MANAGEMENT OF DENTAL FEAR, ANXIETY AND PHOBIA IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS: BEHAVIOUR

Managing dental fear, anxiety, and phobia in children requires first recognizing where the child falls on the continuum-from normal apprehension to severe, disabling phobia. Contributing factors may include the child's temperament, past painful dental experiences, parental anxiety, and the overall dental setting. Intervention follows a stepwise approach, starting with non¿pharmacological behavior guidance techniques such as Tell¿Show¿Do, positive reinforcement, distraction, modeling, effective communication, and gradual desensitization. When necessary, psychological methods like cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, hypnosis, or technology¿based tools can be employed. In more challenging cases, pharmacological support-such as nitrous oxide or other sedative options-may be carefully introduced. The overarching goals are to ensure safe and effective dental care, avoid traumatic experiences, and promote positive attitudes toward dentistry that encourage regular attendance throughout childhood and into later life.