Abstract

BARBOSA MINHOTO, Talita et al. Pediatric dentists and aversive techniques for child behavior control. RFO UPF [online]. 2016, vol.21, n.3, pp. 312-317. ISSN 1413-4012.

Objective: to evaluate the profile of pediatric dentists and the use of aversive techniques for behavior control in the clinical routine. Subjects and method: it was a cross-sectional census study conducted with 33 pediatric dentists working in the city of João Pessoa, PB, Brazil, regularly enrolled in the Regional Council of Dentistry of the state of Paraíba. Data were collected through a questionnaire, aiming to evaluate sociodemographic data, selection and indication of aversive techniques, anxiety of the pediatric dentist, and consent and acceptance of aversive techniques by children/ caregivers. Data was analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: pediatric dentists were represented mostly by women (93.9%) graduated for over 10 years (84.8%) and specialized in the field (45.5%). Among the professionals, 84.8% used aversive techniques; from these, 75.0% used the techniques in at least two out of 10 patients. However, only 66.6% consider the topic to be sufficiently addressed during post/graduate courses. The aversive technique chosen by most professionals was the restraint of arms, legs, and head without specific devices (53.6%), mainly used in obstinate and aggressive children (39.3%) and performed with low anxiety by professionals (46.4 %). Most pediatric dentists (60.7%) had not requested the signing of the consent form. In addition, 92.9% reported the parents did not reject protective stabilization techniques; also 92.9% did not consider that protective stabilization would interfere with acceptance of subsequent dental treatment from the patient's family. Conclusions: it was common for pediatric dentists to use aversive techniques for behavioral control, but few of them requested authorization through a consent form.

Keywords : Pediatric Dentistry; Child Behavior; Aversive Therapy; Behavior Control; Dentist.