Taking bitewing radiographs in preschoolers using behavior management techniques

Radiographs are essential diagnostic tools to enable dentists to make adequ ate decisions and treatment plans. Treatment plans for young children, howe ver, are quite often based on no or less than ideal radiographs. Getting su ccessful bitewing radiographs from young children demands both behavior man agement techniques and adequate equipment. This report reviews the Literatu re, and presents a modified technique of taking radiographs in young childr en. The technique was successfully used with 156 three-to-five-year-old chi ldren from Yakima County, Washington. Behavioral management of the children employed several techniques: building rapport, tell-show-do, modeling, pos itive reinforcement and increasing the child's sense of control. The equipm ent and placement technique were designed to be as atraumatic as possible. Positive experiences in the dental office often enhance a child's future co operation. The techniques presented are simple to learn and use in treating very young children.