top of page

Nonpharmacologic/Communicative Behavior Management

Speaker:

Dr. Sarat Thikkurissy

May 9, 2026

Date:

Time:

8:30 AM-11:30 AM

3

CE Credits:

< Back

Nonpharmacologic/Communicative Behavior Management

This course reviews modern behavior guidance strategies for oral health professionals, emphasizing evidence-based approaches for today’s families.

Dr. Sarat Thikkurissy

About the Course

Most oral health professionals use communicative behavior guidance in patient care. This seminar will review recent evidence and changes in approaches to behavior management in the context of the 21st century family.

Educational Objectives:

  • Describe the foundational principles and goals of communicative behavior guidance in pediatric dentistry.

  • Evaluate emerging evidence and updates in behavior management techniques supported by current research.

  • Analyze the impact of modern parenting styles, cultural shifts, and family dynamics on behavior guidance strategies.

  • Compare and contrast traditional behavior guidance methods with contemporary, patient-centered approaches.

  • Apply effective communication and behavior management techniques appropriate for diverse pediatric populations and their families. Incorporate evidence-based and culturally responsive strategies into clinical practice to enhance patient cooperation and treatment outcomes.

Your Instructor

Dr. Sarat Thikkurissy

S. Thikkurissy, DDS, MS, MA is Professor at Cincinnati Children's Hospital in both the Division of Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics and the Division of Bone Marrow Transplant & Immune Deficiency. Thikkurissy obtained his D.D.S. from New York University. He was active duty in the U.S. Air Force for eight years: including serving as chief of pediatric dentistry at Ramstein AFB in Germany. Thikkurissy obtained his certificate in pediatric dentistry/master’s degree from The Ohio State University. Thikkurissy is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and chair of the AAPD Committee on Sedation and Anesthesia. He also serves on the AAPD Executive Committee as Parliamentarian. In 2017 he was named the AAPD Pediatric Dentist of the Year award, in 2019 was named the Aubrey Rose Foundation 'Above and Beyond Doctor' for his work with special needs populations, and in 2025 he was awarded the AAPD Merle Hunter Leadership Award. He has lectured nationally and internationally and has published in the areas of; morbidity of dental disease, procedural sedation, and oral health in hematologic and bone marrow transplantation. He has been a member of the Epidermolysis Bullosa team for the past 12 years.

Conflict of Interest Disclosure

None reported 




The TDA is an ADA CERP provider (May 2024 – June 2028)

ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry. Concerns or complaints about a CE provider may be directed to the provider or to ADA CERP at ada.org/cerp.

bottom of page