Non contingent distraction procedure effects in pediatric dentistry treatment

The aim of the study was to investigate if a non-contingent distraction procedure, during the treatment, would facilitate behavior management increasing the children’s cooperation. In this study, two four-year old children, presenting non-compliance to the treatment were evaluated. The distraction technique carried out in dental chair, during the session, involved questions and answers based in pictures. Correct answers were socially reinforced through chips and prizes. Thirteen sessions were recorded and the behaviors analyzed in each 15 seconds intervals. Indicative uncooperative behaviors expressed by high crying frequency (PI:1s-74% and 7s-35%, PII:1s-94% and 6s-40%) suggests that this non-contingent distraction was not effective in reducing children’s uncooperative behaviors. However, children’s distraction task was improved during the treatment (PI:2s-29% and 7s-100% of correct answers, PII:2s-25% and 6s-100% of correct answers. Among the subjects of this study, distraction did not modify non-cooperative behavior, but allowed children to participate of the distraction planned task, which was not incompatible with non-cooperation responses. The child learned other behaviors at the same time as being exposed to aversive conditions. Keywords: behavior management; distraction; pediatric dentistry.