SHORT COMMUNICATION


https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10063-0145
CODS Journal of Dentistry
Volume 15 | Issue 1 | Year 2023

Exploring into the Pediatric Dentistry Management Pyramid


Jyothsna V Setty1, Vidyullatha V Shetty2, Shilpa Sheshadri3, Ila Srinivasan4, Aparna Jaikrishna5

1Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SAHE), Tumkur, Karnataka, India

2Department of Forensic Medicine, Sri Chamundeshwari Medical College, Channapatna, Karnataka, India

3–5Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, M R Ambedkar Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India

Corresponding Author: Jyothsna V Setty, Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry, Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education (SAHE), Tumkur, Karnataka, India, Phone: +91 9449819468, e-mail: jyothsnasrikanth@gmail.com

Received: 18 September 2023; Accepted: 26 February 2024; Published on: 25 April 2024

ABSTRACT

The successful execution of dental procedures for young patients depends on a multitude of factors. To illustrate these essential determinants, we have devised a pyramid-shaped model that encapsulates the key components. At the pinnacle of this pyramid lies the child, the primary focus of our attention. Surrounding the child are four crucial cornerstones—parents, society, dentist, and electronic screen (e-screen), forming the foundation of the model. These elements represent the fundamental variables that influence the effective management of pediatric patients.

The pyramid comprises five distinct layers, each representing a specific level of interaction and summarizing the significance of various factors involved in the care of the child. Positioned at the apex, the most vital contributor takes precedence, while the others assume supporting roles in a sequential order leading toward the base.

This innovative Pediatric Dentistry Management Pyramid offers a visually captivating representation of the interconnectedness and relative importance of each factor in optimizing patient care. By recognizing and prioritizing these elements, dental professionals can enhance their approach to pediatric dentistry, ensuring successful treatment outcomes and creating a positive experience for the child and their parents.

How to cite this article: Setty JV, Shetty VV, Sheshadri S, et al. Exploring into the Pediatric Dentistry Management Pyramid. CODS J Dent 2023;15(1):27–30.

Source of support: Nil

Conflict of interest: None

Keywords: Child, Electronic screen, Pediatric Triangle, Society

Successful performance of a treatment procedure on a child patient in a dental office is often dependent on multiple determinants.2 Here is the compilation of all the factors, which is represented in the form of a pyramid-shaped model. The child, the focus of interest, is at the apex or the tip of the pyramid. The square-based pyramid with the four corners as parents, society, dentist, and electronic screen (e-screen) form the important determining variables in the successful management of the child patient (Fig. 1). The five layers of this pyramid depict the interactions and summarize the various factors involved and the level of importance in the management of the child (Fig. 1). The most important contributor assumes the topmost position in the pyramid while the others take the supporting roles in the sequential order toward the base.

Fig. 1: The pediatric dentistry management pyramid

PARENTS

Remember, every child is different, and it’s important to tailor the approach to their personality and needs. By being a positive influence and providing the necessary support, one can help your child develop good dental habits and maintain a healthy smile.

SOCIETY

By actively engaging and influencing pediatric patients through education, support, access to care, community programs, and positive role models, society can help shape a favorable environment that encourages children to seek and embrace dental treatment.

ELECTRONIC SCREENS

It is essential for parents and dental professionals to utilize e-screens in a controlled and purposeful manner, considering their potential benefits while also being mindful of the potential risks associated with excessive screen time. By harnessing the positive aspects and minimizing the drawbacks, e-screens can contribute to improved treatment outcomes for child dental patients.

PEDIATRIC DENTIST

By embodying these qualities, a pediatric dentist can positively influence the treatment outcome in the dental operatory, ensuring optimal oral health and a positive dental experience for children and thus playing a significant role in ensuring optimal treatment outcomes for young patients.

LEVELS OF THE PYRAMID

It’s important to note that these factors are interconnected, and the success of pediatric dental treatment relies on their collective influence. Each factor plays an important role in the successful completion of the treatment.

In this pyramid, the factors at the top have the greatest influence on treatment success, while those at the bottom play supporting roles. The child’s cooperation and behavior, along with the dentist’s expertise and skill, are the most crucial factors for achieving successful treatment outcomes. They are followed by factors such as parental support and compliance, treatment planning and execution, access to dental care and timely intervention, communication and trust building, and finally, follow-up and preventive care.

REFERENCES

1. Wright GZ, Kupietzky A, editors. Behavior management in dentistry for children: John Wiley & Sons; 2014;7. https://drmirkarimi.ir/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Behavior-Management-in-Dentistry-for-Children.pdf

2. McDonald RE, Avery DR, Dean JA. Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, 8th edition. Philadelphia: CV Mosby Co; 2004.

3. Marwah N. Textbook of Pediatric Dentistry. JP Medical Ltd; 2023.

4. Wright GZ. Behavior Management in Dentistry for Children. John Wiley & Sons; 2014.

5. Padmanabhan V, Rai K, Hegde AM. Pediatric dentistry treatment triangle-a review and a new model. J Health Sci Res 2012;3(1):35–36.

6. Pinkham JR, Casamassimo PS, McTigue DJ, editors. Pediatric Dentistry-Infancy through adolescence, 4th edition. Saunders. 2008.

7. Alaki SM, Al-Raddadi RA, Sabbagh HJ. Children’s electronic screen time exposure and its relationship to dental anxiety and behavior. J Taibah Univ Medical Sci 2023;18(4):778–786. DOI: 10.1016/j.jtumed.2022.12.021

8. Delitala G. Incorporating Piaget’s theories into behavior management techniques for the child dental patient. Gen Dent 2000;48(1):74–76. PMID: 11199558.

9. Pardini DA. Novel insights into longstanding theories of bidirectional parent–child influences: introduction to the special section. J Abnorm Child Psychol 2008;36(5):627–631. DOI: 10.1007/s10802-008-9231-y

________________________
© The Author(s). 2023 Open Access This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and non-commercial reproduction in any medium, provided you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license, and indicate if changes were made. The Creative Commons Public Domain Dedication waiver (http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/) applies to the data made available in this article, unless otherwise stated.