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Tell-Show-Do — NDEB AFK MCQ

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EasyPaediatric DentistryTell-Show-DoNDEB AFK

Which behaviour management technique involves explaining, demonstrating, and then performing a dental procedure for a child patient?

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

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Correct answer: B — Tell-show-do

Tell-show-do (Addelston, 1959) is the most fundamental and universally accepted behaviour management technique in paediatric dentistry. The dentist (1) Tells the child what will be done in age-appropriate language; (2) Shows the child the instrument/procedure using demonstration; (3) Does the procedure. This reduces fear of the unknown and builds trust through predictability. It is considered a basic communication technique suitable for virtually all paediatric patients and requires no special consent beyond standard treatment consent.

Reference: Dean – McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, 11th ed., 2021