Behavior management conference panel I report--Rationale for behavior management techniques in pediatric dentistry

Panel I comprised of pediatric dentists, an attorney, child psychologists, parents, a specialist in early childhood education, and a pediatrician. The purpose of this panel was to discuss: (1) 8 questions that dealt with the appropriateness and effectiveness of current behavior management techniques; (2) the scientific support for those techniques; and (3) the role of the pediatric dentist in managing the difficult child. Issues of cultural diversity, access to care, and parental attitudes toward behavior management were also explored. Nonpediatric dentist members of the panel offered insights into how other health care professionals view the behavior management techniques used by pediatric dentists. The panel sought input from the conference attendees as part of its deliberations. The major recommendations of the panel included: (1) re-evaluate the definitions of child behavior in the dental setting, including definitions of appropriate behavior; (2) develop training in effective communication with parents for pediatric dentists and their staffs; (3) seek further information on the impact that changing parental attitudes towards behavior management techniques may have on the quality and accessibility of treatment; and (4) conduct research in specific areas of behavior management, particularly in communicative techniques.