Behavior Management
The doctors and staff at Kids Teeth have been well trained in the following methods and tools to help children have a positive experience in the dental office. Our doctors are specialists in Pediatric Dentistry and follow the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry Guidelines.
- Communication: Establishing a relationship to develop trust and comfort.
- Tell-Show-Do: We will give verbal explanations of procedures at an appropriate developmental level of the patient (tell); demonstrations for the patient of the visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile aspects of the procedure in a carefully defined, non-threatening setting (show); and then, completion of the procedure(do).
- Modeling: Our open bay area allows children that are new to the practice an opportunity to see how other patients behave and interact with the staff and doctors. When their turn comes they will already know what to expect and what is expected of them.
- Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is an effective technique to reward desired behaviors and, thus, strengthen the recurrence of those behaviors. We give praise for positive behavior and also award toys/prizes and balloons after the appointment to reinforce appropriate behavior and to help the children enjoy their visits and become confident in their ability to cooperate.
- Distraction and Imagery: Children have a short attention span and we will often divert the patients attention to something that is pleasant and fun to talk about to get their mind off of dentistry for a short period.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Reinforcement and guidance of behavior through appropriate contact, posture, facial expression, and body language.
- Nitrous Oxide: Nitrous oxide/oxygen inhalation (laughing gas/Happy Air) is a safe and effective technique to reduce anxiety and enhance effective communication. It dulls the senses and enhances numbness (analgesia), reduces the gag reflex and has a degree of amnesia (shortens perception of time for procedures). Nitrous Oxide has an onset of action that is rapid, the effects are easily titrated and reversible, and recovery is rapid and complete.
- Conscious Sedation: If, for whatever reasons, traditional techniques of behavior modification are unsuccessful, we have the ability to use medications to sedate children to make their dental treatment less stressful. If this approach is needed, our doctors and staff will thoroughly review an individualized plan that will outline any medications that are recommended and your options for treatment.
