Purposes: The purposes of this study were to evaluate: (1) parents¡¯ ability to predict dental treatment cooperation by their autistic child; (2) behavior guidance techniques (BGTs) used during treatment; and (3) parental attitudes regarding basic and advanced BGTs. Methods: Data were collected from 85 parent/autistic child pairs and their dentists using surveys and treatment records. Results: Parents most accurately predicted if their child would permit an examination in the dental chair (¡Ý88%) and would cooperate for radiographs (¡Ý84%). BGTs utilized most often (>50%) were positive verbal reinforcement (PVR), tell-show-do (TSD), mouthprops, and rewards. In general, basic BGTs were more acceptable (>81%) than advanced BGTs (>54%). The most acceptable techniques (>90%) in order were: PVR, TSD, distraction, rewards, general anesthesia, hand-holding by parent, and mouthprops.
When parents evaluated only BGTs used for their child, all BGTs, including a stabilization device, were highly acceptable (>91%), except for staff restraint (74%). Conclusions: Parents were accurate in predicting cooperation for some procedures. The most acceptable and efficacious BGTs in order were: PVR, TSD, distraction, rewards, and hand-holding by parent. Parental perceptions of BGTs were influenced by whether or not they had been used for their child.
(Pediatr. Dent. 2008;30:400-7)
