How Can Dentists Effectively Manage Behavior, Sedation, and General Anesthesia in Pediatric Patients?

The problem of treating and healing such patients is complex. Considerations encompass the safety and comfort of the child, the amount and difficulty of treatment needed, the level of the patient's anxiety and whether or not the patient is cooperative, the parent or guardian's attitude and level of trust, and whether or not the patient is physically resistant and, if so, the level of resistance. Other considerations are medicolegal implications, financial implications of treatment, insurance considerations, the dentist's and staff's training and experience, and the availability of sedation or general anesthesia.