Use of Multimedia Devices as Behavior Management Technique in the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic

Abstract

Amongst all dental clinics in the modern day that have access to some form of screen or equivalent multimedia device within the clinic setting. The use of multimedia devices as a real time distraction technique has proven efficacy according to various studies in lowering fear and anxiety in children through the mechanism of distraction. Objective: the aim of this study was to investigate the use of multimedia devices such as audio, audio-visual, robots and virtual reality aids as behaviour management techniques within the paediatric clinic. The ultimate goal of the use of multimedia devices is being able to achieve greater control, tolerance and post treatment comfort thus ensuring the child doesn’t have a negative experience that would lead to later avoidance behaviour which, could manifest into the child not returning to the dental chair in the future. Material and methods: a search had been conducted within a multitude of electronic databases such as PubMed and Medline. The key elements utilized were: the use of devices to control behaviour of children; iPad for behaviour control in dentistry; virtual reality controlling children’s behaviours in dentistry. Conclusion: The use of multimedia devices has demonstrated efficacy within paediatric patients as a powerful distraction technique that is further augmented with more senses being stimulated; audio was found to be effective and audio-visual even more effective as multi-sensory stimulator thus more distracting to the child.