Behavior Management Techniques Research Articles

Reducing children’s anxiety and pain in dental environment using an eye massage device combined with natural sounds—a randomized controlled trial

This study evaluated the efficacy of an eye massage device that uses acupressure points combined with natural sounds to reduce anxiety and pain in children receiving dental anesthesia for the first time. A total of 105 children aged between 8 and 10 years whose dental treatment required inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) injection participated in this randomized controlled clinical trial. The participants were randomly divided into three groups: Group A: eye massage with natural sounds; Group B: eye massage only; and Group C (control group): traditional behavior management techniques. Anxiety and pain were assessed before, during, and after anesthesia using the Children’s Fear Scale (CFS), Wong-Baker pain rating scale (WBS), the Face-Legs-Activity-Cry-Consolability (FLACC) observational pain assessment scale, and pulse rate as a physiological scale. Anxiety and pain significantly decreased in groups A and B compared with those in the control group (p < 0.05), with group A showing a greater decrease in pulse rate and objective pain assessed during injection via the FLACC scale than group B (p < 0.05); however, no significant difference was noted between groups A and B regarding the data recorded after anesthesia using the WBS and CFS (p > 0.05). Changes in pulse rate and anxiety levels (CFS) measured before and after the procedure in each group revealed a significant decrease in fear and pulse rate in group A and no significant change in group B, whereas group C showed a significant increase in pulse rate and fear at the end of the procedure. Eye massage with natural sounds can effectively alleviate children’s anxiety in the dental setting and reduce pain related to anesthesia, and the combination of these two interventions has the best relaxation effect on children.

Improving Patient Satisfaction With Inhalation Sedation: A Service Evaluation of Paediatric Patients at a Primary Care Referral Centre in the United Kingdom.

Introduction This report explores patient satisfaction in a dental sedation service in primary care for paediatric patients. The study explores different behavioural management techniques and additional supportive aids as adjuncts to inhalation sedation to improve patient satisfaction. Aim andobjective To determine patient satisfaction with pre-assessment, treatment and aftercare in inhalation sedation services in primary care. To improve patient satisfaction through the inclusion of behavioural management and additional supportive aids in routine practice. Materials and methods A retrospective service evaluation comprising 100 anonymous patient satisfaction questionnaires following treatment under inhalation sedation. The questionnaire explored satisfaction with pre-assessment, treatmentand aftercare services. Routine use of various behavioural management techniques and supportive aids was introduced to improve patient and parent satisfaction. Results Results from two cycles showed a significant improvement in patient satisfaction following the implementation of supportive adjuncts for paediatric patients as part of the pre-assessment, treatment and post-operative care. Conclusion The use of pre-visit videos and other supportive aids, including scented pens, tooth pots and teddy bears wearing inhalation sedation masks, proved beneficial and significantly improved patient satisfaction.

Understanding the Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Dentists in Implementing Behaviour Management Techniques for Paediatric Dental Patients in Pune City

Study investigates the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of practicing dentists in Pune regarding behavior management techniques (BMTs) used in pediatric dentistry. Methodology: Cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 licensed dental practitioners, utilizing a structured questionnaire comprising 23 closed-ended questions focused on various BMTs, including tell-show-do, positive reinforcement, and sedation.

Parent’s acceptance of advanced behavior management techniques on children during dental treatment

AimThis study explores the acceptance of Advanced Behavior Management Techniques (ABMTs) by parents during their children’s dental treatments, comparing the opinion of parents of neurotypical children with that of parents of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).MethodsAn observational cross-sectional study was conducted involving 440 parents, divided into two groups: 236 parents of neurotypical children and 204 parents of children with ASDs, recruited from pediatricians’ centers and centers for ASDs children in Northern and Southern Italy. A survey assessed their familiarity and acceptance of ABMTs, including protective stabilization, conscious sedation, and deep sedation/general anesthesia. Discrete variables were expressed as absolute and relative frequencies (%) and compared with Pearson’s chi-squared or Fisher’s exact test. Continue variables were expressed as mean ± SD and compared with the one-way ANOVA test. Heatmap and PCA analysis were used to determine possible correlations between items.ResultsParents of children with ASDs showed a higher acceptance rate of ABMTs compared to parents of neurotypical children. Overall, only 30.68% of parents knew ABMTs before the survey. Differences between the two groups of parents in acceptance of Active Stabilization in emergency settings, Passive Stabilization in routine settings, and Deep sedation/general anesthesia in both settings were observed (p < 0.01). Only 6.82% of parents ever used at least one ABMT on their children. Heatmap analysis revealed that parents who have accepted one of the ABMTs tend to accept the others as well.ConclusionDifferences in parental acceptance of different ABMTs was noted among the two groups of parents, with greater acceptance of ABMTs observed in the group of parents of children with ASDs. Parents of both groups have significant gaps in their knowledge of ABMTs. Therefore, increased awareness and personalized communication strategies are needed to increase acceptance of the studied techniques and, thus, facilitate access to dental care for uncooperative pediatric patients. Patient-centered behavior management strategies that meet children’s needs and parents’ preferences can contribute to the achievement of good oral health.

An Analysis of Classroom Management Conducted by the English Teacher at a Private Islamic Junior High School

This study investigates the classroom management strategies of an English teacher at a private Islamic Junior High School in Sidoarjo, focusing on time and space management, student behavior, and instructional strategies. The research aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these strategies in creating a conducive learning environment. Observations were conducted during two meetings on May 28 and 29, 2024, using an observation checklist based on McLeod, Fisher, and Hoover's classroom management theory. Additionally, an interview with the teacher provided further insights. The results revealed that the teacher effectively managed classroom time and space, scoring 50% in both sessions. However, student behavior management could have been more effective, with scores of 45% and 50% in the respective meetings. Instructional strategies were also limited, with scores of 40% in both meetings. The study highlights a well-organized classroom environment but points to areas for improvement, including enhancing behavior management techniques and incorporating diverse instructional strategies. The implications suggest a need for more dynamic and responsive approaches to classroom management, including integrating technology and fostering personal connections with students to improve engagement and learning outcomes.

Acceptance of Parents toward Hand-over-mouth Exercise and Other Behavior Management Techniques for Pediatric Dental Care in the 21st Century: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies.

Hand-over-mouth exercise (HOME) is an aversive technique for child behavior management in a dental office. HOME has been omitted from various guidelines and certain teaching curricula due to legal and ethical issues. This systematic review meta-analysis (SRMA) was undertaken to understand the acceptance of parents toward HOME in comparison with that of other behavior management techniques (BMTs). This SRMA compared parental acceptance for HOME and other BMTs from observational studies reported in the literature from 1st January 2000, to date. Two authors independently searched data from the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Google Scholar, Semantic Scholar, and others. Twenty-one studies remained in the systematic review, of which eleven could be included in the meta-analysis. Based on the summary findings of 1,034 participants from 10 studies, we compared parents' acceptance for HOME vs other BMTs [voice control (VC), tell-show-do (TSD), physical restraint-active (PR-A), physical restraint-passive (PR-P), parental separation (PS), conscious sedation (CS), general anesthesia (GA), oral premedication (OP), and positive reinforcement (PR)]. Data analyses were carried out using RevMan 5.3. The Joanna Briggs Risk of Bias (JB-ROB) tool for cross-sectional analytical studies was used for bias assessment. A funnel plot was used to detect publication bias. Of 20 studies, nine studies reported higher acceptance for GA than HOME; seven reported higher acceptance for HOME than GA, and the remaining four appeared inconclusive. The meta-analysis results (eleven studies) based on forest plots with fixed effects models in terms of OR (CI) indicated no statistically significant difference in the acceptance for HOME vs GA [1.03 (0.84, 1.25)], CS [0.77 (0.60, 1.00)], and PR-P [1.21 (0.92, 1.59)]. In comparison with the acceptance for HOME, CS (NO) [0.65 (0.51, 0.84)], VC [0.48 (0.39, 0.59)], TSD [0.04 (0.03, 0.05)], PR-A [0.65 (0.50, 0.84)], PS [0.28 (0.22, 0.36)], OP [0.55 (0.39, 0.78)], distraction [0.11 (0.09, 0.15)], and PR [0.06 (0.04, 0.08)] were preferred; these being statistically significant. Heterogeneity values (I2) for all comparisons were high (above 80%), with the exception of one (comparison of HOME vs OP) having 50%. ROB across studies was judged to be moderate. The publication bias using the funnel plot analysis for all studies on the basis of SE [Log (OR)] showed marked and fairly equal dispersion on either side of the central line. No statistically significant difference was seen in the acceptance for HOME vs GA, CS, and PR-P. BMTs such as TSD, VC, PR-A, PS, CS (NO), OP, distraction, and PR were preferred to HOME; the difference in acceptance being statistically significant. The differences in acceptance between HOME vs CS (NO) and PR-A did not remain statistically significant when random effects models were used. The heterogeneity was high, the ROB was moderate, and the publication bias was minimal. Jawdekar A, Tafti F, Deolikar S, et al. Acceptance of Parents toward Hand-over-mouth Exercise and Other Behavior Management Techniques for Pediatric Dental Care in the 21st Century: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Observational Studies. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(11):1302-1319.

The Effect of Patient-Specific Variables on the Need for Dental Treatment Under General Anesthesia in Children: A Retrospective Study

Aim: For pediatric dentists, meeting the dental treatment needs of young children is often a challenge. Behavioral management techniques may be ineffective in underage children or children with special needs. Therefore, general anesthesia (GA) is required for dental rehabilitation of uncooperative children. The aim of this study was to examine the patient population treated under General Anesthesia (GA) in terms of age, gender, ASA Score (American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System), duration of anesthesia, duration of operation and the presence of systemic diseases of the patients. Material and Methods: In this study, 238 patients aged 2-15 years who underwent dental treatment in the General Anesthesia Operating Room of Selçuk University Faculty of Dentistry were included. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to indications for general anesthesia. Medical health status and ASA scores were analysed. Patients were also evaluated according to age, gender, duration of anesthesia and duration of dental treatment. Results: According to results, the mean age (years) and weight (kg) of the patients were 5,4 and 19,7, respectively. The gender distribution of the patients was 125 female (52,55%) and 113 male (47,5%). The number of ASA I patients was 213 (89,6%) and ASA II patients was 25 (10,5%). In terms of duration of anesthesia, 24 patients were treated in less than 60 minutes (min), 132 patients in 60-120 min and 82 patients in 120-180 min. Conclusion: Dental treatment operating rooms with inpatient services can serve more different patient groups.

Level of Coping Mechanisms of Parents of Children with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) stands as a formidable neurodevelopmental challenge, exerting profound impacts on a child’s academic, social, and familial spheres. Parents of children grappling with ADHD find themselves immersed in a multifaceted struggle, not only contending with the day-to-day management of their child’s symptoms but also grappling with societal preconceptions surrounding the disorder. Thus, this study aimed to determine the level of coping mechanisms of parents of children with ADHD in private schools in a highly urbanized city in Central Philippines for the School Year 2023-2024. This study used a descriptive research design. This study used the validated and trial-tested self-made questionnaire to gather data from the thirty-three parents of children with ADHD. The instrument yielded a validity index of 4.51 and a reliability index of 0.845. The coping mechanisms covered three areas: Emotion-focused, problem-focused, and avoidance-focused strategies. Overall, the level of coping mechanisms of parents was high. Subsequent analysis indicated no significant difference in the level of coping mechanisms of parents of children with ADHD. The study underscores the importance of comprehensive support programs for parents of children with ADHD. These programs should go beyond addressing behavioral issues and incorporate emotional well-being and problem-solving strategies. Through workshops or support groups, parents could learn relaxation techniques to manage stress, communication strategies to foster positive interactions, and positive behavior management techniques. By equipping parents with a diverse range of coping mechanisms, they become empowered to effectively navigate the challenges of ADHD and create a nurturing and supportive environment for their child’s overall development. Keywords: Coping Mechanisms, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD, Parents

Comparative evaluation of three different behavior management techniques among children aged 6-12 years in dental practice: A single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

Dental anxiety is characterized by distress in anticipation of dental visits, which may result in a child's refusal to undergo treatment and, ultimately, lead to parents' reluctance towards dental care. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of the tell-show-do technique, modeling technique and yogic relaxation technique in the reduction of dental anxiety among children aged 6-12 years. The study was an interventional, parallel-group, single-center, double-blind, randomized controlled trial conducted on 120 children who required restorative treatment without the use of local anesthesia. The participants were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into 3 groups: group 1 - tell-show-do technique; group 2 - modeling technique; group 3 - yogic relaxation technique. The dental anxiety levels were evaluated 4 times using both physiological (oxygen saturation and pulse rate) and behavioral parameters (facial image scale (FIS) and the Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, and Consolability scale (FLACC)). The data was assessed by 2 blinded and calibrated specialists. Statistically significant differences were observed in all 4 parameters among the 3 groups. During both the intraoperative and postoperative periods, the oxygen saturation levels were significantly higher in the yogic relaxation technique group. Moreover, the yogic relaxation technique group exhibited lower pulse rates, FIS and FLACC scores compared to the tell-show-do and modeling technique groups. The practice of yoga has a positive influence on the general health of the individual. Consequently, it can be considered one of the alternative behavioral modification techniques for the reduction of dental anxiety in children.

Behaviour management techniques adopted by paediatric dentists: A cross-sectional study

Behaviour management techniques adopted by paediatric dentists: A cross-sectional study

A comparative evaluation of the effects of white noise, brown noise, and pink noise on dental anxiety of pediatric patients undergoing dental extraction treatment: A randomized control study.

Audio-analgesia is one of the unexplored aspects of behavior management in pediatric dentistry, and recently, there have been many new inclusions in shades of noise that were previously just limited to white noise, like brown noise and pink noise. The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of white noise, brown noise, and pink noise on dental anxiety in pediatric patients undergoing primary tooth extraction. Multiarm, triple-blinded, parallel-group randomized controlled trial. Forty children belonging to the age group of 8-12 years having their first dental visit with primary teeth indicated for extraction were included in our study. We evenly divided the 40 children into four groups: Group A (white noise), Group B (pink noise), Group C (brown noise), and Group D (cartoon music), which served as the control. We assessed the patient's anxiety using Venham's Picture Test and a pulse oximeter, as well as their pain using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) both preoperatively and postoperatively. We also noted changes in the patient's pulse after administering local anesthesia. All groups have shown significant differences in dental anxiety and pain, preoperatively and postoperatively, but pink noise was found to be effective even in maintaining pulse rate intraoperatively. In pediatric dentistry, audio distraction is an innovative, noninvasive, and effective behavior management technique that can effectively manage dental anxiety in children. The Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) has prospectively registered the study under the CTRI number CTRI/2024/01/061679.

Overhauling dental implications in a child with rare craniofrontonasal syndrome: a case report

Craniofrontonasal syndrome is an extremely rare X-linked dominant genetic disorder characterized by features such as hypertelorism, craniosynostosis, ocular anomalies, a bifid nasal tip, and longitudinal ridging with splitting of the nails. Heterozygous females are more severely affected, presenting frontonasal dysplasia and coronal craniosynostosis (fusion of the coronal sutures), while males typically only exhibit hypertelorism. This case report describes the dental management of a 9-year-old female with craniofrontonasal syndrome who was referred to the department of paediatric and preventive dentistry for pain in the lower right and left back tooth region. The patient exhibited a clinical spectrum including microcephaly, short neck, axillary pterygium, clinodactyly of the toes, longitudinal ridging with split nails, pectus excavatum, and underdeveloped female genitalia. Extraoral examination revealed hypertelorism, flat nasal bridge, low-set ears, strabismus, antimongoloid slant, and an indistinct philtrum. Intraoral examination showed a high palatal vault, crowding of the upper and lower arches during the mixed dentition period, multiple dental caries, and poor oral hygiene. An orthopantomogram confirmed delayed dental development. Dental treatment was carried out on a dental chair system using adequate behaviour management techniques with short appointments, keeping in mind the reduced cooperative ability of the child. The importance of this report stems from the limited dental literature available on the syndrome. Preventive measures along with home care instructions were emphasized to support professional care.

Effectiveness of virtual reality glasses versus white noise on dental anxiety in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder: A randomised controlled clinical trial.

Management of children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) can be challenging due to their disruptive behaviour. Basic behaviour management techniques (BMTs) may not be sufficient, and adjunctive strategies such as virtual reality (VR) glasses or white noise can be employed. To assess and compare the effectiveness of VR, white noise and basic BMTs on dental anxiety and behaviour of children with ADHD. Forty-eight children with ADHD were recruited for this parallel, three-armed randomised controlled clinical trial, which involved three visits at one-week intervals, including examination, preventive measures and restorations. Children were randomly divided into three groups: VR, white noise and basic BMTs. Outcome measures were Faces Image Scale (FIS), Heart Rate (HR) and Venham's Behaviour Rating Scale (VBRS). No significant difference was found between the groups in FIS scores. White noise group had a significantly lower mean HR than control group in all visits. Scores of VBRS in VR and white noise groups were significantly lower than those in the control group during the restorative visit. VR and white noise could be beneficial in managing dental anxiety and improving behaviour in children with ADHD and could be used as adjunctive strategies to basic BMTs.

TRATAMENTO ODONTOLÓGICO EM CRIANÇAS COM SÍNDROME DE DOWN: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA

Dental treatment in children with Down syndrome is extremely important, as these children have characteristics that can influence the proper development of oral health. The treatment also contributes to the development of good oral health, preventing future complications and improving the quality of life of these children. This article had the general objective: To analyze whether the techniques used in the pediatric dentistry management of patients with Down Syndrome help patients in dental treatment in order to avoid a possible worsening of oral diseases. To carry out this article, a systematic review research was carried out in the Google Scholar database regarding pediatric dental care and management in children with DS. The research covered a period of 4 years, from 2020 to 2024. Results and Discussions: Pediatric patients with Down Syndrome present some specific oral changes that require adequate dental attention. They may have delayed development of permanent teeth, with late and irregular eruption. Dental care practices for children with Down Syndrome must be adapted to their specific needs, respecting their cognitive and motor limitations. Conclusion: Behavioral management techniques are fundamental for the pediatric dentistry management of children with Down Syndrome. They contribute to more effective dental treatment, preventing a possible worsening of oral diseases and providing a better quality of life for these patient

The Role of Behavioral Management in Enhancing Clinical Care and Efficiency, Minimizing Social Disruption, and Promoting Welfare in Captive Primates.

Medical procedures necessary for routine care can induce stress in both the veterinary and human clinical situations. In the research environment, nonhuman primates undergo procedures like physical examination, blood sampling, and intravenous drug or fluid administration either as a part of routine veterinary care or during the modeling of clinical disease and interventions under study. Behavioral management techniques, such as training for cooperation, allow caregivers to train primates to voluntarily engage in various medical procedures. This approach reduces stress and anxiety associated with necessary procedures, thereby enhancing efficiency and minimizing the invasiveness of medical care. Consequently, veterinary evaluation and care can be provided without compromise, resulting in enhanced clinical outcomes and overall better health. In this study, we explored the impact of the behavioral management program implemented at our center on a subset of animals undergoing routine veterinary care, focusing on the overall experience, including animal welfare, scientific rigor, and efficiency in terms of economics and time. We investigated its impact on key factors, such as the total procedure and recovery time, incidence of side effects, and welfare indicators, revealing a significant positive influence on animal care. Furthermore, through case studies, we illustrate how behavioral management facilitates timely medical care and monitoring, effectively mitigating stressors that could otherwise impair health and welfare, enabling the provision of care that would have otherwise been unachievable. A thoughtfully designed primate behavioral management program, integrating cooperation and participation with veterinary care, forms the cornerstone of superior animal welfare, enhanced clinical care, and more accurate scientific outcomes.

Economic evaluation of lifestyle interventions in infertility management: A systematic review.

Infertility, a global concern affecting both sexes, is influenced by modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors. While the literature predominantly underscores the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of lifestyle interventions in the realm of infertility treatment, a holistic compilation analysing the economic dimensions of such interventions is lacking. This systematic review aimed to fill this gap by evaluating the economic facets of lifestyle interventions in the management of infertility. An exhaustive search was conducted within the PubMed, Embase, and Scopus databases from their inception to February 2024. The aim was to find articles related to the economic aspects of lifestyle interventions in infertility management. These included clinical studies covering economic outcomes and economic evaluations. The Drummond Checklist was used to assess the quality of the included studies. From an initial yield of 7555 articles, five studies were deemed eligible for inclusion, comprising three cost-effectiveness analyses, one prospective cohort study and a randomized controlled trial, all of which were undertaken in high-income countries (the Netherlands, Australia and Japan). These studies included patients receiving infertility treatments for conditions such as unexplained infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome, ovulation disorders, or mild male infertility, inclusive of individuals with and without obesity. The women who participated in these studies were up to 45 years of age. The findings suggested that integrating lifestyle intervention programmes tends to enhance pregnancy and live birth outcomes. These programmes encompass coaching, psychological or behavioural guidance, nutritional adjustments, exercise regimes, weight management, smoking cessation and mindfulness techniques. Moreover, these interventions are likely to be more cost-effective than standard infertility care. For couples embarking on infertility treatments, the integration of lifestyle interventions into their management strategy not only fosters clinical benefits but also represents a cost-effective alternative to conventional care, particularly within high-income settings.

Trust, respect, and training: Principles of care for service professionals supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in community residential programs.

Background: Adults with intellectual disabilities in community residential programs receive services from direct support professionals (DSPs) intended to facilitate community engagement. As part of a rate study for Washington State's Developmental Disabilities Administration on community residential services, adults in these programs were asked to provide their perspective on the quality and effectiveness of their care.Method: Twenty-five adults with intellectual disabilities were interviewed focusing on daily activities, staffing, and living situations. Interview transcripts were coded and analyzed for dominant themes.Results: Participants emphasized the desire for trustworthy, caring, and respectful DSPs; DSPs trained in behavioral management techniques made participants feel safe and supported. Nearly all participants called for greater staffing stability.Conclusions: People living in community residential programs are profoundly impacted by the stress and uncertainty of DSPs facing limited resources and high staff turnover. Stable, consistent support makes it easier for participants to engage in community integration.

Comparison of different behaviour management techniques while administering injectable la with minimum pain perception and anxiety in children.

Dental anxiety is a frequent reason for reluctance in young children, leading to challenges in delivering effective dental treatment due to their uncooperative behavior. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy of different behaviour management techniques while administrating injectable LA with minimum pain perception and anxiety in children. One hundred and twenty children, aged 4 to 10 years, were equally and randomly assigned to four groups. In Group I, local anesthesia was administered while using wireless headphones. For Group II, local anesthesia was administered using a mobile phone with earpieces. Group III received local anesthesia while incorporating the 3D virtual reality eyewear method and Group IV received local anesthesia while utilizing the stress ball technique. Pain and anxiety assessments were conducted using various scales and Physiological parameters such as pulse rate and oxygen saturation levels were recorded and the resultant data were systematically tabulated for subsequent statistical analysis. Virtual reality group showed highly significant result in terms of lowering anxiety and pain scores compared to audio, audio visual, stress ball groups (p<0.001). Virtual group (5.10) also displays significantly highest behavior scores than the audio (1.70), audio visual group (3.96) and Stress Ball groups (2.66). The virtual reality group emerged as the most effective method in alleviating anxiety and pain experienced by pediatric dental patients. Key words:Pain management, Anxiety, Distraction, Virtual reality device, Stress ball, Audiovisual, Audio.

SWEET DREAMS, BRIGHT SMILES: ORAL SEDATION FOR KIDS

Oral sedation plays a pivotal role in pediatric dentistry, providing an effective approach to manage anxiety and behavioral challenges in young patients. The fear and apprehension associated with dental visits can lead to non-cooperation, making it challenging for dental practitioners to deliver proper care. Behavior management techniques in pediatric dentistry have evolved over the years to create a child-friendly and comfortable environment in the dental office. One approach that has gained popularity is the use of oral sedatives to help alleviate childrens anxiety and facilitate cooperative behavior during dental treatments. Oral sedation involves administering safe and carefully dosed medications to induce a state of relaxation, without the need for general anesthesia. Utilizing oral sedatives in pediatric dentistry not only facilitates the dental procedure but also enhances the overall experience for both the child and the dental team.

The Effect of Er:YAG Laser Therapy in Combination with Behaviour Management Technique on the Reduction of Anxiety in Paediatric Dental Patients

This study aimed to evaluate the anxiety in paediatric patients during caries treatment, with Er:YAG laser and conventional rotary instruments, in combination with child-management technique Latent inhibition. A group of 126 6–12-year-old children with one or more untreated dentine carious lesions (ICDAS code 05) on the occlusal surface of a primary molar was divided into four equal treatment subgroups. A standardized caries treatment was performed with Erbium:YAG laser or conventional rotary instruments. In the intervention groups, Latent inhibition was used as an anxiety-management technique. During the procedure, objective and subjective stress parameters were recorded. Statistically significant reduction in mean heart rate and self-anxiety scores was seen in the combination of Er:YAG laser caries removal and child-management technique (p &lt; 0.05). The use of laser cavity preparation in combination with the child-management technique Latent inhibition is the most effective method during the dental treatment of children. Er:YAG laser alone showed an advantage over the conventional method and equivalent effect to the combined use of conventional rotary instruments and behaviour management technique.