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Going to the Dentist Social Stories

Overview

These visual stories provide information about what to expect when going to the dentist. Social stories cover going to the dentist, getting teeth cleaned, getting x-rays and getting a cavity filled. These stories were developed in collaboration with UPMC Public Health Dental Clinic staff.

A nurse standing next to a dentist's chair.

It’s important to go to the dentist to help keep my teeth and mouth healthy.

A cartoon representation of teeth with germs on them.

I need to have my teeth cleaned to remove the bacteria and germs.

A cartoon tooth next to a calendar icon.

I need to go to the dentist for a cleaning every six months.

A woman checking in with a receptionist.

When I get to the dentist’s office, I will check in at the front desk.

A girl sitting in a waiting room.

Then I will wait in the waiting room.

A girl reading a book while sitting in a chair.

I can read books, play games, or watch tv while I wait for the dentist.

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A nurse standing next to a dentist's chair.

A dental hygienist will clean and check my teeth. They know how to help keep my teeth clean and healthy.

A dentist's chair.

When I get to the exam room, I will sit in a big comfortable chair that goes up and down and lays back like I am sleeping.

A boy sitting in a dentist's chair with his mouth open.

They will clip a paper bib around my neck to keep my clothes clean. The bib may feel crinkly and make noise.

A boy sitting in a dentist's chair while a dentist shines a light on his teeth.

They will shine a bright light on my mouth so they can see to clean my teeth. If the light is bright I can close my eyes or wear sunglasses.

A dental hygienist cleaning a boy's teeth.

I will open my mouth wide and lie still while the dental hygienist cleans my teeth.

Dentist's tools.

They will clean my teeth with special dental tools that make noise and tickle my teeth. They will use special toothpaste that may feel sandy.

A water dispenser squirting water on teeth.

They will squirt water or blow air on my teeth.

A dentist's straw.

They will use a big straw that’s like a vacuum and sucks up the spit bubbles and water in my mouth.

Floss.

They will use string, called floss, to clean in between my teeth.

A dentist looking at a boy's teeth.

The dentist will look at my teeth with the special dental tools and count my teeth.

A bottle of fluoride next to a toothbrush.

They will paint special fluoride vitamins on my teeth. This may make my teeth feel sticky.

A tube of toothpaste and a toothbrush.

When I’m done I will get a new toothbrush and might get to choose a special prize.

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A girl sitting in a dental chair.

When I go to the dentist I may need to have x-rays of my teeth.

A woman lying in a dental chair.

I will sit in a dental chair.

A nurse standing with her arms crossed.

An x-ray shield, which will feel like a heavy blanket, will be put on top of me to protect me.

A dental x-ray holder.

They will put a holder in my mouth to take the x-ray.

A dental x-ray device.

They will use either a thick film or a digital sensor attached to the x-ray holder.

A dental assistant placing a dental holder in a woman's mouth.

They will place the holder in my mouth to take an x-ray.

A woman biting down on a dental holder.

I will bite down. It may be a little uncomfortable.

A woman biting down on a dental holder.

I need to stay still while they put the camera next to my face for the x-ray. I can take deep breaths to stay relaxed.

A dental assistant moving an x-ray machine.

I will hear a beep when they take the x-ray.

A dental assistant removing a dental holder from a woman's mouth.

They will take the holder out of my mouth. They might move it to take another x-ray or put it away if they’re done taking x-rays.

A picture of a dental x-ray.

Once they are done the pictures may get printed or shown on a computer.

Dentists looking at x-rays on a computer.

The dentist will look at the x-rays to make sure my teeth are healthy.

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A dentist.

There may be a time when your dentist tells you that you have a cavity that needs to be filled.

A secretary on the phone.

You will go to the dentist for your appointment and check in at the front desk. Then wait in the waiting room until it is your turn.

A girl sitting in a dental chair.

When you go into the examination room, you will sit in the large chair and the staff will place a bib on you.

A gel being put on a tooth.

They will put a gel medicine in your mouth to help make your tooth not hurt. This will make your mouth feel funny but it won’t hurt.

A boy sitting in a dental chair with a nose covering.

Sometimes they will use a nose covering during your appointment to make you more relaxed and comfortable.

Dental tools.

Then they will use tools to prepare your tooth to be fixed. Some tools might make sounds, vibrate, or spray water.

A gel being put on a tooth.

Next they will apply a sour blue gel to your tooth. It will sit on your tooth for a few seconds.

A girl having her mouth rinsed with water.

Then they will rinse your tooth with water and use a big straw to suck it out of your mouth.

A dentist filling a woman's cavity.

Next they will fill in your tooth.

A man lying in a dental chair.

They might use the same tools as before and use a light to harden the filling material.

A dental water straw.

They will do a final rinse of your mouth at the end of placing your filling.

A man lying in a dental chair with a thumbs up.

Now your filling is complete. You will be given instructions on how long you need to wait to eat and/or drink.

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Other downloads

Name Description Type File
Going to the Dentist Going to the Dentist pdf Download file: Going to the Dentist
Getting My Teeth Cleaned Getting My Teeth Cleaned pdf Download file: Getting My Teeth Cleaned
Getting X-Rays Getting X-Rays pdf Download file: Getting X-Rays
Getting a Cavity Filled Getting a Cavity Filled pdf Download file: Getting a Cavity Filled

This information was developed by the Autism Services, Education, Resources, and Training Collaborative (ASERT). For more information, please contact ASERT at 877-231-4244 or info@PAautism.org. ASERT is funded by the Bureau of Supports for Autism and Special Populations, PA Department of Human Services.