Management of Child Patient Behavior: Quality of Care, Fear and Anxiety, and the Child Patient

Behavior management is a key component when providing dental care to children who have suffered traumatic dental injuries. This article reviews the current status of behavior management including basic communication techniques and advanced techniques used by pediatric dentists. Emphasis is given to oral and inhalation sedation when treating children at initial visits status post dental injury. Little is known about the use of pharmacologic agents in managing young but behaviorally challenging patients who have suffered dental trauma. Future care involving sedation and specialized endodontic procedures of these young patients through collaborative efforts between endodontists and pediatric dentists seems promising and should be pursued.