Behaviour Management Skills Among Dentists: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice in Managing Child Patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Background: Pediatric dental fear is a common challenge that requires effective behavior management techniques (BMTs). Dentists’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) in this area influence treatment outcomes and children’s acceptance of care. This study assessed the KAP of dentists in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, regarding BMTs. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 116 licensed dentists who manage pediatric patients in governmental and private practices. A bilingual (English and Arabic) questionnaire was distributed electronically. The tool assessed demographics, knowledge, attitudes (confidence, training adequacy, and willingness for further education), and practices regarding BMTs. Descriptive statistics and chi-square/Fisher’s exact tests were applied, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Of 116 respondents, 76.7% were under 40 years, and 65.5% were general dentists. Awareness of BMTs was high (91.4%), yet only 38.8% reported adequate confidence in managing fearful children. Tell-Show-Do (54.3%) was the most used technique, followed by distraction (14.7%) and positive reinforcement (8.6%). Awareness was significantly higher among older dentists (>40 years, p = 0.001), postgraduates (p = 0.007), and those in the public sector (p = 0.043). However, 44.8% had not attended any postgraduate training in dental fear, and only 15.5% had attended several. Most dentists (74.1%) expressed willingness to attend workshops on behavior management. Conclusion: While knowledge of BMTs was widespread, gaps remained in confidence and postgraduate training, especially among younger and non-specialist dentists. Targeted curricula and structured continuing education are recommended to strengthen non-pharmacological behavior management and reduce reliance on pharmacological interventions.