Decreasing Disruptive Behavior during Routine Dental Visits: A Video Modeling Intervention for Young Children

2014

Kellie Ellerbusch
[email protected]
402-559-4892

In a randomized controlled trial, 40 children, 3-6 years old, were exposed to either a brief, dentist-created video model or a control video (cartoon) prior to a routine dental visit. Results demonstrated that watching a brief video model of the expected procedures reduced the vocal and physical disruptive behavior and the need for restraint in young children visiting the dental clinic for the first time. Subjective rating scales completed by the dentist, the dental assistant, and a blind observer showed higher ratings of cooperation and compliance in those children who had watched the video model prior to the session. Child participants in the treatment group also rated their experience more favorably than the control group. These results suggest that watching a brief video model of another child participating in the procedures of a routine dental visit can both prepare the child for what to expect as well as provide a demonstration of appropriate behavior during the visit.

disruptive behaviors, dental hygene, video modeling, visual analog scale

Conference presentations and posters presented

Consumers/Families, Professionals, Students

Electronic (disc, CD, 508 compliant web posting)

[email protected]

N/A