PSYCHOLOGICAL APPROACHES IN PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

This article examines the importance of psychological approaches in pediatric dentistry. Dental fear and anxiety can make treatment challenging for children. The study analyzes strategies for understanding children’s emotional and behavioral needs, age-appropriate communication, and behavior management techniques. Psychological methods such as positive reinforcement, modeling, distraction, and tell-show-do are highlighted as effective tools. These approaches increase children’s confidence in dental treatment and contribute to long-term oral health maintenance.