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Pediatric Dentistry

Pediatric Behavior Management — Tell-Show-Do & OSCE Lines

Short examiner-friendly techniques for anxious or uncooperative children.

Quick Answers

What is the goal of behavior management?

To help the child cope with dental treatment in a safe, positive, and cooperative way.

What is the most commonly tested technique?

Tell–Show–Do — the universal OSCE communication tool for children.

What is the best opening line in a child OSCE?

Introduce yourself, speak at child level, and explain the visit using friendly words.

How do you handle an uncooperative child?

Use distraction, praise, voice control, parental presence, or postpone for safety.

1. Why behavior management is an OSCE classic

Examiners love pediatric OSCE stations because they reveal your communication skill, empathy, and ability to keep a child safe. The dentistry is usually simple — the real marks come from how you explain and interact.

2. Opening script for child-friendly communication

Use soft tone, small sentences, and avoid medical words.

OSCE-ready opening line

“Hi! I’m Dr. … Today we’re going to check your teeth together. I’ll show you everything before we start, and you can tell me if you want a break. Does that sound okay?”

3. Tell–Show–Do (most exam-tested technique)

Break a new procedure into three predictable steps:

  • Tell: Explain what will happen in simple words.
  • Show: Demonstrate the instrument on your finger or the child’s finger.
  • Do: Perform the procedure exactly as described.

4. Positive reinforcement and praise

Children respond extremely well to praise. It builds trust and reduces anxiety.

  • “You’re doing amazing.”
  • “Thank you for opening your mouth so well.”
  • “Great job staying still!”

5. Distraction techniques

Useful distraction tools

Ask about school or hobbies
Play music or videos
Give the child a soft toy to hold
Talk about superheroes or cartoons

6. Managing mild to moderate anxiety

All answers must emphasise safety, calm communication, and pacing the appointment.

  • Explain each step before starting.
  • Keep instruments out of sight.
  • Give the child a sense of control (hand-raise to stop).
  • Use short appointments and breaks.

7. If the child becomes uncooperative

Use structured escalation:

  • Pause treatment and reassure.
  • Re-explain the step calmly.
  • Try distraction, praise, or parental presence.
  • Consider voice control (gentle, firm tone).
  • Postpone treatment if unsafe — examiners reward this.

8. When to involve parents

Parental presence can help when the child is anxious, but if the parent increases fear, polite relocation is appropriate.

Exam line for parental presence

“You’re welcome to stay if it helps your child feel comfortable. If I need more space to work safely, I’ll let you know.”

9. How DentAIstudy helps

DentAIstudy can convert any pediatric scenario into:

  • Child-friendly OSCE scripts
  • Tell–Show–Do breakdowns
  • Structured escalation steps
  • Flashcards for behaviour techniques

Try Study Builder →

References

  • Wright GZ, Kupietzky A. Behavior Management in Dentistry for Children.
  • American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) Guidelines.
  • Pediatric OSCE communication frameworks (GDC, ADC, NDEB).