Is there a change in the behaviour of a child after receiving an award after dental treatment?

Abstract

Introduction: Dental fear and anxiety are the most commonly encountered in children. This affects dental treatment and affects the ability of the dentist to effectively and efficiently conduct treatment. The modification of a child's behaviour helps the child positively affect treatment outcomes. Rewards are a type of tool used to motivate the child that can cause an improvement in their mood during dental procedures. The main focus of a pediatric dentist should be to provide effective treatment and improve the child’s dental experience. The aim of the present study was to find if there was a change in the child’s behaviour after receiving an award after dental treatment. Materials and methods: This present study was done in children aged. between 4 to 12 years of age, who were asked to choose a reward after successful completion of dental treatment and to determine the type of rewards the children preferred. The child’s behaviour was assessed based on Frankl's scale before the procedure and after receiving a reward. The child’s behaviour was assessed on the second appointment as well. The data was analyzed using the Wilcoxon sign rank test. Results: There was a change in the behaviour of the children during the first appointment before the procedure and after receiving the reward. 81.8% of children who were negative turned positive after receiving the reward (p-value>0.05). There was a statistical change in the behaviour of the child before the treatment in the first and second appointments (p-value>0.05). The change in the behaviour of the child after receiving the reward in the first appointment and before the procedure during the second appointment showed statistical significance (p-value>0.05).Conclusion: Rewards can help increase the cooperation of the child for future dental appointments.