Child-Centred child management in a changing world

Abstract

There is a need to "re-think" child management, as the completion of a procedure is not the only dental goal. Short versus long-term goals and the behavioural and pharmacologic repertoire will influence outcomes. A child-centred approach is described, with a specific protocol for the dental waiting room. The changing attitudes of society need to be taken into account in the use of behaviour management techniques by paediatric dentists. The goal of managing children in the dental environment requires some thought: the welfare of the child depends on attention by a clinician to long term goals. The contemporary child-centred clinician has a wide range of child management skills. It is not optional for the clinician to develop his/her behavioural expertise to a high level; clinician skills have long-term consequences. These days behaviour management begins in the waiting room where initial contact provides the opportunity to shape subsequent behaviours.