dental health individuals disabilities lesson 5: …...dental instruments. dental x‐rays take a...

The following presentation was originally developed for individuals and families by Achieva (a Western PA service provider). Now offered as a webcast production, ODP is providing this valuable resource to Supports Coordinators and SC Supervisors for professional development. In order to receive credit for completing this course, you need to complete all course requirements and print the certificate of achievement.

1Course Number 2012‐09‐14

Dental Health for Individuals with Disabilities Lesson 5: Going to the Dentist For a Routine Visit

Welcome to Lesson 5: Going to the Dentist For a Routine Visit of Dental Health for Individuals with Disabilities. Please adjust your computer volume so that it is at a comfortable listening level for you



In lesson 4 you learned how to prepare for your dental visit. You learned to make a dentist appointment and what to take with you to the to the dentist’s office. Here are some of the things you learned: remember to take your insurance information, your personal health information, and emergency contacts along to your appointment. Do not forget to take a list of your current medications and any health changes since your last appointment. Let the dentist know if you took any medications like an antibiotics or anti‐anxiety medication before you came to the dentist. Now we’re going to talk about what might happen at the visit.



Some of the topics we will be discussing are:

What to know about the dental office;

What does the dentist do at a visit;

Dental x‐rays and

What information should you take away after your appointment.



What should you ask the dentist or office staff when you arrive for your visit?

First you need to get an office phone number and contact name and their normal hours of business.

Also, they will give you some privacy information to read about how they keep your dental records safe and confidential.

They will ask you to sign a form after they explain their privacy policy to you. Before you actually see the dentist, do not forget to ask the office receptionist about their emergency procedures in case you need to contact the dentist office after normal hours.

This should include the phone number, the process and what kind of information you may need to share with the dentist in the event you have a problem.



Generally two things happen at a routine dental appointment. One is that the dental hygienist cleans your teeth. For this they use a mirror and some sharp instruments. You will feel some poking and scraping. It may be difficult to swallow. You can gently tap the hygienist’s arm if you need to swallow or take a break. At the end of this part of the visit your teeth will be brushed using an electric toothbrush. You can sometimes choose the flavor of toothpaste that you want.



Next the dentist will look at your teeth. The dentist also uses a mirror and sharp instruments, but will usually just gently touch it to your teeth. This part of the visit is shorter than the cleaning. At some visits the dentist may want to do some x‐rays to look at your teeth. Let’s look at what those are for next.



X‐rays of teeth are used to find cavities or caries that the dentist can’t see or feel with the dental instruments. Dental x‐rays take a picture of teeth usually on one side of the mouth. To do an x‐ray the dentist puts film next to your teeth. The film looks like a small, white piece of cardboard. You have to open your mouth very wide to get the film in your mouth. The dentist will ask you to bite down hard on the film. Then the x‐ray machine will be put against your cheek. The X‐rays will not hurt but you have to hold very still to get a good picture. Some people need help to position their head to get a good x‐ray. Here are some tips you and the dentist can use:If you have problems with swallowing or gagging, then place your chin in a neutral or downward position. This will minimize the gag reflex.Have someone hold your head.Be sure that the person moves slowly. Ask the person to explain each step before taking the x‐rays

After the x‐ray the dentist will be able to tell if you have a cavity or not. If you have a cavity then you will need to make another appointment to have the cavity fixed.



At the end of the appointment your teeth are clean and have been examined for problems like cavities. The dentist will tell you if you need to have anything fixed. The hygienist may help you learn better ways to brush your teeth or places that you are missing. Be sure to ask any questions you may have before you leave the office. Some suggestions might be:

What was done at your appointment?How is your daily care and how can you improve it?Are there any other special follow‐up instructions? When should I schedule the next appointment?Do I have my emergency policy in case I need to contact the dentist?



What is the take away message?

A routine dentist appointment has two parts: the cleaning and the examination.

Remember the take‐away lesson and get ready to learn how to brush your teeth with lesson 6!



Thank you for viewing this webcast.



dental health individuals disabilities lesson 5: …...dental instruments. dental x‐rays take a...

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