Interaction Training for Childhood Behavior

(DCIT Trial)

Recruiting at 3 trial locations

Overseen By Mary L Davis, CRDH

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: University of Florida

Disqualifiers: Cognitive impairment, Autism, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 3

264 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The goal of this behavioral, interventional clinical trial is to provide a specialized workshop training for dental providers (e.g., dentists, hygienists, assistants) to improve interactions with young children (2-10 years old) and parents/caregivers. The training is derived from a well-established behavior management program for preschoolers, Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). The main questions it aims to answer are: * Change in behavior of dental providers * Acceptability of training by dental providers All participants will receive the same behavior training; however, one group will receive the training on a delayed schedule. Researchers will compare the immediate intervention and control group to see if the training was effective in the dental providers usage of skills.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial protocol does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What data supports the effectiveness of the treatment Dental-Child Interaction Training?

Research suggests that nonpharmacological (not involving medication) behavior guidance methods, which are part of Dental-Child Interaction Training, are effective in managing children's behavior during dental visits. These methods include better communication, parental involvement, and early intervention, which help reduce negative attitudes and behaviors in children. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Is Interaction Training for Childhood Behavior safe for children?

The research does not provide specific safety data for Interaction Training for Childhood Behavior, but it emphasizes the importance of non-aversive techniques that create a safe environment for children during dental visits. ^{1 6 7 8 9}

How is the Dental-Child Interaction Training treatment different from other treatments for childhood behavior in dental settings?

Dental-Child Interaction Training is unique because it focuses on improving the interaction between the dentist and the child, using behavior management strategies to reduce anxiety and encourage cooperation, rather than relying on medication or traditional behavior management techniques. ^{1 4 9 10 11}

Research Team

Daniel W McNeil, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Florida

Cheryl B McNeil, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Florida

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for dental providers (dentists, hygienists, assistants) who treat or are willing to treat children aged 2-10 and can communicate in English. They must be open to being videotaped. Parents/caregivers involved need to understand English and agree to study procedures.

Inclusion Criteria

I am willing to be videotaped for the study.

Criterion: You must be a certified dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant.

This criterion refers to the parents or caregivers of the participants in the clinical trial.

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Training Workshop

Dental providers participate in an 8-hour workshop involving didactics and practice with simulated child patients to learn DCIT skills.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Immediate Post-Workshop Assessment

Assessment of dental providers' usage of DCIT behavioral methods immediately after the workshop.

Immediately post-workshop

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for skill retention and effectiveness of training at 2 and 6 months post-workshop.

6 months

2 visits (in-person)

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Dental-Child Interaction Training

Trial Overview The trial tests a workshop training program aimed at improving how dental providers interact with young children and their parents. It's based on Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). Providers are split into two groups: one gets immediate training, the other delayed.

Participant Groups

Group I: Immediate Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Experiential, interactive, skills-oriented workshop for oral healthcare providers (i.e., dentists, hygienists, and assistants) involving simulated patients and immediate pre- and post-workshop testing. The workshop involves didactics on developmentally-appropriate child behavior in the dental setting, and "over-practice" of skills, to the point of habit, by providers.

Group II: Delayed Intervention Group Active Control 1 Intervention

The delayed intervention group will receive the same experiential, interactive, skills-oriented workshop, but two months after the immediate intervention group.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

University of Florida

Lead Sponsor

Trials

1,428

Recruited

987,000+

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR)

Collaborator

Trials

312

Recruited

853,000+

References

1. Italy pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Dental behaviour management problems and associated factors in Brazilian children. [2020]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Guiding and managing the child dental patient: a fresh look at old pedagogy. [2005]

3. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance for Children During Preventive Dental Visits: A Systematic Review-Part 1. [2023]

4. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of viewing video clips of paediatric local anaesthetic administration on the confidence of undergraduate dental students. [2018]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Nonpharmacological Behavior Guidance For Children During Dental Treatment Visits: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Part 2. [2023]

6. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Decreasing disruptive behaviour during routine dental visits: a video modelling intervention for young children. [2022]

7. Canada pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effective and safe pediatric oral conscious sedation: philosophy and practical considerations. [2019]

8. Switzerland pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of Child's Temperament on Behaviour Management Problems in the Dental Office: A Literature Review. [2023]

9. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Child Life Interventions for Pediatric Dental Patients: A Pilot Study. [2022]

10. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Restorative dentistry for preschool children. [2013]

11. England pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Paediatric dentistry in the new millennium: 2. Behaviour management--helping children to accept dentistry. [2019]