Predictive factors for child behaviour in the dental environment

Abstract

Aim: This was to evaluate the potential factors that influence behaviour in the paediatric dentistry environment of children aged 48 to 68 months who have never before been to a dentist.

Study design: Cross sectional.

Methods: Child behaviour was evaluated using the Frankl scale during both clinical examination procedures and prophylaxis. All mothers of the 118 children investigated underwent a test to assess their anxiety (Manifest Anxiety Scale-MAS) and responded to a questionnaire on the medical history of the child as well as socioeconomic factors. The children were given a test to assess their anxiety (Venham Picture Test-VPT).

Statistics: The statistical tests adopted were the Chi-squared test and both simple and multiple unconditional logistic regression.

Results: Children with high anxiety, those had previously experienced toothache and those had behaved uncooperatively during prior medical experiences, had a greater probability of behaving uncooperatively during their first dental consultation.

Conclusions: Dental professionals can identify the presence of predictive factors for child behaviour prior to the first clinical examination by including relevant questions in the dental and medical history, thereby facilitating a more positive initial contact between paediatric dentists and their patients.