Communicating with children

Question 1

Topics to discuss

Answer 1

parents should be involved in OH education as messages need to be reinforced by parents at home + will usually revolve around brushing techniques + dietary advice

Question 2

Topics to discuss

Answer 2

suitable vocabulary for children as a friendly, non threatening fun approach as if it is aimed too high they are unlikely to understand, but aimed too low they will be insulted by being treated childishly

Question 3

Methods can include

Answer 3

demonstrations + allowing them to practise, disclosing tablets can be used to show presence of plaque

Question 4

Methods can include

Answer 4

developing games to play (competitions, drawing), involving current TV/ film characters to maintain pts interest as well as encouraging parental involvement in the sessions

Question 5

Dependent on parental influence + support

Answer 5

pts who have little interest in their own oral + general health are unlikely to instal their children with high levels of interest

Question 6

Ideally, the child shouldn’t be threatened by phrases

Answer 6

such as ‘if you don’t brush your teeth you’ll have to have a needle’ as this will cause them to associate dental visits with fear + pain

Question 7

Respond best

Answer 7

to group approach but often have short attention span + their interest is quickly lost if distracted so short + interactive sessions are best

Question 8

Supervise

Answer 8

individuals attempts at toothbrushing, to determine how to improve plaque removal