I Am Going to the Dentist – A Social Story to Prepare Children for Dental Appointments
Social Story About Going to the Dentist
This is a social story designed to help children prepare for a visit to the dentist. Social stories are a research-based tool used to ease anxiety and set expectations for behavior in various situations. They are particularly helpful for children with autism spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, or any child who may feel apprehensive about unfamiliar situations.
To assist your child in preparing for their dental appointment, you can print out a PDF version of this story and read it together multiple times, without any pressure. It is beneficial to read it in the weeks and days leading up to the appointment.
It’s important to note that every situation may be different, including the gender and ethnicity of practitioners and patients, as well as the order of events and procedures during the appointment. You can discuss these variations with your child while reading the story if you believe it will help them during the visit.
Due to limited access to images, it was challenging to represent all the diversity within the story. Therefore, you have the option to create your own story using real pictures from your child’s or another child’s dental appointment, or by finding suitable images on Google Images.
As a fun activity, your child can also draw pictures of what they think may happen during their own appointment, which may differ from the events described in this story
What Does a Dentist Do?
A dentist is a doctor who cares for teeth. When you visit your dentist for a check-up, they will look at your teeth and gums to check for any problems. The dentist will also check that your teeth are developing properly as you grow.
To ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy, it is important to visit the dentist every six months.
What Happens at the Dentist’s Office?
First, you will check in at the front desk to let them know you are there.
Then you will wait in the waiting room until the dental hygienist calls you in to the exam room.
Usually, when you arrive at the dentist’s office, you will meet with the dental hygienist before you meet with the dentist. A dental hygienist knows all about keeping gums clean and healthy.
When you get to the exam room you will sit down in a big, comfortable chair that reclines back. There is a place to rest your head and a lot of room to stretch out your legs.
Next to your chair will probably be a little sink with a cup that you can use to rinse your mouth as the dental hygienist cleans your teeth.
A bright light will shine down into your mouth so the dental hygienist can get a good look while she cleans your teeth. You can wear sunglasses if the light bothers you.
The dental hygienist will clean your teeth with her dental tools.
Then the dental hygienist will floss your teeth and show you the correct way to brush and floss your teeth at home.
During some visits, the dental hygienist will take X-rays, or pictures, of your teeth to check for cavities. It does not hurt to get an X-ray and it takes only a few seconds.
The dental hygienist will place a blanket on you and put a piece of plastic, which holds the X-ray film into your mouth. This takes a few seconds.
After your X-rays it is time for fluoride treatment. Fluoride is a natural mineral that helps your teeth stay strong and helps prevent cavities.
The dental hygienist will put a fluoride gel or foam on your teeth. Most dental offices offer flavored fluoride like bubble gum or grape.
Next, you will meet the dentist. The dentist will check your teeth and gums to make sure they are strong and healthy. The dentist will also probably check the way your top and bottom teeth work together. This is called your bite.
The dentist will study your X-rays to see if you have any cavities.
The dentist will also ask you if you have any questions or problems with your teeth.
Check out at the desk before you leave and set your next appointment. Make sure you have another check-up scheduled in 6 months.
If you have a cavity you will schedule an appointment to come back soon and get it taken care of.
When you come back to get your filling, the dentist will give you a shot to numb your mouth so getting the filling won’t hurt. The shot will pinch for a second but will be over quickly.
Next, the dentist will repair your cavity with dental tools, like a dental drill, and fill in the area with special materials, called fillings, to keep your tooth strong and healthy.
When you leave the dentist’s office your mouth will feel numb for a little while but the feeling will wear off soon.
Always go to your dentist appointments to keep your mouth healthy and clean!
Print a PDF
Check out this kid-friendly video about going to the dentist
Please share this social story with others who you think may benefit.
More Social Stories
- A Social Story to Prepare Children for Doctor’s Appointments
- All About Going to School (helps prepare children for the school day and the expectations in school)
- I Hate the Word No (great for kids who do not respond well to the word “no”)
- I am Going to a Restaurant (helps kids learn how to behave in a restaurant) Please bear with us. This story is currently in PDF view and is in the process of conversion to mobile friendly view.
Rachel Wise is the author and founder of Education and Behavior. Rachel created Education and Behavior in 2014 for adults to have an easy way to access research-based information to support children in the areas of learning, behavior, and social-emotional development. As a survivor of abuse, neglect, and bullying, Rachel slipped through the cracks of her school and community. Education and Behavior hopes to play a role in preventing that from happening to other children. Rachel is also the author of Building Confidence and Improving Behavior in Children: A Guide for Parents and Teachers.
“Children do best when there is consistency within and across settings (i.e., home, school, community). Education and Behavior allows us to maintain that consistency.”
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