Behavior Management Techniques

At West Valley Pediatric Dentistry, we know that some children find it difficult to go to the dentist. No matter your child’s situation, our team strives to help each child feel relaxed, comfortable, and safe during their visit. Dr. Bailey can carry out a variety of behavior management techniques in Taylorsville, Utah, to help your child relax. If you feel that your child could benefit from any of our behavior management techniques, please contact us today at 801-417-8080 and set up your appointment to visit with our caring pediatric dentist.

Going to the dentist can be scary for some children, and for a variety of reasons. Our dental team understands that each child is unique and deserving of personalized dental and patient care. A child may be nervous about the dentist due to:

• Developmental delay
• Fear (including fear of dentists, lack of control, and potential pain)
• General or situational anxiety
• Physical or mental disability
• Acute or chronic disease
• Previous unpleasant dental or medical experience
• Lack of preparation for up-coming procedure
• Cultural or linguistic differences

Regardless of your child’s situation, our pediatric dentist and team can help your child feel comfortable. Our team has received training to accurately assess your child’s level of development, attitudes, and temperament towards dentistry and anticipate their reaction to their treatments. With every patient, our team will utilize some or all of the following behavior management techniques to help your child feel safe and relaxed during their visit:

• Tell, Show, Do: This involves explaining procedures; demonstrating the procedure with visual, tactile, and verbal aspects; and beginning the procedure without veering away from the demonstration or explanation.
• Ask, Tell, Ask: Our pediatric dentist will ask your child how they feel in regards to an up-coming procedure. They will explain the procedure and ensure that your child understands what will happen.
• Voice control: This includes controlling volume, pace, and tone.
• Distractions: Distractions may include various conversations during procedures or taking breaks.
• Positive reinforcement: Our pediatric dentist will reassure your child they he or she is doing well, and they will provide descriptive praise to specifically describe how your child cooperated.

We want to help every child feel comfortable while sitting in the dental chair. If you have questions or concerns about your child having an enjoyable dental experience, we invite you to call or visit our office today and talk with us. We are always happy to help.