Evolution of the Behavior Management Techniques for the Dental Pediatric Patient

Abstract

Dental fear and anxiety are common occurrences among patients in paediatric dentistry. To combat this, behaviour management techniques (BMTs) are utilised for a successful treatment outcome. Society and attitudes towards children are changing. Parents are taking more interest in their child’s treatment. The use of certain BMTs have been revaluated. Objectives: • Describing the ways in which different behaviour management techniques in paediatric dentistry have changed throughout the years. • Describing how parents and changes in attitudes towards children in society have had an impact on how they are treated by dental professionals in the clinic. Methodology: Electronic databases were conducted (UEM Biblioteca CRAI Dulce Chacón online, PubMed, ResearchGate). Keywords: evolution behaviour management techniques, paediatric, dental, parental, attitudes, history. 29 papers found. Languages considered were English and Spanish. Discussion: Many BMTs have their basis in cognitive psychological theories from the early 20th century. Children’s rights laws also began adoption around this period. As more rights were adopted and society changed, the more BMTs evolved. Parents are also becoming more involved in the treatment than before, also influencing which techniques are utilised. Conclusion: Shifts in society and the adoption of children’s rights have had an impact on which BMTs are preferred in the dental clinic. Parents are becoming more involved in treatments and have also influenced which techniques are utilised. Throughout the decades, there has been more focus on communicative techniques, replacing controversial physical techniques. More studies are needed as it is an area in paediatric dentistry which updates itself along with the changes in society.