In connection with our report, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) provided us with the following statement:
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recognizes that in providing oral health care for infants, children, adolescents and persons with special health care needs, a range of behavior guidance techniques may be used by dental health care providers. Behavior guidance is a continuum of interaction involving the dentist and dental team, the patient and the parent directed toward communication and education. Its goal is to ease fear and anxiety while promoting an understanding of the need for good oral health and the process by which that is achieved.
Protective stabilization is used when other behavior management techniques are ineffective, such as during emergencies, in the case of a child with special health care needs, or when a child cannot cooperate for treatment. Protective stabilization should only be used when absolutely necessary, in the shortest amount of time possible, to protect the child, the oral health professional and other dental office staff during oral health procedures, and should not cause physical injury or discomfort. The objectives of protective stabilization are to:
Reduce or eliminate sudden, uncontrolled or aggressive movement of the child’s head, jaw, body or appendages
Provide stability for the child in the dental chair
Protect the child and oral health staff from injury
Facilitate delivery of quality oral health procedures
For more information, please access AAPD’s Guideline on Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient: http://www.aapd.org/media/Policies_Guidelines/G_BehavGuide.pdf