5.3 Basic Behavior Guidance Techniques—Continued
Communicative Guidance—Tell-Show-Do
Description:
Tell-show-do involves verbal explanations of procedures in phrases appropriate to the developmental level of the child (tell); demonstrations of the visual, auditory, olfactory, and tactile aspects of the procedure in a carefully defined, nonthreatening setting (show); and then, without deviating from the explanation and demonstration, completion of the procedure (do). The tell-show-do technique is used with communication skills (verbal and nonverbal) and positive reinforcement. Adaptations will need to be made depending on whether the child has communication disorders or impairments.
Objectives:
- Teach the child about important aspects of the dental visit and familiarize the child with the dental setting
- Shape the child’s response to procedures through desensitization and well-described expectations
Communicative Guidance—Positive Reinforcement
Description:
Positive reinforcement is an effective technique to reward desired behaviors and thus increase the likelihood that those behaviors will recur. Social reinforcers include positive voice modulation, facial expression, verbal praise, and appropriate physical demonstrations of approval. Some other reinforcers include stickers, tokens, and toys. It is important to make sure that the child actually perceives the nonsocial reinforcers as meaningful and reinforcing.
Objective:
- Reinforce desired behavior
Communicative Guidance—Distraction
Description:
Distraction is the technique of diverting the child’s attention from what may be perceived as an unpleasant procedure. This can be done through talking, asking the parent to play with the child, using headphones to play music, or allowing the child to watch a videotape or DVD.
Objectives:
- Decrease the perception of unpleasantness
- AVERT negative or avoidance behavior
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