Overcoming uncooperative behavior with the dentist.

Many mentally retarded individuals, like many others in our society, exhibit fear of going to the dentist and having dental work completed. This article reports results of treatment of overcoming fear in a mentally handicapped (IQ 45) girl, age twelve. The difficulty of finding a dentist to cooperate in the treatment procedures is documented. Three behavior shaping techniques were used--desensitization to a dental operatory and dental equipment, a peer model to demonstrate appropriate patient behavior, and tangible and social reinforcers for appropriate behavior by the subject. The procedures resulted in the completion of necessary dental work. In addition, the child was having successful dental visits one year after the termination of treatment.