Child Behaviour Management — ORE Part 1 MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

EasyPaediatric DentistryChild Behaviour ManagementORE Part 1

During restorative dental treatment, a child cries intermittently but keeps their mouth open when asked and follows instructions. The child is assessed as Frankl rating 2 (negative). What is the most appropriate management?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: D — Use tell-show-do and positive reinforcement

Explanation lettering: D = shown as A · C = shown as B · E = shown as C · A = shown as D · B = shown as E

A is correct. Although the child is crying and has a negative attitude, they remain cooperative by opening their mouth and following instructions. UK SDCEP guidance recommends behaviour-management strategies to help anxious children accept care, including tell-show-do and behaviour shaping with positive reinforcement. Treatment should therefore proceed only as tolerated, using reassurance, control and praise. General anaesthesia or sedation is not first-line solely for crying in a cooperative child; referral for these approaches is considered where a child is pre-cooperative or unable to cooperate, particularly when behaviour management has failed. Physical restraint is not justified by this presentation. Asking the parent/carer to leave is not a routine first-line response and may reduce support or worsen distress.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Prevention and Management of Dental Caries in Children, "Behaviour management" (current online guidance), https://www.childcaries.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/helping-the-family/behaviour-management/