MOTHERS’ BEHAVIOR ANALYSIS DURING DENTAL TREATMENT OF THEIR CHILDREN

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe and analyze the behavior of 10 mothers during sequential dental treatment sessions of their children. All sessions were recorded onto videotape with sonorous marks every 15-second interval, indicating the moments that behavior records would be performed. A behavioral repertoire general plotting indicated some common and specific behavior patterns, which were indicators of anxiety for some participants. Proportionally, local anesthesia injection procedures evoked avoidance and mothers´ escape behaviors. Results may establish the hypothesis that the pediatric dentistry, aware of parents’ behaviors, can adopt strategies that reduce parents’ anxiety, increasing children’s collaborative behaviors.Key words: Mother’s Behavior; Dental Anxiety; Behavior Analysis; Pediatric Dentistry.