The use of behaviour management techniques amongst paediatric dentists working in the Arabian region: a cross sectional survey study

Abstract

Purpose: The purposes of this study were to investigate paediatric dental practitioners’ training and confdence in using dental behaviour management techniques in the Arabian region and to assess the factors infuencing the application of advanced behaviour management techniques.

Methods: An online questionnaire was distributed to paediatric dental practitioners in the Arabian region. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Chi Square.

Results: A total of 113 responses were obtained. Of these, the majority were from Egypt (45%, n=51). Just over half of the respondents were registered as specialists at the country where they were practicing paediatric dentistry (53%, n=60). The use of behaviour management techniques varied amongst participants with tell-show-do (95%, n=107) and positive reinforcement (89%, n=101) being the most routinely used techniques. The majority of participants reported using voice control (83%) and parental separation (68%) techniques. Hand over mouth exercise (HOME) was only used by 24% (n=27) of participants, whilst just over half of the participants, 53%, reported using protective stabilisation. A signifcant association was shown between country of practice, country of obtaining paediatric dental training, speciality status and the use of advanced behaviour management techniques, whilst confdence in using HOME and sedation were associated with work setting and country of practice, respectively.

Conclusion: The use of advanced behaviour management techniques was found to be high amongst respondents in the Arabian region. The lack of training in using these techniques, however, is of concern. Further assessment of the factors afecting the use of and confdence in applying advanced behaviour management techniques in the Arabian region is needed.