View the story "This is what your patients are thinking" on Storify

In the age of social media, nothing is sacred ... not even the dentist chair. Want to know what your patients are really thinking during an appointment? They may say, "Everything is going great" and "I feel fine," but here's the truth courtesy of Instagram. 

Sexy, and I know it #cavity #numb #dentisttabbbEven though my #mother is my #dentist, I'm still #terrified like a #5 #year #old  #torture #awful #needalcohol #notokay @pamelaquillJordan DaffronI hate waiting rooms ._. #waitingroom #dentist #waiting #room #bored #helplydiatosini#Dentist #NoBueno #Sad #Teeth #HurtLauren  Crosiar#dentist #HomeSoon #CleanThemTeethjoehoefler#dentist#lol#funny#lmao#fish#tankKaitlynn & MadysunI see you @danethomashenderson . #dentist #hateithereMia Hendersondentist:( #wahh#dentist#hate#this#place#help#me#:(brittbaby26Dentist sucker thingy. (: #awkwardface #suckerthingy #dentist #teethhurtSummer Watkins#shitjustgotreal#dentist#scuuuurd#fml#funny?ChrisdeMi?Despicable me while at the dentist? Heck ya ? #dentist #blah #crown #minionsCarissa Lee I'm at the #dentist ;^;I hate when they scrape that metal thing on your teeth #foot #boot #office #scared #help #jkAlyssa#dentist #:(Danny BeyerSo we meet again. #dentistmeggganalysThe most boring view! #dentist #factoOlivia Meadows-EvansNo braceface anymore :) *happy* #happy #brace #braceface #beforeafter #new #nice #cute #zahnspange #dentist #white #expensive #teeths #italy #italygirl #swiss #switzerland #smile #followme #lips #like #instagood #instagramGiulia MarinoI hate this room.. Even if im  just a visitor !!!Wehbi KahwagiGive me novicane #dentist #numb #weeHaylee

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[View the story "This is what your patients are thinking" on Storify]This is what your patients are thinkingIn the age of social media, nothing is sacred ... not even the dentist chair. Want to know what your patients are really thinking during an appointment?

This is what your patients won't say to your face

View the story "I ______ the dentist." on Storify

Not everyone dreads the dental office. Here's some proof from the Twitter-verse. 

I think I'm the only person who really loves going to the dentistMarkeya MinottMy dentist and I have a mutual understanding.  When he tells me to lay off the Mt. Dew, I act like I will and he acts like he believes me.chrisMy dentist is such a cute place. They have Disney movies on and Disney character on the wall .  I feel like a little girl  Yaimee.Never been so happy to see the Dentist! #fixthistooth #painbegoneDrew PetersonI wish I was going to the dentist soon, like I absolutely love the dentist, y'all just don't understand!!!Shavonne Breedencall me weird but i like going to the dentist ._.ale lomeli??Dentist tomorrow! Wouldn't it be great if i could drop my teeth off at the dentist to get worked on while i'm shopping? Like my grandpa doesThe'Smart'CookieI always feel like I am annoying the dentist with my tongue. Like I just shouldn't have one.Tommy Wileyis it weird that i love the dentist like seriously i dont get why everyones scared????? lena haloway ?I remember the days when getting a sticker at the dentist was like the coolest thing ever :'( #MissThoseDays :'(Cherry:)xI like the dentist. They even give you a goodie bag after you're done.Andrew Gallagher

[View the story "I ______ the dentist." on Storify]I ______ the dentist.Not everyone dreads the dental office. Here's some proof from the Twitter-verse. Storified by Greta Lieske· Fri, Jan 25 2013 09:11:25

Proof from the Twitter-verse that some people love the dental experience

View the story "These kids are rockstars at the dentist" on Storify

[View the story "These kids are rockstars at the dentist" on Storify]

Meet the rockstars of dentist appointment bravery

We all know a trip to the dentist isn’t usually on the fun-day to-do list for any kid. With younger patients, the dentist office often gets a bad rap.

With so much working against you, how are you supposed to get children to understand the importance of dental health and not fear the dental chair? As difficult as it may seem, there are simple ways to help younger kids to get interested in proper teeth care and not assume the tantrum position as soon as they come through the door.

Try a few of these easy tips and office adjustments to put your young patient at ease and get them pumped to take care of their dental health as they grow.

 This is a no-brainer, but worth mentioning. Avoid words like “hurt” or “shot” or “painful.” Use simple words to describe the procedure. Some dentists and hygienists will demonstrate the procedure on a doll or another person before performing the procedure on the child.

 No one knows more about all the fun toothbrush options for kids out there than you. Instead of going the normal pink or blue route, consider investing in kid-friendly, fun brushes. Make them proud of their toothbrush so they can’t wait to get home and get brushing.

 Children-friendly books on dental health are great, but don’t overlook coloring pages for them to immerse themselves in while in the waiting room. 

You can download a variety of free coloring and activity pages from the American Dental Association here.

 Adults may enjoy the local radio station or instrumental tunes in the background, but they don’t resonate with the kids. Consider investing in a way to play kid-friendly tunes near the youth dental chair, whether it is a small CD player or a playlist you can stream from an iPod.

5. Let them show off their pearly whites.

 Consider creating a smile board in your dental practice. Most children love smiling for a camera, so after each appointment take a photo of them for the board. Let them know that regular dental care is important to their smile, which is on display.

. Tell stories or engage the child in conversation as a means of drawing attention away from the procedure.

. Make the trip to the dental chair fun by offering “bravery awards.” Positive reinforcement through small, tangible rewards (stickers, pretend tattoos, baseball cards) can be useful incentives for cooperation and for “brave behavior.”

 While it may be too far from the norm for many dental practices, some are bringing in therapy animals, such as even-tempered dogs, to help ease the stress level of younger children. One thing’s for sure, younger patients would be looking forward to their appointment. 

Check out this pediatric dentist from Williamsburg, N.Y., and his therapy dog in a patient’s lap.

 If you treat kids and adults in your practice, it’s understandable why you wouldn’t want to have bold colors and cartoons covering the office. But, a small space is a nice touch to put kids at ease, while also distracting them. If there is one area or room used for treating younger patients, consider sprucing it up with some kid-friendly pizzazz. If kids feel like the space is meant for them with familiar themes, stress levels won’t be sky high.

We all know a trip to the dentist isn’t usually on the fun-day to-do list for any kid. With younger patients, the dentist office often gets a bad rap. With so much working against you, how are you supposed to get children to understand the importance of dental health and not fear the dental chair? As difficult as it may seem, there are simple ways to help younger kids to get interested in proper teeth care and not assume the tantrum position as soon as they come through the door.

9 ways to get kids jazzed about dental health

February is right around the corner, and with it comes National Children’s Dental Health Month.

sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. The start of the month-long event always begins with Give Kids A Smile Day on Feb. 1.

The slogan of this year's NCDHM campaign features "GET A GOLD MEDAL SMILE." Youth materials to publicize the event and spread awareness feature the McGrinn Twins, Flossy and Buck along with their best friends and next-door neighbors Den and Gen Smiley. The characters are going for the gold to get a winning smile. The pre-teens/teens materials feature kids going the distance for a gold medal smile.

Click here to download the 2013 NCDHM Program Planning Guide. 

In addition to educating kids about the important of oral health, a goal of the NCDHM campaign is to bring together thousands of dedicated dental professionals, health care providers and others so the large consortium are better able to promote the benefits of good oral health.

To find out if there is a GKAS program in your area, visit the 

American Dental Association's GKAS program-finder. 

To download fun oral health worksheets and games, visit the 

The ADA launched the program nationally in 2003 in an effort to provide dental services to underserved children. The program initially began as a one-day event in February, but has since grown to local and national events year-round.
	
	 

February is right around the corner, and with it comes National Children’s Dental Health Month. Each February, the American Dental Association sponsors National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. The start of the month-long event always begins with Give Kids A Smile Day on Feb. 1.

modernhygienist.com-2013-01-01

This is what your patients won't say to your face

Proof from the Twitter-verse that some people love the dental experience

Meet the rockstars of dentist appointment bravery

9 ways to get kids jazzed about dental health

February brings National Children's Dental Health Month