AAPD Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient
UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and CORRECT Answers
Definition of Behavior Guidance A continuum of interaction involving the dentist, dental team, patient, and parent
directed toward communication and education
Goal of Behavior Guidance (Clinical) To provide quality oral health care in a comfortable, minimally restrictive, safe,
and effective manner
Pain Assessment: Gold Standard Self-report by the patient
Pain Assessment: Behavioral Indicators Crying, facial expressions, body movements (used when self-report is not
possible)
Pain Assessment: Physiological Indicators Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (used to supplement behavioral
observation)
Factors influencing pain expression in children Developmental level, culture, temperament, and previous pain experiences
Definition of "Dental Fear" An unpleasant mental, emotional, or physiologic sensation derived from a
specific dental-related stimulus
Definition of "Dental Anxiety" A nonspecific feeling of apprehension, worry, or dread, the source of which may
be vague or unknown
Definition of "Anger" in dental setting A defense mechanism to cover up anxiety
Requirement for Informed Consent Must include discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives (RBA); specific consent
required for all techniques EXCEPT basic communicative guidance
Technique: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Verbal explanation (Tell), demonstration of sensory aspects (Show), and
completion of the procedure (Do)
Technique: Voice Control Controlled alteration of voice volume, tone, or pace to influence and direct the
patient's behavior
Technique: Nonverbal Communication Reinforcement and guidance of behavior through appropriate contact, posture,
facial expression, and body language
Technique: Positive Reinforcement Effective technique that rewards desired behaviors to strengthen the likelihood of
recurrence
Technique: Distraction Diverting the patient's attention from what may be perceived as an unpleasant
procedure
Technique: Memory Restructuring A behavioral approach to attenuate negative memories of a dental visit by
reframing them into positive ones (e.g., focusing on the prize at the end)
UPDATED ACTUAL Questions and CORRECT Answers
Definition of Behavior Guidance A continuum of interaction involving the dentist, dental team, patient, and parent
directed toward communication and education
Goal of Behavior Guidance (Clinical) To provide quality oral health care in a comfortable, minimally restrictive, safe,
and effective manner
Pain Assessment: Gold Standard Self-report by the patient
Pain Assessment: Behavioral Indicators Crying, facial expressions, body movements (used when self-report is not
possible)
Pain Assessment: Physiological Indicators Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation (used to supplement behavioral
observation)
Factors influencing pain expression in children Developmental level, culture, temperament, and previous pain experiences
Definition of "Dental Fear" An unpleasant mental, emotional, or physiologic sensation derived from a
specific dental-related stimulus
Definition of "Dental Anxiety" A nonspecific feeling of apprehension, worry, or dread, the source of which may
be vague or unknown
Definition of "Anger" in dental setting A defense mechanism to cover up anxiety
Requirement for Informed Consent Must include discussion of risks, benefits, and alternatives (RBA); specific consent
required for all techniques EXCEPT basic communicative guidance
Technique: Tell-Show-Do (TSD) Verbal explanation (Tell), demonstration of sensory aspects (Show), and
completion of the procedure (Do)
Technique: Voice Control Controlled alteration of voice volume, tone, or pace to influence and direct the
patient's behavior
Technique: Nonverbal Communication Reinforcement and guidance of behavior through appropriate contact, posture,
facial expression, and body language
Technique: Positive Reinforcement Effective technique that rewards desired behaviors to strengthen the likelihood of
recurrence
Technique: Distraction Diverting the patient's attention from what may be perceived as an unpleasant
procedure
Technique: Memory Restructuring A behavioral approach to attenuate negative memories of a dental visit by
reframing them into positive ones (e.g., focusing on the prize at the end)
