Communicating with young people

Question 1

Topic to discuss

Answer 1

oral health is not always a priority, they are likely to have little to no experience of OH problems and are likely to require evidence rather than taking the dentists word for it

Question 2

Topic to discuss

Answer 2

they may be experimenting with alcohol + tobacco + parental support may not be good

Question 3

Methods can include

Answer 3

use of specific OH leaflets + dental literature with one to one discussions (can be easily embarrassed) or group sessions with similar age groups or friends/siblings

Question 4

Methods can include

Answer 4

demonstrations but without condescension and use of disclosing tablets to show pts stains of bacteria plaque on own teeth
reference to suitable celebrities

Question 5

Some young people

Answer 5

may be experimenting with alcohol + tobacco or even recreational drugs because of peer pressure + this may already be having an effect on their oral health (+ ultimately their general health)

Question 6

Also

Answer 6

some may not want to accept responsibility for maintaining their own oral health yet, + prefer to rely on their parents for this, in these cases parental support is therefore important to motivate + install good attitudes + beliefs

Question 7

Careful consideration of language used

Answer 7

as some may be too embarrassed to ask for explanations when they don’t understand,
+ authority + control must be maintained but never lose patience with them no matter how obstreperous they become - some will not be interested and others may show embarrassment by making a joke

Question 8

Use of visual aids

Answer 8

to maintain their attention + have them involved in session rather than just listening to lots of advice