Role of child behavior management in forming positive associations with the dentist

Relevance. The psychological adaptation of a child to a dental appointment is of particular relevance today. This study analyzes the literature on the role of child behavior management in pediatric dentistry. The causes of dental fear, its manifestations and consequences are considered. Also, various methods of adaptation of the child and the results of studies evaluating the effectiveness of such methods are analyzed. The goal is to find out which ways of managing a child’s behavior are able to form positive associations with dentists as well as overcome anxiety and fear of treatment. Conclusion. The results of the literature analysis show that even the simplest methods of interaction with children are effective in reducing anxiety and fear before visiting a dentist. In addition, working with parents and using various forms of interactive communication helps to create a positive atmosphere in the dental clinic and form a positive experience for children. In general, based on the analysis, it can be concluded that the control of the child’s behavior has great potential to achieve better results in the work of a dentist. The development and improvement of methods of controlling the behavior of children in dentistry should remain a priority to ensure more complete and effective treatment, as well as maintaining their health in the long term.