Taking bitewing radiographs in preschoolers using behavior management techniques.

Radiographs are essential diagnostic tools to enable dentists to make adequate decisions and treatment plans. Treatment plans for young children, however, are quite often based on no or less than ideal radiographs. Getting successful bitewing radiographs from young children demands both behavior management techniques and adequate equipment. This report reviews the literature, and presents a modified technique of taking radiographs in young children. The technique was successfully used with 156 three-to-five-year-old children from Yakima County, Washington. Behavioral management of the children employed several techniques: building rapport, tell-show-do, modeling, positive reinforcement and increasing the child's sense of control. The equipment and placement technique were designed to be as atraumatic as possible. Positive experiences in the dental office often enhance a child's future cooperation. The techniques presented are simple to learn and use in treating very young children.