Date of Award
8-1-2012
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Behavior Analysis and Therapy
First Advisor
Rehfeldt, Ruth Anne
Second Advisor
DeMattei, Ronda
Abstract
This study assessed the effect of Behavioral Skills Training (instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback) using a multiple baseline design to train 3 dental hygiene students to implement basic behavioral procedures (picture schedules, differential reinforcement, contingent escape, escape extinction, and least-to-most prompting) to manage and prevent challenging behavior during dental care procedures on special needs patients. The study took place in a mobile school-based dental clinic set up within 4 special schools. Training consisted of one group training session and several in-vivo training sessions. After training, participants' performance in the absence of feedback was assessed. Data show that participants performed less than 35% of steps correctly before receiving the training package and quickly reached criteria during training sessions. Results suggest that Behavioral Skills Training could be used to increase skills during one 3-hr class period, with further increases in skills to over 90% accuracy after some follow-up in-vivo practice and feedback.
Access
This thesis is Open Access and may be downloaded by anyone.