Managing behavior of precooperative children

Disruptive behaviors, particularly from those lacking in cooperative ability, often are prompted by the need to protest an unpleasant situation and the impulse to protect oneself from perceived danger. Such behaviors, depending on the patient's age and cognitive ability, should be seen as an attempt of the child to cope with a frightening situation. The inherent challenge for both clinician and parent is to avoid unpleasant and unproductive confrontations from the outset and to create an environment to facilitate the child's ability to ultimately accept care, protect the child's self-esteem, foster a positive attitude toward care, and enhance the work quality and efficiency of the dental personnel. Use of behavioral management strategies that permit accomplishing these objectives have been described. The reader is encouraged to pursue further knowledge and expertise to make best use of nonaversive strategies for management of the precooperative child.