Child development psychology and a dental appointment seem unrelated on the surface. Look deeper, though, and one explains the other.
The foundation beneath behaviour
Understanding child development psychology forms the foundation of behavioural science. That science broadly determines how children cope in any challenging environment.
It also helps us connect the causes of fear that get in the way of treatment. Fear, after all, stands for False Evidence Appearing Real.
Listening at the low moments
The best way to handle fear is to address it directly. Therefore listening to children during the difficult moments of an appointment matters enormously.
With neurolinguistic programming, we reach third-level listening. At that level we can empathise with the real reasons a child cannot cope, rather than the reasons we assume.
Small tweaks, different pathways
Empathy alone achieves little. It needs suitable action: understanding first, then accurate changes to the approach.
Those small tweaks reroute a child’s neural pathway. As a result, the child visualises the situation from a better perspective.
Once we address the fear-provoking causes, a deeper connection follows. That connection builds strong rapport, which remains one of the key factors in coping well.
Discuss the child before the treatment
Adaptability, acceptance, tolerance and temperament all vary enormously between children. A three-year-old and a seven-year-old need completely different approaches.
So these should be discussed at length before any treatment begins. Doing so lets the dentist pre-format the behaviour modification technique, and children then enjoy a positive experience every time.
Related reading includes child behaviour at the dentist and behaviour modification. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry also treats behaviour guidance as central to paediatric care.
Book an age-appropriate first visit
Tell us your child’s age and temperament, and we will plan the visit around both. Call +971 50 682 3462 or book an appointment with Dr. Imneet Madan in Dubai.
