Non-Pharmacological Behaviour Management

Behaviour guidance, earlier known as behaviour management, of the child, is an essential part of paediatric dental practice. Various techniques are used by the dental health team for effective and efficient dental treatment of the child. At the end of the treatment, it is necessary to instil a positive dental attitude in the child’s behaviour. The phrase ‘behaviour management’ has been replaced by ‘behaviour guidance’ in recent days, but both phrases are used as synonyms in most studies. Various behaviour management/guidance techniques can be used independently or in combination to ensure an efficient and effective dental treatment in the child patient. This chapter describes various behaviours of the child and appropriate non-pharmacological behaviour guidance techniques which can be employed by the dental health team for a successful dental treatment, thereby instilling a positive dental attitude in the child.