Hand over mouth technique (HOME) is an aversive behavior modification technique used to modify a negative child’s behavior during his/her visit to a dental clinic.
First described by Dr. Envangeline Jordan in 1920.
Other names:
Aversion – Crammer (1973)
Emotional Surprise therapy – Lampshire
Hand over mouth airway restricted (HOMAR) – Levitas (1947)
Aversive conditioning – Lenchner & Wright (1975)
Objective
- Gain attention of child and enable communication with dentist
- Increase child’s confidence
- Remove inappropriate behavior to dental treatment
- Deliver quality dental care to the child safely
Indication
A child who is able to cooperate but exhibits unwanted behavior to dental treatment.
Contraindications
If this technique prevents child from breathing,
The child and dentist are emotionally involved
If the child is an immature child
Hand Over Mouth Technique
The dentist places his/her hand over child’s mouth and explains the kind of behavior which is expected from the child. The child is informed that the hand would be removed only after required behavior begins. As the child responds, the hand is removed. If after removal of hand, negative behavior is shown, the process is repeated.
Legal use of HOME Technique
Parents consent is must
HOMAR (Hand over mouth airway restricted) should not be used by the dentists
Variations
Hand over mouth and nose
Towel over mouth
Dry towel over mouth and nose
Wet towel over mouth and nose
