My guest today is Birgit Gajdos. What is super cool about Birgit, is that she is passionate about helping young children have a positive experience when going to the dentist.
Dental health and oral hygiene is a focus in many classrooms during the month of February so what better way to start off by having a Dental Assistant give you new words to use when taking a child to the dentist….
Birgit Gajdos writes….
Teachers and parents can explain dental procedures honestly but avoid using scarey words. Here are some examples to help children learn what to expect at the dentist. Please help create a good positive experience for children without transfering any of your own dental phobias or negative past experiences onto them. The terminology you use may make all the difference!
Instead of using word: Please consider using:
NEEDLE, or shot…………………Sprayer with sleepy juice
Drill……………………………………. Whistling brush or Mr. Bumpy
Yank or pull out…………………… Wiggle a tooth
Plaque, cavity, decay……………Sugar Bugs (eat holes in teeth!)
Examination………………………. Count Teeth
Cleaning/polishing……………….Tickle the Teeth
Explorer Instrument…………….. Tooth Counter
Rubber Dam………………………. Raincoat
Clamp………………………………….Button
Mouth Mirror………………………..Dolly Mirror
Guestblogger: Birgit Gajdos
Certified Dental Assistant
Toothfairy Online
Thank you Birgit for being my guest and sharing your good ideas with us!
Deborah
Here are a few resources that you might like as you introduce dental health to your preschoolers…
Toothbrush Poster from American Dental Health Association (pdf)
Toothbrushing booklet from Story Time and More!
Lesson Plan Ideas from hummingbird
Dental Health Reminder Poster : Don’t forget to recognize dental health assistants like Birgit in March! (pdf)
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Thanks “Teacher” for giving this online “Tooth Fairy” another opportunity to spread her wings via the world wide web! Just flew by to say “Hi” and now good-bye, I gotta ~FLY~
This is a great post. I love the use of terminology. Just saying different words, makes each child feel more at ease!
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