Behavioral management techniques in pediatric dentistry: A review

Abstract

Introduction: Pediatric dentistry currently faces a great challenge regarding the management of child behavior during the consultation in an effective manner and the perception that parents have regarding the techniques that can be used.Objective: To analyze the literature on behavior management techniques in pediatric dentistry at present, reviewing parental acceptance of techniques such as tell-show-do, protective stabilization, sedation, visual distraction and other techniques.Methodology: The search was performed in Pubmed, Scopus and Google Scholar databases. The terms "pediatric dentistry ", "tell-show-do", "protective stabilization", "sedation" and "audiovisual distraction" were used.Results: The tell-show-do technique has shown greater efficacy in reducing anxiety and encouraging patient cooperation compared to other techniques, the main advantage being its acceptance. On the other hand, protective stabilization is considered the least accepted technique by parents and patients. Analyzing the studies, it was determined that the main advantage of sedation is that it is the advanced behavior management technique most accepted by today's parents. Visual distraction was shown to considerably reduce anxiety in children when used and it is referenced that the presence/absence technique is also another one of the most accepted by children and parents.Conclusion: The efficacy of the “tell-show-do” technique stands out as the most accepted behavior management technique. Also referring to the least accepted technique by parents we find the “Protective Stabilization” technique.