COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF TWO BEHAVIOUR MODIFICATION TECHNIQUES ON CHILDREN OF 4-7 YEARS AS CHOSEN BY PARENTS AND PEDODONTISTS.

• Sharbari Dutta,*  
• Abinash Mohapatra,  
• Brahmananda Dutta,  
• Anandamoy Bagchi

Abstract

Background/Introduction : Pediatric dentistry involves not only a high level of technical expertise, but also a positive psychological environment for every child to improve the overall dental experience for the young ones. Aim & Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two psychological behaviour modification techniques (BMT) in managing the behaviour and dental anxiety levels in a child. Material & Methods: A total of 200 children of 4-7 years of age who were to undergo pulpectomy was randomly divided into 2 groups to be managed by two BMTs selected by a poll among Pedodontists which was Parental presence and through a survey done among parents of the children included in the study which was Positive Reinforcement. Frankl's Behaviour rating and child anxiety levels were evaluated. Results: Both the techniques were found to be similar in effectiveness in handling anxious children though Parental presence lowered anxiety among children much more than Positive Reinforcement especially on first visits. Conclusion: Both the modification techniques if used together, can increase the effectiveness in handling pediatric patients in a dental operatory.

Keywords

Anxiety, Behaviour Management, Parental presence, Positive Reinforcement, Pediatric dentistry