Age and gender differences in the use of behavior management techniques by pediatric dentists.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated differences in the use of behavior management techniques among older and younger male and female pediatric dentists.


METHODS
We surveyed all active members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry residing in the U.S. and Canada. Responses were received from 2467 (59%). The survey contained items on age, gender, and use of behavior management techniques.


RESULTS
Males respondents outnumbered females 2:1. Age categories were dichotomized as < 46 and > or = 46 years. Females constituted 53% of the younger group and 14% of the older group. Four gender/age categories were used. A minority indicated that they used hand-over-mouth and active immobilization of sedated patients. No significant differences by groups were seen for use of most basic behavior management techniques. Significant differences by gender/age distribution were seen for the use of non-verbal communication and advanced techniques. Most differences in anticipated changes in technique use were age-related. Most favored parental presence in the operatory, though older males were significantly less likely to allow parental presence for some procedures.


CONCLUSIONS
Some statistically significant differences in the use of behavior management techniques exist between older and younger male and female pediatric dentists. Overall, however, the 4 gender/age groups report similar frequencies of use of the techniques surveyed in this study.
Adair
Steven M
SM
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, USA.
Schafer
Tara E
TE
Waller
Jennifer L
JL
Rockman
Roy A
RA
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D003625:Data Collection; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000379:methods*; D003812:Dentist-Patient Relations; D003815:Dentists; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D010290:Parents; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012737:Sex Factors