Factors predicting Behavior Management Problems during Initial Dental Examination in Children Aged 2 to 8 Years

AIM: The aim of the present study was to identify the various background variables and its influence on behavior management problems (BMP) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 165 children aged 2 to 8 years. During the initial dental visit, an experienced operator obtained each child’s background variables from accompanying guardians using a standardized questionnaire. Children’s dental behavior was rated by Frankel behavior rating scale. The behavior was then analyzed in relation to the answers of the questionnaire, and a logistic regression model was used to determine the power of the variables, separately or combined, to predict BMP. RESULTS: The logistic regression analysis considering differences in background variables between children with negative or positive behavior. Four variables turned out to be as predictors: Age, the guardian’s expectation of the child’s behavior at the dental examination, the child’s anxiety when meeting unfamiliar people, and the presence and absence of toothache. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that by means of simple questionnaire BMP in children may be expected if one of these attributes is found. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Information on the origin of dental fear and uncooperative behavior in a child patient prior to treatment process may help the pediatric dentist plan appropriate behavior management and treatment strategy. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Sharma A, Kumar D, Anand A, Mittal V, Singh A, Aggarwal N. Factors predicting Behavior Management Problems during Initial Dental Examination in Children Aged 2 to 8 Years. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2017;10(1):5-9.