Pharmacologic behavior management of pediatric dental patients diagnosed with attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to conduct a survey of Texas pediatric dentists to determine: (1) the percentage of patients they treat with attention deficit disorder (ADD)/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); (2) the behavior management techniques that are utilized to treat their patients who suffer from ADD/ADHD; and (3) the relative success rates of these techniques in their practices.


METHODS
A 17-question, single-answer, multiple choice survey was mailed to 343 Texas pediatric dentists. The mailing list was obtained from American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and Texas Academy of Pediatric Dentistry member rosters. One mailing was sent, including a self-addressed stomped envelope, for returned responses.


RESULTS
A 54% response rate (186 surveys) revealed that nitrous oxide was the most frequently used pharmacologic behavior management technique; however, demerol/promethazine/nitrous oxide was rated as effective most often for treating ADD/ADHD patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Practitioners believe the incidence of attention deficit disorder/attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is increasing, and they are familiar with the medications used to treat the conditions. Texas pediatric dentists are using a variety of sedation techniques and are interested in developing guidelines for sedation of these patients.
Kerins
Carolyn A
CA
Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Dallas, USA. ckerins@bcd.tamhsc.edu
McWhorter
Alton G
AG
Seale
N Sue
NS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000379:methods*; D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation / Q000627:therapeutic use; D019958:Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D002648:Child; D019140:Dental Care for Children / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D017742:Dental Care for Chronically Ill / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D009609:Nitrous Oxide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010377:Pediatric Dentistry / Q000379:methods*; D019239:Practice Patterns, Dentists'; D013781:Texas; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D018685:Anesthetics, Inhalation; D009609:Nitrous Oxide