Dental Procedures: My Visit to the Dentist

Developed in association with Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

A set of information sheets designed to help patients with learning difficulties understand the procedures, sequence of events and people associated with a visit to the dentist.

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My Visit to the Dentist

This pack is made up of five information sheets:

1. A set of three information sheets which take a step-by-step approach to the sequence of events and people a patient might meet during a visit to the dentist.

2. Two further information sheets about specific procedures, the preformed metal crown (My silver tooth) and the fissure sealant (My plastic coating)

The information sheets can be used in several ways:

• Before the dentist visit, to introduce procedures that are likely to take place and the symbols associated with them

• During the visit so that the dental team can explain what will happen next (the sheets can be laminated to make reusable wipe-clean cards for the child to hold)

• After the visit, to encourage good oral care at home or to practise procedures at home prior to the next visit.

An evaluation showed that the information sheets, which were developed with input from children and parents, improved communication and helped children to achieve more dental treatment than expected (Harris, Marshman and Short, 2014). 

Using symbols as well as words helps children and adults with all abilities to make sense of what is happening to them in an unfamiliar environment. Although there may be minor differences in procedures from one dentist to another, the overall pattern will be very similar.

 

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