Ch. 57 Pts of All Ages and Abilities

Who can provide dental treatment for children?

A general dentist or a pediatric specialist.

When should a child's first dental visit occur?

When the first tooth erupts or before the first birthday.

What is pediatric dentistry?

The specialized area of dentistry limited to children from birth through adolescence, with additional focus on oral health care for patients with special needs.

What type of environment should a pediatric dental office have?

A cheerful, pleasant environment with nonthreatening decor.

How are treatment areas designed in a pediatric dental office?

With an open bay concept.

How should dental personnel dress in a pediatric dental office?

In bright coordinating colors.

What is chronological age?

The child's actual age in terms of years and months.

What is mental age?

The child's level of intellectual capacity and development.

What is emotional age?

The child's level of emotional maturity.

What developmental milestones occur from birth to age 2?

Children learn to sit, stand, walk, and run.

How does speech develop from birth to age 2?

Children progress from babbling to using simple sentences.

How do children recognize people from birth to age 2?

They identify familiar faces and progress through periods of being friendly and fearful of strangers.

Should children from birth to age 2 be expected to cooperate in dental treatment?

No, they are too young to be expected to cooperate.

What does a child ages 3 to 5 need to develop?

Autonomy and initiative.

What does a child ages 3 to 5 require in their environment?

Control and structure.

What instructions can children ages 3 to 5 follow?

Simple instructions.

How do children ages 3 to 5 participate in dental treatment?

They welcome an active role in the treatment experience.

What is the developmental period for children ages 6 to 12?

A period of socialization.

What are children ages 6 to 12 learning socially?

Getting along with people and learning the rules and regulations of society.

What fears have children ages 6 to 12 learned to overcome?

Fears of objects and situations.

What are four behavior management techniques for children?

Be honest, consider the child's point of view, use tell-show-do, and give positive reinforcement.

What is tell-show-do?

Tell the child what will happen, show the child what will happen, and then do the procedure.

What is positive reinforcement?

A behavior management technique used to encourage the child.

Why should the dental team consider the child's point of view?

To help manage the child's behavior during treatment.

What information should be collected about past medical care?

Past hospitalizations and surgeries.

What physician information should be included in a child's history?

The date of the child's last visit to the physician.

What medication information should be collected?

Medications, daily medications, unfavorable reactions to medicines, and allergies.

What birth information should be collected?

Weight at birth and any problems at birth.

What developmental information should be collected?

The child's level of learning.

What dental concern should be included in the child's history?

The main concern about the child's dental health.

What habits should be included in the child's dental history?

Finger, thumb, or pacifier habits.

What oral hygiene information should be collected?

Fluoride and toothbrush habits.

What family information should be collected?

Inherited family dental characteristics.

What is the goal of oral hygiene instruction in pediatric dentistry?

Improving a child's brushing and flossing technique.

What age range should take in fluoride daily according to the presentation?

Children between 6 months and age 16.

What should be reviewed when discussing a child's diet?

Specific nutrients a child needs to grow.

What are dental sealants?

Materials applied to pits and fissures to help keep them cavity-free.

What is the purpose of evaluating oral and facial development?

To identify malocclusion, crowded or crooked teeth, and bite problems, and actively intervene.

What is malocclusion?

An oral/facial development concern identified during evaluation.

What is important for sports safety in children?

Protective equipment should be worn during recreational sports that might injure the mouth area.

What are the two restorative procedures performed for pediatric patients?

Amalgam and composite.

What are the two endodontic procedures performed for pediatric patients?

Pulp capping and pulpotomy.

What prosthodontic procedure is performed for pediatric patients?

Stainless steel crowns.

What are causes of dental injuries in children?

Automobile accidents, bicycle accidents, sports injuries, and child abuse.

What is a fractured tooth?

An example of dental trauma.

What is an avulsed tooth?

A tooth that has been torn away or completely dislodged by force.

What should be done first when a tooth is avulsed?

Recover the tooth immediately.

How should an avulsed tooth be handled?

Wrap it in moistened gauze, but do not wipe it off.

Where should a patient go after a tooth is avulsed?

Immediately to the dentist's office.

When should child abuse be suspected based on injuries?

When injuries are in various stages of healing.

What dental injuries may indicate child abuse?

Chipped or injured teeth.

What oral scars may indicate child abuse?

Scars inside the lips or on the tongue and tears of the labial frena.

What head and neck injuries may indicate child abuse?

Battering or other injuries around the head and neck.

What facial injuries may indicate child abuse?

Facial bruises, swelling of facial structures, or black eyes.

What marks may indicate child abuse?

Bite marks.

When should the explanation of an injury raise concern?

When injuries are not consistent with the explanation presented by the parent.

What personal information is required when reporting child abuse?

The child's name, address, gender, age, height, and weight.

What information about the custodial adult is required when reporting child abuse?

The name and address of the adult with custody of the child.

What description is required when reporting child abuse?

A description of the current physical and emotional abuse or neglect of the child.

What evidence should be included when reporting child abuse?

Evidence of previous injuries or negligence.

What additional information should be included in a child abuse report?

Any information that may assist in establishing the cause of the injuries.

What documentation can be used when reporting child abuse?

Sketches or photographs documenting the nature and location of the injuries.