety, children with higher dental anxiety are more likely to have had several tooth extractions and episodes of tooth decay[3].Childhood experiences are fundamental in the formation and maintenance of dental anxiety; over half of dentally-anxious adults reported their dental anxiety developed during childhood[4]
Child- and patient-centred approaches to paediatric dentistry, alongside utilising methods of behaviour management and appropriate communication, can lower dental anxiety and promote positive attitudes towards oral health and dental treatment[2].To prevent or help lessen paediatric patients’ dental anxiety, dental practitioners utilise a number of behavioural management techniques [BMTs]

Summary

Introduction

Dental treatments have significantly improved over time, dental anxiety remains prevalent in society[1]. Dental anxiety refers to negative apprehension regarding treatment; it is a psychological problem that interferes with dentistry provision[2] and is a cause of stress for dental staff[1]. Compared to those with low dental anxiety, children with higher dental anxiety are more likely to have had several tooth extractions and episodes of tooth decay[3].Childhood experiences are fundamental in the formation and maintenance of dental anxiety; over half of dentally-anxious adults reported their dental anxiety developed during childhood[4]. Communication is vital in paediatric dentistry and aids utilisation of BMTs 6, 7

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