Age and gender differences in the use of behavior management techniques by pediatric dentists.

Purpose: This study evaluated differences in the use of behavior management techniques among older and younger male and female pediatric dentists.

Methods: We surveyed all active members of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry residing in the U.S. and Canada. Responses were received from 2467 (59%). The survey contained items on age, gender, and use of behavior management techniques.

Results: Males respondents outnumbered females 2:1. Age categories were dichotomized as < 46 and > or = 46 years. Females constituted 53% of the younger group and 14% of the older group. Four gender/age categories were used. A minority indicated that they used hand-over-mouth and active immobilization of sedated patients. No significant differences by groups were seen for use of most basic behavior management techniques. Significant differences by gender/age distribution were seen for the use of non-verbal communication and advanced techniques. Most differences in anticipated changes in technique use were age-related. Most favored parental presence in the operatory, though older males were significantly less likely to allow parental presence for some procedures.

Conclusions: Some statistically significant differences in the use of behavior management techniques exist between older and younger male and female pediatric dentists. Overall, however, the 4 gender/age groups report similar frequencies of use of the techniques surveyed in this study.