Practice and perception of dental practitioners in the Suva-Nausori area, Fiji on management of paediatric patients with dental anxiety.

Abstract

Dental anxiety in children has been associated with poor oral health outcomes. Behaviour management and psychological interventions have been recognized as effective methods of reducing anxiety in children with positive long-term effects. So far, no information is available on how this issue is managed in the Fijian population. The aim is to investigate the practice and perception of dental practitioners in Suva-Nausori when managing paediatric patients with dental anxiety. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted using a questionnaire distributed to dental practitioners in Suva-Nausori area, Fiji. The questionnaire focused on assessment methods for identifying anxious paediatric patients, management approaches, and challenges faced by practitioners. The response rate was 80% (n = 40), with almost an equal distribution between private and public practitioners of 47% and 53% respectively. Observation-based assessment was reported as the most commonly used method for identifying dental anxiety by 79% of participants. Behaviour management techniques, particularly communication and Tell-Show-Do, were widely used by 83% of practitioners. Additionally, 17% utilised both behavioural and pharmacological techniques, with oral sedation being the most common pharmacological method (71%). Local anaesthesia was identified as the most challenging procedure for anxious children. These findings indicate that dental practitioners in the Suva-Nausori area primarily utilise behaviour management techniques and oral sedation to manage dentally anxious children, indicating a limited range of techniques. There is a need for further education and training to ensure that anxious patients receive optimal management, including options such as conscious sedation tailored to individual needs.