This new textbook focuses on behavioral science -- including psychology, sociology and communication -- as it relates to the dental profession. Students learn to identify and address the behavioral issues encountered in dentistry, ranging from those affecting the individual patient (e.g. strategies for reducing anxiety in nervous and phobic patients), to broader concerns for the entire population (e.g. motivating the population as a whole to adopt healthier diet and hygiene practices).

Behavioral Dentistry, Second Edition, surveys the vast and absorbing topic of the role of behavioral science in the study and clinical practice of dentistry. An understanding of social sciences has long been a central part of dental education, and essential for developing a clinician’s appreciation of human behavior as it affects efficient dental treatment. This book gathers together contributions from leading experts in each of the major subspecialties of behavioral dentistry. Its aim is not merely to provide the student and clinician with a comprehensive review of the impressive literature or discussion of the theoretical background to the subject, but also with a practical guide to adapting the latest techniques and protocols and applying them to day-to-day clinical practice. This second edition of Behavioral Dentistry discusses biobehavioral processes, including the psychobiology of inflammation and pain, oral health and quality of life, saliva health, and hypnosis in dentistry. The book goes on to examine anxiety, fear, and dental and chronic orofacial pain, and then reviews techniques for designing and managing behavior change. It concludes with a section on professional practice, including care of special needs, geriatric, and diabetic patients, and interpersonal communication in dental education.

The role that the social and behavioural sciences play in the daily practice of dentistry is now an essential part of all dentistry training, but it can often seem distant from the reality of daily clinical practice. Dentists often ask: what is sociology? Why do I need to know about psychology? Why do I need sociology and psychology to be an effective dentist? How can they help improve my clinical practice? This new textbook answers these important questions and shows how the social and behavioural sciences can inform the practice of dentistry and allied healthcare services in the twenty-first century. It provides a comprehensive, accessible introduction to sociology and psychology for students and members of the dental team with no prior knowledge of the subject, and although the book assumes little or no previous knowledge of psychology or sociology, it also provides enough depth to meet the needs of those with some background in these fields. Throughout, the links between sociology and psychology and everyday practice are emphasized and explained and theoretical concepts are put into the context of everyday clinical work. The authors have extensive experience in teaching and researching the social and behavioural sciences from undergraduate to post-doctoral levels. This book will be an indispensable teaching aid within dental health education, and other allied health and social care disciplines.

This textbook is exceptional in its coverage of modern theories on the patient-centered approach to communication, preventive dentistry, and dental anxiety. It provides the knowledge and tools required in order to implement a trauma-sensitive approach that will enhance the treatment experience for both the patient and the dental practitioner. General psychological aspects of dentistry and behavior management in patients who experience dental fear, anxiety, and pain are considered in detail. Extensive attention is devoted to the effective delivery of preventive care and dental treatment in a wide range of specific patient groups, including fearful and abused children and patients suffering from depression, personality disorders, psychosis, substance abuse disorders, and eating disorders. The importance of interdisciplinary cooperation and self-care in the dental clinic is also discussed. The book is an international collaborative effort between dentists and psychologists who draw on scientific research as well as their personal experiences in clinical practice. It is an excellent educational resource and will help readers to solve challenges in their own clinical settings.

Guiding patient behavior is as important as ever for the practicing dentist, and the behavior of pediatric patients is perhaps the most challenging to manage. Drs. Wright and Kupietzky here update Dr. Wright’s classic work on managing pediatric dental patients. Behavior Management in Dentistry for Children,2nd Edition, has been entirely rewritten and includes the latest and most effective management strategies from an international team of experts in the field. The book addresses the influence of family and parenting styles on children’s behavior and the factors that determine how children behave in the dental office. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological management techniques are described in depth, as are techniques for dealing with special needs patients. Clinical scenarios are described throughout the book, with practical application of the taught principles. The final part of the book covers the dental environment—training office personnel to manage children’s behavior, practical considerations for behavior guidance, and the effects of the physical dental office environment. Behavior Management in Dentistry for Children,2nd Edition, is ideal for pediatric residents, dental students, and practicing dentists who see children on a regular basis.

Learn to build successful working relationships with your patients Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is a practical guide to an often-neglected aspect of dentistry-the contributions of the behavioral sciences to dental research and practice. Dr. William A. Ayer, Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, presents a comprehensive textbook that’s an essential study aid for students preparing for their National Dental Board Examinations and a valuable classroom resource for dental school faculty. This unique book identifies the everyday concerns of dentists, dental students, and dental hygienists, offering proven strategies for patient management and for buildingand maintaininga successful dentist-patient relationship. Psychology and Dentistry examines the contributions of the behavioral sciences to the practice of dentistry, drawing subject matter from a wide range of disciplines that include psychology, sociology, education, anthropology, economics, epidemiology, health services, and public health. The book is a practical guide to developing the necessary skills to conduct effective patient interviews, for teaching patients to manage their dental fears and anxieties, and for dealing with patients who need counseling from mental health professionals. It also addresses special issues that have become relevant to dentists and their staffs in recent years, including child abuse and neglect, spousal violence, elder abuse, aging and changes associated with age, death and dying, and bereavement. Psychology and Dentistry examines: behavior therapies behavioral interventions management techniques for patients with acute and/or chronic pain how to train patients to manage their oral habits how to get patients to comply with health care recommendations pain perception and pain expression the therapeutic use of hypnosis how to make psychological referrals for patients the effect of stress on dentists and dental students and much more! Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is an essential resource for anyone working in the dental field. The book’s practical approach and unique insights are invaluable for helping you develop healthy relationships with your patients.