Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient.

Purpose: To present evidence-based recommendations on nonpharmacological behavior guidance for the pediatric dental patient. Methods: The work group assessed eight systematic reviews for effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques in children undergoing preventive care or a dental treatment visit. The key outcomes assessed included cooperative behavior, anxiety, and procedural pain. To formulate the recommendations, the work group used the GRADE framework to obtain consensus on domains such as priority of the problem, certainty of the evidence, balance between desirable and undesirable consequences, patients' values and preferences, acceptability, and feasibility. Results: Overall, the use of basic nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques resulted in trivial-to-small effect on improvement in behavior or reduction in anxiety. However, for children and adolescents undergoing preventive care, mobile applications and modeling showed large effects in reduction of anxiety. For those undergoing dental treatment, strategies such as modeling, positive reinforcement, biofeedback relaxation, breathing relaxation, animal-assisted therapy, combined tell-show-do, audiovisual distraction, and cognitive behavior therapy showed large reduction in anxiety. For children and adolescents with special health care needs, audiovisual distraction and sensory-adapted dental environment showed large reduction of anxiety. Conclusions: All the formulated recommendations were conditional and were mostly based on very low certainty of evidence. Conditional recommendations imply that different choices or combinations of behavior guidance techniques may be most appropriate for different patients. Clinicians should use techniques consistent with the parent/patient values and preferences. These recommendations are based on the best available evidence to-date and are intended to aid clinical decision making.

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance For Children During Dental Treatment Visits: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Part 2.

'Purpose: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for children undergoing dental treatment visits. METHODS: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a dental treatment visit including sealants, restorative care, dental local anesthesia, and simple surgical procedures. The primary outcome measures were reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improvement in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included RCTs, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias (ROB). Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommenda- tions Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. RESULTS: Forty articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. Included studies evaluated the effectiveness of pre-visit preparation and in office strategies rendered pre-/post- or during treatment such as positive imagery, direct observation/modeling, desensitization, tell-show-do and its modifications, voice control, positive reinforcement, memory restructuring, bio- feedback and breathing relaxation, animal assisted therapy, combined therapies, and cognitive behavior therapy. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to high and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to large change in the desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the basic non- pharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/or improvement in behavior, with modeling, positive reinforcement, biofeedback relaxation, breathing relaxation, animal assisted therapy, combined tell-show-do and audiovisual distraction, and cognitive behavior therapy showing large effects in reduction of anxiety based on some scales.

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance for Children with Special Health Care Needs During Preventive and Treatment Dental Visits: A Systematic Review-Part 3.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for children and youth with special health care needs (CYSHCN) during preventive and dental treatment visits. METHODS: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a preventive visit (exam, fluoride application, radiographs, and prophylaxis) or a treat- ment visit (simple surgical treatment, sealants, restorative care with or with local anesthesia) with control or other interventions. The primary outcome measures for the studied interventions were reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improvement in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias (ROB). Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. RESULTS: Eleven articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. Included studies evaluate the effectiveness of in office strategies such as modeling, audio-visual distraction, sensory adapted dental environment, and picture exchange communication system. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to Low and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to large change in the desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most basic non-pharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed some trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/ or improvement in behavior, with audiovisual distraction, Sensory Adapted Dental Environment, and Picture Exchange Communication System showing large reduction in anxiety based on some rating scales. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO: CRD42022314723.

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance for Children During Preventive Dental Visits: A Systematic Review-Part 1.

PURPOSE: To assess the effectiveness of nonpharmacological behavior guidance interventions used for a child undergoing preventive dental visits. METHODS: Databases: Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO (EBSCOhost), Embase, and Cochrane Library, were searched from 1946 to February 2022, for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) comparing effectiveness of basic and advanced nonpharmacological techniques rendered during a pre- ventive visit including examination, prophylaxis, fluoride application and radiographs. Workgroup (WG) identified moderate-to-high quality system- atic reviews (SRs) published on hypnosis, audiovisual distraction, and parental presence/ absence; and decided to exclude these interventions from current SR to avoid duplication. The primary outcome measures for the studied interventions included reduction in anxiety, fear, pain, and improve- ment in cooperative behavior. Eight authors determined the included RCTs, performed data extraction, and assessed the risk of bias. Standardized Mean Difference calculation and assignment of quality of evidence by Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach were done. RESULTS: Fifteen articles qualified for analysis from 219 screened articles. WG found studies evaluating effectiveness of pre- visit preparation and in-office strategies rendered pre- or during treatment such as positive imagery, communication, modeling, tell-show-do, magic tricks, mobile applications, positive reinforcement, and sensory adapted dental environment. The certainty of evidence ranged from Very low to Moderate and the magnitude of effect varied from trivial to a large change in the desired outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Most basic nonpharmacological behavior guidance techniques showed trivial to small reduction in self-reported anxiety and/or improvement in behavior, with mobile application and modeling showing large effects in reduction of anxiety based on some rating scales. Systematic Review Registration Number: PROSPERO: CRD42022314723.

Determinants of Sleep-Disordered Breathing During the Mixed Dentition: Development of a Functional Airway Evaluation Screening Tool (FAIREST-6).

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of functional, extraoral, and intraoral examination characteristics that correlate with increased risk of sleep disturbances and develop a functional airway screening tool to help clinicians for early diagnosis of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing. Methods: From March 2018 until March 2019, a cross-sectional study was conducted of 96 mixed dentition children during dental examinations at the UCLA pediatric dental clinic. Outcome measures included a sleep index score by the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC) completed by parents. Clinical assessment tool measurements assessing functional, extraoral, intraoral soft tissue, and intraoral hard tissue determinants were recorded during a routine dental examination by pediatric dental residents. Results: The mean age was 8.9 years (±1.9 years standard deviation), with 46 males and 50 females participating. Mouth-breathing (functional), mentalis strain (extra-oral), tonsillar hypertrophy and ankyloglossia (intraoral soft tissue), dental wear, and narrow palate (intraoral hard tissue) were found to be the most clinically deterministic of higher SDSC scores (P<0.01). A clinical assessment tool for sleep-disordered breathing in pediatric dental patients (FAIREST-6) was developed, comprising these six clinical factors. Conclusions: The FAIREST-6 is a concise and validated clinical assessment tool that may aid in early diagnosis and intervention of pediatric sleep-disordered breathing.

Usage of Behavior Guidance Techniques Differs by Provider and Practice Characteristics.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine provider and practice characteristics influencing usage of behavior guidance techniques (BGTs). METHODS: A 24-item survey was emailed to 4,117 active AAPD members to identify factors influencing pediatric dentists' use of BGTs. RESULTS: A total of 1,081 surveys were returned, for a 26 percent response rate. The mean age of respondents was 44.7 years old, with recent graduates comprising the largest group (30.5 percent). Usage of voice control, nitrous oxide, sedation, and general anesthesia (GA) differed significantly, according to experience. Respondents with at least 30 years of experience reported changes in usage. Tell-show-do, nitrous oxide, oral sedation, and passive restraint were significantly more frequent among female respondents. Parental absence, oral sedation, and GA were significantly more frequent in respondents serving low income populations. Parental absence, pharmacologic techniques, and restraint were significantly different in frequencies among the different geographic regions. CONCLUSIONS: Usage of behavior guidance techniques has changed over the past three decades, with more recent graduates and experienced practitioners now emphasizing pharmacologic techniques. More assertive behavior guidance techniques are used more frequently by experienced providers and those in practices in the southwest or serving lower income populations. Pharmacologic techniques are used at a higher prevalence by recent graduates and providers who are female or serving lower income populations.

Common dental diseases in children and malocclusion.

Malocclusion is a worldwide dental problem that influences the affected individuals to varying degrees. Many factors contribute to the anomaly in dentition, including hereditary and environmental aspects. Dental caries, pulpal and periapical lesions, dental trauma, abnormality of development, and oral habits are most common dental diseases in children that strongly relate to malocclusion. Management of oral health in the early childhood stage is carried out in clinic work of pediatric dentistry to minimize the unwanted effect of these diseases on dentition. This article highlights these diseases and their impacts on malocclusion in sequence. Prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions are also illustrated in order to achieve successful oral health for children and adolescents, even for their adult stage.

Toward a functional definition of ankyloglossia: validating current grading scales for lingual frenulum length and tongue mobility in 1052 subjects.

PURPOSE: Alterations of the lingual frenulum may contribute to oromyofacial dysfunction, speech and swallowing impediments, underdevelopment of the maxillofacial skeleton, and even predispose to sleep breathing disorder. This study aims to assess the utility of existing instruments for evaluation of restricted tongue mobility, describe normal and abnormal ranges of tongue mobility, and provide evidence in support of a reliable and efficient measure of tongue mobility. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of 1052 consecutive patients was evaluated during a 3-month period. Age, gender, ethnicity, height, weight, BMI, maximal interincisal mouth opening (MIO), mouth opening with tongue tip to maxillary incisive papillae at roof of mouth (MOTTIP), Kotlow's free-tongue measurement, and presence of severe tongue-tie were recorded. Secondary outcome measures include tongue range of motion deficit (TRMD, difference between MIO and MOTTIP) and tongue range of motion ratio (TRMR, ratio of MOTTIP to MIO). RESULTS: Results indicate that MIO is dependent on age and height; MOTTIP and TRMD are dependent on MIO; Kotlow's free-tongue measurement is an independent measure of free-tongue length and tongue mobility. TRMR is the only independent measurement of tongue mobility that is directly associated with restrictions in tongue function. CONCLUSIONS: We propose the use of tongue range of motion ratio as an initial screening tool to assess for restrictions in tongue mobility. "Functional" ankyloglossia can thus be defined and treatment effects followed objectively by using the proposed grading scale: grade 1: tongue range of motion ratio is >80%, grade 2 50-80%, grade 3 < 50%, grade 4 < 25%.

Creating a new generation of pediatric dentists: a paradigm shift in training.

The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry has implemented a Health Resources and Services Administration-funded program to prepare dentists for the complex and comprehensive needs of pediatric patients within rapidly changing demographics and a paradigm shift in dentistry. Traditional dental education has focused on how to respond to oral disease, whereas UCLA's program shifts the paradigm to emphasize early assessment, risk-based prevention, and disease management. A holistic approach to dental care that considers social and environmental determinants is used with minimally invasive techniques for restorative care. To support this change, pediatric dental residents receive traditional training combined with new didactics, advocacy opportunities, and applied learning experiences at community-based organizations. These new elements teach residents to recognize the causal factors of disease and to identify interventions that promote oral health at the individual, family, community, and policy level. Consequently, they are better prepared to treat a diverse group of patients who historically have faced the greatest burden of disease as well as an increased number of barriers to accessing oral health care; these consist of low-income, minority, and/or pediatric populations including children with special health needs. The program's ultimate goal is for residents to deploy these skills in treating vulnerable populations and to demonstrate greater interest in collaborating with non-dental health providers and community organizations to increase access to dental services in private or public health practice settings.

Behavior guidance symposium Workshop B report - training implications.

The purpose of Workshop B was to discuss the implications of this symposium for training of pediatric dental residents and predoctoral dental students, as well as continuing education for general dentists as related to behavior guidance. Participants also considered the implications of the symposium proceedings for practice in terms of informed consent, practice patterns, and provision of information to patients regarding behavior guidance. Workshop B identified a variety of dental educational methodologies used to promote understanding among dentists who provide pediatric dental care to diverse populations. There was a consensus that the indications, use, and documentation of basic behavior guidance techniques need to be defined and clarified by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and disseminated appropriately. Workshop participants called for the development of asynchronous learning activities such as webinars and instructional videos to further educate dental providers treating children and to legitimize the techniques with parents, healthcare providers, and the general public. Major recommendations from the workshop included: 1) solicit, support, and fund research in behavior guidance for diverse populations, 2) clarify best practices for the use and documentation of basic behavior guidance techniques, 3) identify and define new behavior guidance techniques, 4) promote training in motivational interviewing, 5) encourage integration of symposium proceedings throughout dental education curricula, 6) encourage mentorship networks among general dentists treating children and geographically contiguous pediatric dentists, and 7) develop a library of informational videos for parents and the general public about appropriate behavior guidance techniques used when treating children in dental settings.

Management of premature primary tooth loss in the child patient.

Premature loss of primary teeth can result in a loss of arch length and have a negative effect on occlusion and alignment, often increasing the need for orthodontic treatment. Use of space maintainers can reduce the severity of problems such as crowding, ectopic eruption, tooth impaction and poor molar relationship. This article presents a review of the consequences of premature tooth loss and discusses the appliances commonly used for space maintenance.

A program to recruit and mentor future academic dentists: successes and challenges.

There is a continuing shortage of academic dentists due to myriad factors. However, each graduating class of dental students includes a select group who choose to explore academic positions. It is this group of potential academic dentists that a four-year R25 initiative, funded by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, has targeted with the intent of increasing their numbers and mentoring them for success in a future faculty position. The aims of the program at the School of Dentistry, University of California, Los Angeles, are to target and recruit potential clinician-scientists and to design and implement an Academic Track (AT) that complements existing clinical and research training with the comprehensive skill set of pedagogical, organizational, and personal strategies necessary to be successful in an academic career. Recruitment to the AT targeted candidates from a variety of sources including those enrolled in the dual D.D.S./M.S. and D.D.S./Ph.D. programs, dental residents, Ph.D. candidates in other disciplines, and predental students. Through a variety of professional development activities in the AT, selected students receive teaching, leadership, and mentoring experiences. Outcomes and lessons learned related to specific activities and lessons learned are presented in this article, and a model that recognizes the diverse paths to an academic career in dentistry is recommended.

The impact of changing parenting styles on the advancement of pediatric oral health.

Behavior management is significant to delivery of dental care to the child. We must be able to elicit cooperation of the child for dental procedures, and of child and parents, for adherence to a preventive home care regimen. However, society has changed, affecting the ability of dentists to influence children and their parents. The purpose of this paper is to review changes in parenting styles that have impacted the nature of oral care in the child.

Gene expression profiling in the rat cranial suture.

Although many theories have attempted to explain the etiopathogenesis of premature cranial suture fusion, which results in craniosynostosis, recent studies have focused on the role of growth factors and receptors. Using a well-established model of cranial suture biology, the authors developed a novel approach to quantitatively analyze the gene expression profiles of candidate cranial suture growth factors and their receptors. We collected suture mesenchyme and adjacent osteogenic fronts from Sprague-Dawley rats at postnatal days 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 35. RNA was extracted from posterior frontal (PF) and sagittal (SAG) sutures, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was performed for cranial suture candidate cytokines BMP2, BMP3, BMP4, FGF-2, FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR4, TGF-betaRI, TGF-betaRII, and TGF-betaRIII. The authors confirmed quantitative RT-PCR results with Southern and dot blot analyses. Suture growth factor and receptor expression levels changed significantly with time. Expression levels decreased toward baseline in the SAG suture by day 35. There was a marked difference in FGFR1, FGF-2, TGF-betaRI, and TGF-betaRII expression levels when comparing the fusing PF and nonfusing SAG sutures. Although FGF-2 ligand expression was low, FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1) levels were markedly elevated with a bimodal expression pattern in both PF and SAG similar to that of BMP2, BMP3, and BMP4. Although there were statistically significant differences in TGF-betaRI and TGF-betaRII expression in the PF and SAG sutures, TGF-betaRIII levels were unchanged. The authors report a novel approach to cranial suture growth factor/receptor profiling and confirm their results with standard analytic tools. The data confirm, quantify, and extend the results of previously published studies. By quantifying the gene expression profiles of normal cranial suture biology, we may begin to understand the aberrant growth factor cascades of craniosynostosis and devise targeted therapeutic interventions that can alter the course of this malady.

Approaching the pediatric dental patient: a review of nonpharmacologic behavior management strategies.

One of the difficulties of the practice of dentistry is being responsible for the highest quality of care for patients while often having to propose alternate solutions for a variety of reasons, which include financial concerns. Dental practitioners treating young children have the added responsibility of gaining their patient's cooperation to render the best treatment. Determinants that influence the development of a behavioral strategy for a young patient include disease status, the child's physical and mental development, parental characteristics, and provider personality and capabilities. Classic strategies--including a supportive office environment, "tell-show-do," successive approximation, distraction, behavior shaping, and retraining--must be matched to the characteristics of each child and family situation. Current cultural trends suggest that disciplinary forms of behavior management strategies--such as hand-over-mouth, physical restraint, and even voice control--are losing societal acceptance.