Behavioural guidance of child dental patients *

Fear of dental treatment is still one of the major blocks to optimal dental health. Too often the child visits the dentist for the first time because of an emergent problem, and the distress associated with the treatment either sours him on dental care for life or requires much effort and patience to alter his attitudes. An early first visit, between the ages of 2& and 3 years, before serious troubles develop and an understanding dentist who promptly establishes good relations with the child will do much to create favourable attitudes toward dental care that will last a lifetime.