Children bring their unique personalities into the dental chair, and these traits significantly influence how they respond to treatment. Whether a child is shy and reserved or outgoing and talkative, their personality can determine how anxious or cooperative they might be during a dental visit. Recognizing and working with these differences can be the key to a smoother, more positive experience for both the dentist and the patient.

Objectives: This study aimed to explore how a child's personality categorized as introvert, ambivert, or extrovert affects their behavior during dental treatment. It also sought to identify which behavior management techniques (BMTs) work best for each personality type to reduce anxiety and improve cooperation.

Methods: A total of 48 children aged 7 to 12 years attending their first dental visit were included in this cross-sectional observational study. Each child’s personality was assessed using the Introversion–Extroversion Personality Inventory (IPEI), and their behavior was evaluated using the Frankl Behavior Rating Scale before and after treatment. Based on their pre-treatment behavior and personality, an appropriate behavior management technique was applied. Techniques included counselling, desensitization, Tell-Show-Do, and others.

Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in behavior following the use of tailored BMTs (p < 0.001). Extroverted children responded best to counselling and storytelling techniques, while introverts showed better cooperation with desensitization and voice control. Ambiverts benefited most from Tell-Show-Do and desensitization. Overall, the most commonly effective technique was counselling, followed closely by dental story books and desensitization.