Purpose
For This Activity You Will Need
Steps
Points to Consider
Dental Screening and Examination
...What, Why, and How of Screenings and Exams
Purpose: This activity allows participants to practice explaining specific screening and exam procedures to a parent or co-worker. It is especially helpful for staff that has direct contact with parents, including family service workers, health aides, and teachers.
For this activity you will need:
Provide copies for all participants.
Step 1: This exercise allows you to practice explaining to parents or co-workers the "what, why, and how" of different screening procedures.
Step 2: If you are in pairs: One person will begin as the "teacher" and the other the "learner." The teacher will explain two different screening exams to the learner.
If you have a group of three: The third person will be the "observer." The observer will provide feedback to the role-players.
Everyone will have the chance to play every role.
Step 3: Identify the role that you will begin in. Take a few minutes to "get into" your role.
- For the teacher: You want to help the
learner develop a firm understanding of the screening or exam-what
it is, why it is important, and how it is done.
- For the learner: Make this activity a
challenge for yourself and the teacher. Take the role of a learner
who is not familiar with the screening or may have some
reservations or concerns about it.
- For the observer: Pay careful attention to the communication between the teacher and learner. Note what worked and what didn't work.
Step 4: Take a few minutes to briefly review with participants ...[Dental Screenings and Examination] Fact Sheet after distributing it.
...
Take up to 10 minutes for the role-play.
Step 5: Change roles and repeat Step 4. Repeat the role-play, explaining two other screenings or exams.
Make sure that everyone has a chance to play every role.
Step 6: Discuss the role-plays:
- In the role of the learner:
- Did you understand and feel comfortable
with the explanations of the procedures?
- Did the "teacher" use words that were
too technical?
- If there was something that you didn't
understand, did you feel comfortable asking questions?
- How do your feelings reflect how parents may feel about screenings and exams?
- In the role of the teacher:
- Did you feel comfortable explaining the
procedures?
- Did you feel adequately prepared?
- If you did not know something, did you
feel comfortable acknowledging that?
- In the future, how might you want to prepare better for explaining screenings and exams to other co-workers and parents?
- In the role of observer:
- What did you notice was difficult in the
communication?
- What were some effective techniques that were used?
Points to Consider:
- Make sure that you review and understand
the information before you try to explain it to someone else.
- Share the information that the other
person wants to know and needs to know. Build on what he or she
already knows.
- Make the explanation clear, simple, and
brief. Try not to use highly technical terms.
- Continually ask and observe whether the person has any questions or concerns. Respond to these concerns directly.
Recognize your own limitations. If you do not know the answer, say, "I don't know, but I will try to find out." Then follow-up with the information later.
...
Well-Child Health Care Fact Sheet
Dental Screening and Examination
What is dental screening?
Dental screening is a quick check of a child's mouth to find out if she needs a prompt exam and treatment. It can be done by a dental professional or trained Head Start staff or volunteer. Whether or not it is done, all Head Start children need a complete dental examination.
What is the dental examination?
The dental examination is a full checkup by a dental professional.
It includes:
- Discussion of diet, toothbrushing, use of
bottles, and thumb-sucking.
- Exam of the mouth for tooth decay, bite,
and gum infections. Dental equipment such as mouth mirrors, dental
picks, and high intensity lights are used. X-rays may be taken.
- Information on good oral hygiene and
nutrition.
- Fluoride may be applied to the child's teeth and/or prescribed in liquid or tablets to prevent tooth decay.
What might I observe?
- Mouth pain and sensitivity to hot, cold,
or sweets
- Discolored, broken, or missing teeth
- Red, swollen, or bleeding gums
- Swollen face
- Bad breath
Follow-up to dental screening
If dental problems are found, the child needs follow-up evaluation and treatment by a dentist.
Treatment might include:
- Filling cavities, capping, or pulling
teeth
- Education on improved diet, bottle use,
tooth brushing, flossing, and fluoride
- Referral to an orthodontist or other specialist
Dental problems can cause pain and difficulty eating and speaking. Treatment for dental problems can improve a child's health and well-being.
