title: Dentist-implemented contingent escape for management of disruptive child behavior.
abstract: We evaluated the effectiveness of a dentist-implemented intervention in which brief escape from dental treatment was provided to manage disruptive child behavior during restorative dental treatment. Within a multiple baseline design across subjects, 4 children, aged 3 to 7 years, were provided temporary escape from dental treatment contingent upon brief periods of cooperative behavior. Disruptive behavior decreased when the appropriate escape contingency was used at least 80% of the time. The escape contingency required no more time than traditional management procedures (e.g., tell-show-do, reprimands and loud commands, restraint) to bring disruptive behavior under control. Independent ratings by two dentists provided social validation of the efficacy of the escape contingency.
authors.affiliation: Meyer Rehabilitation Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha 68198-5450.
authors.forename: K D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Loiben
authors.forename: S J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Allen
authors.forename: R T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Stanley
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D002652:Child Behavior; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry; D012054:Reinforcement, Psychology; D013997:Time Factors