Consideration of childhood psychological factors at dental appointment.

OBJECTIVE: Introduction: Paediatric dentistry is a special field of dental practice. The scope of professional activities within this field covers not only high level of expertise and technical skills tailored to the needs of young patients, but requires searching and creating positive psychological environment and communicative management of each child in order to improve daily service methods. The aim of this study is to identify and describe the main psychological characteristics of the age developmental periods of child's personality that dental professionals should regard dealing with the paediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Materials and methods: The study involved 124 paediatric participants aged 2,5 - 15 years, who were referred to get specialized dental care at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry at the Municipal Paediatric Dentistry Hospital, Poltava. We have collected and identified behavioural patterns of children of all age groups during their contacts with dentists at the dental offices as well as studied the characteristics of childhood psyche age periods through the available literature. The data obtained were thoroughly As a result of the analysis of the obtained data, the principles for managing paediatric patients' behaviour at the dental office have been elaborated and introduced into the practice. RESULTS: Results: Outer evaluation of the children's activities performed is perceived by children as an assessment of personality, so any negative doctor's remark can provoke anxiety, irritability, and discomfort, apathy. Therefore, the paediatric specialists should remain attentive to physical and emotional indicators of stress when dealing with young patients. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: Hence, among the key tasks of a paediatric dentist is to create the friendliest and most comfortable conditions for small patients, where they have the opportunity to play toys and receive little gifts for patience and courage.