Classification of dental behavior management problems among children.

• Objectives: This study aimed to further investigate the heterogeneity within the group of children referred for specialist treatment because of dental behavior management problems (DBMP). A specific aim was to evaluate the validity of a previously reported cluster structure in another DBMP study group. Methods: 177 child dental patients, aged 4 to 12 at referral to a specialist pediatric dental clinic in Göteborg, Sweden, were classified into subgroups according to their personal characteristics. Cluster structure was described and compared to previously reported findings in a DBMP study group of same-aged child dental patients in Örebro, Sweden (n=74). Parental assessments of children's dental and general fear, temperament and behavior were made pre-treatment. The children also performed a vocabulary test. Data were analyzed mainly with a person-based approach using sequences of cluster analyses. Results: Classification into five different subgroups was judged the best representation of the Göteborg study group data, while four groups had been defined in Örebro. The new clusters partly paralleled the previous and were labeled (I) Extrovert, outgoing, (II) Highly fearful, multiple problems, (III) Highly fearful, (IV) Moderately fearful, externalizing, impulsive and (V) Moderately fearful, inhibited. Cluster profile II describes severe dental fear and general temperamental and behavioral problems of internalizing as well as externalizing character. Such combined problems were not clearly revealed in the Örebro cluster structure. Conclusion: The contention that children with dental behavior management problems (DBMP) comprise a heterogeneous group was strengthened. Similar, although not identical, clusters of children showing DBMP were identified in this replication study. Apart from different levels of dental fear, varying temperamental and behavioral characteristics need to be taken into consideration to better match treatment for these patients

Subject headings

SAMHÄLLSVETENSKAP  -- Psykologi (hsv//swe)

SOCIAL SCIENCES  -- Psychology (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Pediatric dentistry

DBMP

Dental fear

Temperament

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)