Child behavior in a pediatric dental practice associated with types of visits, age, and socioeconomic factors

Dan Boboia

Article Review 9/18/09

Title: Child behavior in a pediatric dental practice associated with types of visits, age, and socioeconomic factors

Author: Brill W

The Journal of Pediatric Dentistry: Vol 25, 2000

Major Topic: Patient behavior patterns in a private pediatric dental office

Type of Article: Prospective Study

Purpose:

To describe child patient behavior patterns seen in a private pediatric dental office

Methods:

976 visits made by 539 patients during a period of 3 months. Patients grouped in the following way: newborn to 60 months of age, 61-96 months, 97-144 months, and 145 months and greater. Behavior was scored using the Sarnat scale during 5 types of visits: new patients exams, periodic recare, restorative dentistry, orthodontic adjustment, and quick check observation.

Findings:

New patients 0-5 referred by general dentists had patterns of behavior that were the same as new patients in general. No fee for service patients above the age of five were referred with Sarnet scores 345. 33% of Medicaid patients received scores of 345. For restorative 345 was 75% for ages 0-5 and decreased to 4% for ages above 12.

Summary:

There is a relationship between patient behavior and the age of the patient, type of procedure, source of patient referral, method of payment, and familiarity with the office. The younger the child and the more threatening the procedure, the more prevelant the negative behavior. Patients who are fee-for-for service are more likely to have more positive behavior then Medicaid patients.

Assessment:

Most of the points the article brings up would seem fairly obvious to most providers.