This document discusses the pediatric treatment triangle model in dentistry. The pediatric treatment triangle describes the relationship between the child patient, parents, and dentist. It was originally proposed by Dr. GZ Wright in 1975 and later modified by McDonald in 2004 to include societal influences. The success of pediatric dental treatment depends on effective communication and cooperation between all three parties in the triangle relationship. Parental attitudes and anxiety levels can significantly impact a child's behavior and response to dental procedures.

1. SRI AUROBINDO COLLEGE
OF DENTISTRY
DEPARTMENT OF PEDODONTICS
AND PREVENTIVE DENTISTRY

2. PEDODONTIC TREATMENT
TRIANGLE
• GUIDED BY : SUBMITTED BY : POOJA PATEL
• DR. BHARATH BHUSHAN SIR BATCH – 2017-18
• DR. KHUSHBOO BARJATYA MA’AM ROLL NO. - 47
• DR. BINTI CHAND MA’AM
• DR. ABHILASHA M. TRIPATHI MA’AM
• DR. PREENE JUNEJA MA’AM
• DR. HARIOM MEENA SIR

3. CONTENTS
• Introduction
• Objective
• Definition
• Modification
• Variations of pedodontics treatment triangle
• Parental influences on child’s behaviour
• References

4. INTRODUCTION
• Pediatric triangle is described by DR. GZ Wright in 1975.
• It shows the relationship between child , parent and dentist.
• The first dental visit of a child is always full of anxiety for both the
parents and the child.
• As the pediatric dentist usually relies on the cooperation of the child
for rendering effective treatment.
• The first appointment is very important for establishing rapport and
gaining the trust of the child.
• Behaviour management is an integral part of the pediatric dental
practice.

5. OBJECTIVES
• To effectively and efficiently perform treatment for the child.
• To instil a positive attitude.

6. DEFINITION
• Child is placed at the apex of triangle.
• Parents and dentist are at the base of triangle.
• Child is at the apex as he/she is the focus of the attention for both the
dentist as well as the parents.
• All these three are interrelated; arrows denote that the communication
is reciprocal.
• It is defined as the triangle which shows the relationship between
dentist ,patient and parent.

8. MODIFICATIONS
• Modification was given by McDonald in 2004.
• SOCIETY has been added to this treatment triangle as it also has a
strong influence on overall development of the child.
• It came into central of triangle indicating that manage methods
acceptable to society and litigiousness of society are important
factors influencing treatment modalities.

10. Variations of Pedodontics
Treatment Triangle
• Isosceles triangle – An authoritative or overindulgent parent always
tries to interfere in the conversation between the dentist and the
child by answering on behalf of the child.
• As a consequences , there is more interaction between parent and
the dentist hence the equilateral triangle is replaced by isosceles
triangle.
• Right angle triangle- on the contrary ,if the parent is negligent , then
the conversation between the parent and the dentist may not be
reciprocal effectively; hence, right angle triangle replaces the normal
equilateral triangle.

11. Isosceles triangle
Authoritative parent
Right angle triangle
Neglecting parent

12. PARENTAL INFLUENCES ON CHILD’S
BEHAVIOUR
• Maternal influences is more important because mother - child
relationship is more intimate.
1. Effects of parental attitudes:
(a) Overprotection
(b) Overindulgence
(c) Under affection
(d) Rejection
(e) Authoritarianism
(f) Identification

13. 2. Effects of parental anxiety :
- Children respond with tension and fear primarily because of the
way dental experiences have been described to them.
- The behaviour of child is found to be directly proportional to the
level of maternal anxiety.
- Children of mothers with high anxiety levels exhibit more negative
and uncooperative behaviour.

14. 3. Effects of parent’s presence in operatory
- If the child is uncooperative , parent’s presence may support his/
her behaviour and limit the range of behaviour control techniques
of the dentistry.
-In some cases ,parent’s presence may be desirable i.e.
i) Children of 1-3 years of age.
ii) Children during their first dental visit.
iii) Handicapped children.

15. REFERENCES
• Shobha Tandon
• S.G. Damle
• Nikhil Marwah