This book is a comprehensive guide to pediatric dental fear anxiety (DFA) and phobia that will
provide practitioners with a full understanding of the etiology prevalence assessment and
management of these conditions. The coping styles of children when under stress are explored
with discussion of their relevance to the assessment visit and treatment allocation. Practical
treatment techniques are comprehensively covered from non-pharmacological behavioral
strategies relevant for children with no or mild DFA to those approaches more appropriate for
children with severe DFA phobia. The importance of the use of language and communication skills
to build rapport and allay anxiety is explored. Relaxation and hypnosis techniques are
described with guidance on how to introduce these to patients and their parents carers.
Techniques that help children cope when receiving injections are detailed including systematic
needle desensitization these provide practitioners with options to help resolve DFA and phobia
regarding needles. Intravenous sedation including the challenge of cannulation is covered
comprehensively. Furthermore cognitive behavioral therapy is presented with suggestion of
practical self-help material when appropriate. The closing chapter looks to the future
discussing the barriers to and the changes required for the creation of more child-centered DFA
services.
