Importance of Behavioral Diagnosis in Pediatric Dental Treatment

Abstract

Introduction: Behavioral diagnosis is a key step in pediatric dental consultations. Through it, we can identify the type of behavior, emotional background, and the level of anxiety our patient presents. This allows us to plan psychobehavioral techniques and establish and implement active parental involvement. If necessary, we can also restructure our behavioral management plan. Behavioral diagnosis is the systematic assessment of the patient's behavior in the dental office, considering individual factors such as: age and developmental stage, parenting style and parental cooperation, sociocultural factors, negative or traumatic previous experiences, and dental anxiety level. Tools such as the use of questionnaires, identifying the child’s temperament based on Thomas and Chess’s classification, using the Oucher scale, and identifying cognitive and biological development will help us classify our patients according to the Lampshire scale and the Frankl scale, and thus obtain a behavioral diagnosis. Clinical Case: Three years and four months old female patient, apparently healthy. Reason for consultation: “My daughter has cavities in her molars.” Conclusion: Behavioral diagnosis in pediatric dental consultations should be an essential component to provide comprehensive, safe, and effective care, improve patient cooperation, establish appropriate techniques, and build a trusting relationship between the patient, the parents, and the pediatric dentist.