The Use of Advanced Behavior Techniques to Create a Patient-Centered Care Environment

The Use of Advanced Behavior Techniques to Create a Patient-Centered Care Environment is organized by University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Dental Medicine and will be held on Feb 08, 2025 at UNLV Dental School, Las Vegas, Nevada, United States of America.

Description:
In the context of the dental profession, research provides sufficient evidence that the use of a behavioral approach including Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles or behavior modification can be effective in reducing the patient’s physical resistance during dental treatment, thus allowing the treatment to be completed. In addition, a behavioral approach can be implemented in combination with desensitization techniques to create a more comfortable environment for the patient. Sharing pamphlets, brochures or videos that describe the dental office, supplies and procedures can also help create a more comforting environment.

The behavior process can strengthen the patient-provider relationship and develop the foundations of a patient-centered environment. Therefore, it is important that dental providers are aware of proactive behavioral strategies to not only limit the use of medications and other aversive procedures, but to help relieve anxiety so that patients are more accepting of the dental treatment.

Participants will be able to apply what they have learned from this workshop in small group settings facilitated by licensed behavior analysts. A dental specific case study/vignette will be used to facilitate the small group experience.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss the evidence-based practice of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
• Discuss behavioral tools for managing anxious dental patients, including ABA, the modified dental anxiety scale, ABC contingencies, and functional behavior assessment.
• Describe how the application of ABA principles can be effectively implemented in dental practice.
• Describe how adopting behavior management techniques can create a comforting and patient-centered care environment.
• Understand what resources are available for dental providers.
• Identify gaps that exist in implementing ABA in dental settings.