CLASSIFICATION OF CHILD

BEHAVIOUR
IN DENTAL CLINIC
 BEHAVIOUR
Definition :
The term behaviour is broadly
used to include the entire complex of
observable and potentially measurable
activities including motto, cognitive
and physiological classes of response.
CLASSIFICATION OF CHILD

BEHAVIOUR AS OBSERVED

IN DENTAL CLINIC
 I. WRIGHT’S CLASSIFICATION
A) Co-operative (Positive behaviour)

1. Co-operative behaviour
 Child is cooperative, relaxed with minimal
apprehension.
2. Lacking in Cooperative Ability
Includes very young children with whom communication
cannot be established.
Another group of children who lack in cooperative
ability is of those with specific debilitating or disabling
conditions.
Physical and mental handicap children are also included
under this.
3. Potentially
Cooperative
Has the potential to
cooperate, but because of the
inherent fears (subjective/
objective) the child does not
cooperate.
B). UN- COOPERATIVE BEHAVIOUR
1. Uncontrolled /Hysterical/ Incorrigible

 Usually seen in the

preschool children at
their first dental visit.
 Temper tantrums i.e the
physical lashing out of
legs and arms , loud
crying and refuses to
cooperate with the
dentist.
2. Definite/Obstinate
behaviour
Can be seen in any age group.
Usually in spoilt or stubborn children.
These children can be made cooperative.
3. Tense cooperative
These children are the border line between the
positive and negative behaviour.
Does not resist treatment but the child is
tensed at mind.
4. Timid Behviour/Shy
Usually seen in a overprotective child at the
first visit.
Is shy but cooperative.
5. Whining type
Complaining type of behaviour allow for treatment but
complains throughout the procedure.
6. Stoic type
Seen in physically abused children .
They are cooperative and passively accept all
the treatment without any facial expression.
II. LAMPSHIRE
CLASSIFICATION(19
70)
1. COOPERATIVE
The child is physically and
emotionally relaxed .
Is cooperative throughout
the procedure.
2. Tense cooperative
The child is tensed and cooperative at the
same time.
3. Outwardly apprehensive
Avoids treatment initially, usually hides behind the
mother, avoids looking or talking to the dentist.
Eventually accepts dental treatment.
4. Fearful:
 Requires considerable support so as to
overcome the fears of dental treatment.
5. Stubborn/Defiant
 Passively resists treatment by using
techniques that have been successful in other
situations.
6. Hypermotive
 The child is acutely agitated
and resorts to screaming
kicking etc.

7. Handicapped
 Physically/mentally,
emotionally handicapped.
8. Emotionally immature
III. FRANKEL’S CLASSIFICATION
(1962)
(Frankel’s
Rating behaviour rating
Behaviour scale)
1. Definitely Refuses treatment, crises
negative (- -) forcefully extremely
negative behaviour
associated with fear.
2. Negative (-) Reluctant to accept
treatment and displays
evidence of slight
negativism.
3. Positive (+) Accepts treatment,
but if the child has a bad
experience during treatment,
may become uncooperative.
4. Definitely Unique behaviour, looks
positive (++) forward to and
understands the
importance of good
preventive care.
IV. WILSON’S CLASSIFICATION
(1933)
a). Normal or bold
 The child is brave enough to face
new situations, is co-operative,
and friendly with the dentist.

B). Tasteful or timid

 The child is shy, but does not
interfere with the dental
procedures.
c). Hysterical or rebellious
 Child is influenced by home
environment – throws temper-
tantrums and is rebellious.

d). Nervous or fearful

 The child is tense and anxious,
fears dentistry.
REFERENCES
1. Dentistry for the child and adolescent by
McDonald; Avery; Dean : Eight Edition, 2004.
Elsevier Publications
2. Textbook of Pedodontics by Shobha Tandon :
First Edition, 2001. Paras Publishing House.