PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Vol. 29 No. 5       SEP - OCT 2007

ISSN: 0164-1263      UBIC: ESP

ABSTRACTS

Purpose: This study evaluated differences in the use of behavior management techniques among older and younger male and female pediatric dentists. Methods: We surveyed ah active members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry residing in the U.S. and Canada. Responses were received from 2467 (59%). The survey contained items on age, gender, and use of behavior management techniques. Results: Males respondents outnumbered females 2:1. Age categories were dichotomized as <46 and ≤ 46 years. Females constituted 53% of the younger group and 14% of the older group. Four gender/age categories were used. A minority indicated that they used hand-over-mouth and active immobilization of sedated patients. No significant differences by groups were seen for use of most basic behavior management techniques. Significant differences by gender/age distribution were seen for the use of non-verbal communication and advanced techniques. Most differences in anticipated changes in technique use were age-related. Most favored parental presence in the operatory, though older males were significantly less likely to allow parental presence for some procedures. Conclusions: Some statistically significant differences in the use of behavior management techniques exist between older and younger mole and female pediatric dentists. Overall, however, the 4 gender/age groups report similar frequencies of use of the techniques surveyed in this study. (Pediatr Dent 2007;29:403-8) Received July 17, 2006 / Revision Accepted January 4, 2007 KEYWORDS: BEHAVIOR MANAGEMENT, PRACTITIONER, AGE, SEX, PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY.

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