Decreasing disruptive behaviour during routine dental visits: a video modelling intervention for young children

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Dentistry
• Behavioral Health Interventions
• Child Psychology

Background:

• Managing disruptive behaviors in young children during dental visits is a common challenge.
• Collaborative approaches between dental and behavioral health professionals can offer innovative solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the effectiveness of a video modeling intervention in reducing disruptive behaviors.
• To evaluate the impact of this intervention on children's cooperation during dental procedures.

Main Methods:

• A video model was developed by a dentist and implemented in a clinical setting.
• 40 children (3-6 years) were randomized to view either a video model or a control video before their dental visit.
• Behavioral data and subjective cooperation ratings were collected from blinded observers and dental staff.

Main Results:

• Children who watched the video model exhibited significantly fewer disruptive behaviors.
• Cooperation ratings from dentists, dental assistants, and observers were significantly higher for the video model group.
• A strong negative correlation was found between observed disruptive behavior and dentist-rated cooperation.

Conclusions:

• A brief, dentist-created video model is effective in reducing disruptive behaviors in young children during their initial dental appointments.
• This intervention enhances cooperation and can be readily implemented in busy pediatric dental practices.