Meet a Dentist! (In Our Neighborhood)
In Our Neighborhood Series
What’s inside...
This book introduces the role of dentists in their community through the adventures of Emma and Theo. As they navigate their neighborhood, they encounter various community helpers, including a visit to the dental office. Experience the excitement as they learn about the important jobs of these helpers through engaging narratives that combine fiction and nonfiction, complemented by beautiful illustrations and real-life photos. The book also includes a detailed map, a Q&A with a community helper, and practical tips and tools for readers.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think a dentist does during a check-up?
How do you feel about visiting the dentist after reading this book?
What are some tools that a dentist uses? Why are they important?
Can you remember any new words you learned from this book about dental health?
Why is it important to take care of our teeth?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story about your experiences with a dentist to make the topic more relatable.
Encourage your child to describe what they imagine a dentist's office looks like and compare it with the illustrations in the book.
After reading, suggest playing 'dentist' where your child can pretend to check and clean their favorite toy's teeth, using terms they learned.
Praise your child for any dental terms they recall and gently correct any misunderstandings, reinforcing learning through supportive feedback.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Importance of Oral Hygiene
Explanation: The book introduces children to the daily routines of a dentist and emphasizes the significance of brushing and flossing.
Real-World Application: Children will be encouraged to maintain their oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily, mirroring the practices promoted by the dentist in the story.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear of Dentists
Explanation: Through a positive portrayal of a friendly and caring dentist, the book helps children feel more comfortable about dental visits.
Real-World Application: Children can approach dental appointments with less anxiety and more confidence, knowing what to expect and understanding that dentists are there to help.
Example Lesson: Learning about Dentistry as a Profession
Explanation: The book explores various aspects of a dentist’s job, providing insight into the profession.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to explore dentistry as a future career option or simply to understand and respect the role of dental professionals in healthcare.
Example Lesson: The Value of Regular Check-Ups
Explanation: It highlights the importance of visiting the dentist regularly for check-ups to ensure healthy teeth and gums.
Real-World Application: Children will learn to prioritize their dental appointments and understand that regular check-ups are essential for overall health.
Example Lesson: Sharing Knowledge on Dental Tools
Explanation: Illustrations and descriptions of different dental tools demystify what can otherwise seem like a scary experience.
Real-World Application: Armed with this knowledge, children can feel more in control and curious during their own dental visits rather than fearful.