Use of universal behavior management techniques for child dental patients by final year dental therapy students in Enugu, Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Behavior management techniques are employed to allay fears and to ensure maximum cooperation during the course of treatment of children. Objectives: This study assessed the knowledge and use of universal behavior management techniques (UBMT) for children by final year dental therapy students in Enugu, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study of 167 final year dental therapy students attending Federal College of Dental Technology and Therapy (FCDTT), Enugu, Nigeria. Data on sociodemographic profile, knowledge, and use of the UBMT were collected using questionnaires. Reasons for choice of techniques were also collected. Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 21.0 (IBM, Chicago, IL, USA), and the effect of all significant factors was inferred at P < 0.05. Results: Students aged 19 to 29 years participated in the study, and the mean age was 22.65 ±2.47years. More females (111 [66.5%]) than males (57 [33.5%]) participated in the study. Many (110 [65.9%]) of the final year students were aware of the “tell-show-do” technique, whereas a few (26 [15.6%]) were aware of the “desensitization” technique. Many (110 [56.9%]) also used the “tell-show-do” technique, whereas seven (4.2%) used the desensitization technique. There was significant association between age, use of the “positive reinforcement” technique (P = 0.02), and “ease of use” as a reason affecting the choice of UBMT (P = 0.03). Conclusion: Most final year dental therapy students were aware of UBMT, but there was a varied level of knowledge of the different techniques among them. “Tell-show-do” was the most common technique known and it was used by the study participants. Age was associated with use of the “positive reinforcement” technique, whereas “ease of use” affected the choice of UBMT.

Keywords

• dental therapy
• technique
• universal behavior management