Behavior management techniques among pediatric dentists practicing in the southeastern United States

Abstract

Purpose: This study identifies those techniques most often utilized by pediatric dentists practicing in the Southeastern United States. It also assesses how the utilization pattern may have changed within the last five years, and identifies those factors that may have influenced the changes as perceived by the practicing dentists.

Methods: A questionnaire was mailed to 528 pediatric dentists who were members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, or The Southeastern Society of Pediatric Dentistry, or both.

Results: The response rate after one mailing and one reminder was 64%. The majority of dentists utilized less aversive behavior management techniques (e.g., parents in the operatory and nitrous oxide oxygen) and had decreased or discontinued use of such controversial techniques as Hand-Over-Mouth-Exercise (HOME) and Hand-Over-Mouth-With-Airway Restriction (HOMAR). The majority of dentists reported that their reasons for changes in the utilization pattern for most techniques were parental influences and legal and ethical concerns.

Conclusions: Chi square analysis indicated significant differences (P < 0.05) in the frequency of use of behavior management techniques and age of practitioner, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry status, type of specialty training, and type of practice.