Behavior of pediatric dental patients throughout the course of restorative dental treatment in a private pediatric dental practice

The purpose of this study was to describe and quantify patient behavior patterns observed throughout restorative dentistry appointments in a private pediatric dental practice. Patient behavior throughout the course of the first restorative dental visit was recorded using the Sarnat Behavior Scale. Behavior of patients in age groups 0 to 5 (0 to 60 months), 5 to 8 (61 to 96 months) and 8 to 12 (97 to 144 months) was noted at the start of the visit, during the procedure and when the patient was dismissed. Socio-demographic variables such as sex and method of payment as an indicator of socio-economic status were also considered. In addition, it was also noted whether, the child was referred by a general dentist. The results showed that the percentage of patients having Sarnat scores of 3, 4 or 5 (S345), which is indicative of negative behavior, increased after the start of the visit and then decreased to a lower level when the patient was dismissed. This observation was the same for all age groups, although the percentage of patients exhibiting negative behavior during all phases of the restorative appointment decreased with increasing age.

In conclusion, pediatric dental patient behavior changes throughout the course of restorative dental treatment. There is an increase in negative behavior, while the teeth are being restored, which then decreases to levels below those observed at the start of the visit. This is related to age more than socio-economic or other factors confirming that as the child ages, the incidence of negative behavior decreases, but the pattern of change during the course of the restorative visit is the same regardless of age.

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