2.7.1 Communication management
- Voice control is a controlled alteration of voice volume, tone, or pace to influence
and direct the patient's behaviour.
Objectives:
(i) To gain the patient's attention and compliance.
(ii) To avert negative or avoidance behaviour.
(iii) To establish appropriate adult-child roles.
Indications: May be used with any patient.
Contraindications: None.
- Non-verbal communication is the reinforcement and guidance of behaviour through
appropriate contact, posture, and facial expression.
Objectives:
(i) To enhance the effectiveness of other communicative management techniques.
(ii) To gain or maintain the patient's attention and compliance.
Indications: May be used with any patient.
Contraindications: None.
- Tell-show-do is a technique of behaviour shaping used with both verbal and non-
verbal communication.
Objectives:
(i) To teach the patient important aspects of the dental visit and familiarize the
patient with the dental setting.
(ii) To shape the patient's response to procedures through desensitization and well-
described expectations.
Indications: May be used with any patient.
Contraindications: None.
- Positive reinforcement is the process of establishing desirable patient behaviour
through appropriate feedback.
Objectives:
(i) To reinforce desired behaviour.
Indications: May be useful for any patient.