Objective: To determine the different behavior management techniques employed by dentists in Nigeria for their child patients.
Method: One hundred and fifty questionnaires were hand delivered to dentists in different locations in Nigeria. Information required include respondent’s bio data, years post graduation, behavior management techniques employed, and reasons for choice of technique.
Results: A total of 128 (85.3%) were returned completed, comprising 53.2% females and 46.8% males, in age groups, < 30 years (25%), 30-39 years (48.4%), 40-49 years (19.5%) and 50 years and above (7.1%). Thirty five (27.3%) practiced in health centers, 88 (68.8%) in teaching hospitals and 5 (3.9%) in private hospitals. Majority (98.4%) attended to child patients and 29.6% rated their patients as uncooperative. The most frequently used behavior management technique was “tell-show-do”. (73.4%) followed by positive reinforcements (35.9%), modeling (31.2%), desensitization (18.7%), restraints (13.2%), sedation (11.7%) and “hand over mouth” (4.6%). Only 3.2% used general anesthesia. The major factors influencing choice of behavior management technique was age of child (78%), convenience to dentists (28%), availability of facilities (25.8%), and acceptability by parents/child (18.8%). Only 25.8% rated their facilities as adequate.
Conclusion: The “tell-show-do” technique was practiced by majority of respondents in this study. Improvements of facilities may increase the number of dentists employing pharmacological methods of management.