Behavioural Sciences For Dentistry

This new textbook focuses on behavioral science -- including psychology, sociology and communication -- as it relates to the dental profession. Students learn to identify and address the behavioral issues encountered in dentistry, ranging from those affecting the individual patient (e.g. strategies for reducing anxiety in nervous and phobic patients), to broader concerns for the entire population (e.g. motivating the population as a whole to adopt healthier diet and hygiene practices).

Behavioral Dentistry, Second Edition, surveys the vast and absorbing topic of the role of behavioral science in the study and clinical practice of dentistry. An understanding of social sciences has long been a central part of dental education, and essential for developing a clinician’s appreciation of human behavior as it affects efficient dental treatment. This book gathers together contributions from leading experts in each of the major subspecialties of behavioral dentistry. Its aim is not merely to provide the student and clinician with a comprehensive review of the impressive literature or discussion of the theoretical background to the subject, but also with a practical guide to adapting the latest techniques and protocols and applying them to day-to-day clinical practice. This second edition of Behavioral Dentistry discusses biobehavioral processes, including the psychobiology of inflammation and pain, oral health and quality of life, saliva health, and hypnosis in dentistry. The book goes on to examine anxiety, fear, and dental and chronic orofacial pain, and then reviews techniques for designing and managing behavior change. It concludes with a section on professional practice, including care of special needs, geriatric, and diabetic patients, and interpersonal communication in dental education.

Learn to build successful working relationships with your patients Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is a practical guide to an often-neglected aspect of dentistry-the contributions of the behavioral sciences to dental research and practice. Dr. William A. Ayer, Professor of Behavioral Sciences at Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, presents a comprehensive textbook that’s an essential study aid for students preparing for their National Dental Board Examinations and a valuable classroom resource for dental school faculty. This unique book identifies the everyday concerns of dentists, dental students, and dental hygienists, offering proven strategies for patient management and for building—and maintaining—a successful dentist-patient relationship. Psychology and Dentistry examines the contributions of the behavioral sciences to the practice of dentistry, drawing subject matter from a wide range of disciplines that include psychology, sociology, education, anthropology, economics, epidemiology, health services, and public health. The book is a practical guide to developing the necessary skills to conduct effective patient interviews, for teaching patients to manage their dental fears and anxieties, and for dealing with patients who need counseling from mental health professionals. It also addresses special issues that have become relevant to dentists and their staffs in recent years, including child abuse and neglect, spousal violence, elder abuse, aging and changes associated with age, death and dying, and bereavement. Psychology and Dentistry examines: behavior therapies behavioral interventions management techniques for patients with acute and/or chronic pain how to train patients to manage their oral habits how to get patients to comply with health care recommendations pain perception and pain expression the therapeutic use of hypnosis how to make psychological referrals for patients the effect of stress on dentists and dental students and much more! Psychology and Dentistry: Mental Health Aspects of Patient Care is an essential resource for anyone working in the dental field. The book’s practical approach and unique insights are invaluable for helping you develop healthy relationships with your patients.