Alternatives for hand over mouth exercise after its elimination from the clinical guidelines of the american academy of pediatric dentistry.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to survey the alternative behavior management techniques that might be utilized by pediatric dentists in place of hand over mouth exercise (HOME) after its elimination from the clinical guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD).

Methods: A questionnaire was electronically mailed to 2,600 AAPD members. The survey included items related to HOME alternatives after the elimination, concerns with its use, and if the elimination had affected access to care for children.

Infection control issues related to pediatric dentistry.

Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CGuidelines for Infection Control in Dental Health-Care Settings--2003 addresses general infection control issues, dental practitioners face many unique situations when treating pediatric patients. Children and adolescents have varying levels of physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development. Dental practitioners are regularly challenged to meet the psychological needs of their young patients while maintaining appropriate infection control practices.