Behavior Management Techniques

Our team at Deer Creek Children's Dentistry understands that some children may be nervous about visiting the dentist, and we want to help each patient feel safe, comfortable, and relaxed during their visit. To help your child remain calm during their treatment, Drs. White and Lance are trained to perform a series of behavior management techniques in Heber City, Utah; they also work with a child psychologist who can offer additional assistance. For more information about our behavior management techniques, we invite you to schedule your appointment with our pediatric dentists today by contacting us at 435-315-3080.

We understand that, for a number of reasons, visiting the dentist can be scary for some children. We know that each child is unique, and we are dedicated to providing personalized care. Your child may feel nervous about going to the dentist due to reasons such as:

• General or situational anxiety
• Mental or physical disability
• Developmental delay
• Fear (such as a fear of dentists, lack of control, and potential pain)
• Acute or chronic disease
• Unpleasant dental or medical experiences in the past
• Lack of preparation for upcoming procedures
• Linguistic or cultural differences

Our pediatric dentists and team are here to help your child feel comfortable, regardless of their situation. We are trained to accurately assess your child’s level of development, temperament, and attitude towards dentistry to help us anticipate their reaction to their treatments. Depending on each child’s unique needs, our team will utilize one or multiple of the following behavior management techniques to help your child feel calm, relaxed, and safe during their appointment:

• Tell, Show, Do: In this technique, we will explain the procedure; demonstrate the procedure using visual, verbal, and tactile aspects; and perform the procedure in the same manner as the explanation and demonstration.
• Ask, Tell, Ask: Our doctors will ask your child how they feel about an upcoming treatment. They will then explain the procedure and make certain that your child understands what will happen during the treatment.
• Voice control: This technique includes controlling tone, pace, and volume.
• Distractions: Distractions may include taking breaks or having various conversations during the treatment.
• Positive reinforcement: In this technique, our team will reassure your child that they are doing well, with descriptive, specific praise on how well your child cooperated.

Our pediatric dentists and team want to ensure that your child has a comfortable, positive experience at our office. If you have any questions about how we can help your child feel calmer about their treatment, please contact us today.