Dentists' behavior in response to child dental fear

Dental fear is a multifactorial problem frequently encountered during dental treatment of children. Studies have indicated that, among others, the behavior of the dentist may play a part in the development of this dental fear The present study was undertaken to examine the behavioral aspects of the dentist-patient relationship, and specific dentists' behavior that can reduce dental fear. The behavior of forty children referred to a center for special dental care and of two dentists was assessed during treatment. T-test results showed that the children's level of fear cecreased after treatment (mean 3.2 vs. 2.1, t = -5.6, p = .000) In addition, it was found that the dentists behaved more directly and authoritatively during the treatment of highly fearful children than during the treatment of relatively less fearful children (p less than or equal to .034). It seems that this direct approach had a positive, long-term effect on these children's fearful behavior during treatment.