Provider perspectives on pain management practices and needs in pediatric dentistry

Dental pain is common yet understudied and often undertreated in youth. To improve pain management in pediatric dentistry, it is necessary to understand practices and perceptions among providers. The authors assessed pediatric dentists' use of and attitudes toward evidence-based pain management (EBPM) strategies.

The authors used a 27-item online survey to assess attitudes about EBPM, pain management and assessment practices, tools for disseminating knowledge about EBPM, and opinions regarding priority areas for improving pain management. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize findings; open-ended items were analyzed thematically.

Participants (N = 625) were pediatric dentists (89.2%) and pediatric dentistry residents (10.8%). Most respondents agreed that pain management is an important aspect of clinical care and thought that improvements in pain management practices are needed. Providers reported spending the most time facilitating pain management during the procedure (compared with before or after), and 73.2% said they feel this is an adequate amount of time. Distraction, tell-show-do techniques, and supportive language were the most used nonpharmacologic pain management strategies, and providers' observational approaches were used most frequently for pain assessment. Top priority areas for improving pain management were reported as developing tools for caregivers and provider resources on nonpharmacologic pain management (ie, continuing education courses).

Providers reported high use of EBPM strategies, low use of validated pain assessment tools, and a particular interest for professional development opportunities and patient resources focused on nonpharmacologic pain management.

Findings from this survey can inform dissemination and implementation of science efforts to improve pain management in pediatric dentistry.