Dental fear in children: clinical consequences. Suggested behaviour management strategies in treating children with dental fear.

AIM

This is to present an overview of behavioural management techniques in the dental situation, and to prepare guidelines for the treatment of dentally fearful children, focusing on the behavioural management approach.

REVIEW

The literature related to the behavioural management of children in the dental setting was reviewed. Using this material a provisional set of guidelines for behaviour management strategies in treating children with dental fear was developed.

CONCLUSIONS

Effective behavioural strategies that can be used by the dentist are discussed, from a theoretical as well as from a clinical point of view. In addition, available research studies are discussed and suggestions for guidelines in dental practice are presented.