How do they do 'dental screening' in primary schools?

[olivo]

Am trying to work out whther DD will freak out if and when they do this; she is only 4, and has been to the dentist a couple of times but was not happy and I had to totally bribe her to open her mouth and let them take a look.

what do they do? instruments? gloves? (she doesnt like them!!)

bump, got to get the form sent back!

Erm not sure but try phoning the school or your school nurse. Sorry not much help but would love to know as DS1 is hoping to go with the local health team to see what they do in schools re dental inspections as part of his extended project at sixth form.

Not sure exactly...DS has just had a letter this week saying his teeth were fine...but wanted to say that you may find your daughter will be quite happily and go along with the crowd.

DS would quite often cope better with things like this without me there worrying for and about him! And they like to be 'cool' in front of their friends.

thanks. maybe I should let her have a go this time. i am so aware that i dont want to project my own fears onto her - this kind of thing would have had me on the floor vomiting

Olivo - I totally understand...I hate the dentist and have to force myself to take DS. I sit in the chair with my face turned to the wall...but can still hear the noise.

Hopefully your daughter will just follow the lead of all her friends and class teacher. Good Luck!

If a child has own dentist can child just 'opt out'? This dental screening not happened at my son's school [year1] yet. I would probably opt out if it did as we have dentist we trust and see regularly.

They might have a session with those disclosing tablets too, that turn your mouth bright blue/pink to show up where plaque is. They spent the morning on dental health + the check at ds2's school.

you can opt out - they ask if you have a dentist already, i guess if not, they might advise you of where you could go. I dont want DD to feel left out of anything, but at the same time, I dont feel 100 per cent comfortable with it. I think I am afraid that if there is something wrong, it will be like a public telling off, rather than in the safety of our own surgery, IYSWIM! Maybe i shoudl just note the bullet and go with it. I assume I can opt out another time, if I dont like the way it happens this time?

I'm pathetic, I know but I am determined not to pass on my fears!