Behavioural Managment Techniques

Question 1

Describe the behaviour of a 2 year old patient

Answer 1

Fear of unexpected movements, loud noises and strangers
Dental situation can produce fear

Question 2

Describe the behaviour of a 3 year old patient

Answer 2

Reacts favourably to positive comments
Less fearful of separation fro parents
Experience will dictate reaction to separation

Question 3

Describe the behaviour of a 4 year old patient

Answer 3

More assertive but can be bossy and aggressive
Fear of the unknown and bodily harm at its peak
Good with firm and kind direction

Question 4

Describe the behaviour of a 5 year old patient

Answer 4

Readily separated from parents
Fears have usually diminished
Comments on clothes will quickly establish rapport

Question 5

Describe the behaviour of a 6 year old patient

Answer 5

Seeks acceptance
If while at dentist child develops a sense of inferiority behaviour may regress to that of a younger age

Question 6

Describe the behaviour of a 7-12 year old patient

Answer 6

Learn to question inconsistencies and conform to rules of society
Still have fears but are better at managing them

Question 7

What is dental anxiety?

Answer 7

Occurs without a present triggering stimulus and may be a reaction to an unknown danger or anticipatory due to previous negative experiences

Question 8

What is dental fear?

Answer 8

A normal emotional response to objects or situations perceived as genuinely threatening

Question 9

What is phobia?

Answer 9

A clinical mental disorder where subjects display persistent and extreme fear of objects or situations with avoidance behaviour and interference of daily life

Question 10

What are the components of dental fear and anxiety?

Answer 10

Physiological and somatic sensations
Cognitive features
Behavioural reactions

Question 11

Give examples of physiological and somatic sensations

Answer 11

Breathlessness
Perspiration
Palpitations
Feeling of unease

Question 12

Give examples of cognitive features of DFA

Answer 12

How changes occurs in the thinking process:
Interference in concentration
Hypervigilance
Inability to remember certain events while anxious
Imagining the worst that could happen

Question 13

Give examples of behavioural reactions in DFA

Answer 13

Avoidance or disruptive behaviour to stop treatment being undertaken
Escape from the situation which precipitates the anxiety
Aggressive behaviour from children who don’t want to be there

Question 14

Give examples of signs of DFA in children

Answer 14

Delay of time by asking questions
Complain of stomach ache or ask to go to the toilet
Complain of headaches or dizziness
May fidget or stutter

Question 15

What factors can influence fear and anxiety?

Answer 15

Fear of choking
Fear of injections/drilling
Past medical and dental experience
Dental experience of friends and siblings
Attitudes of parents towards dental experience
Preparation at home before the visit
Child’s perception that something is wrong with their teeth

Question 16

How can a child’s DFA be assessed?

Answer 16

By assessing the patients desire to influence the course of treatment - rest breaks, signals to stop, need for more information
Use some history time on dental fear