About the Resource
In collaboration with Dental on Wheels
In this webcast, we’re going to explore how a child-led, play-based approach can completely change the way children experience dental care.
Rather than focusing on just “getting through” a dental check-up, we’ll look at how connection, trust, play and relationship-building can help children feel safe, confident, curious and even excited about oral health.
Through role play, storytelling, group bravery and educator support, children begin to understand what to expect during a dental visit before they ever sit in a dental chair.
This helps reduce fear, build familiarity and create positive associations that can last a lifetime.
We’ll also unpack why early positive exposure matters so much in the first six years of life, and how early childhood settings are uniquely positioned to support children through these experiences in a gentle and developmentally appropriate way.
Building Positive Associations to Last a Lifetime
How do you take the fear and anxiety out of a trip to the dentist or other medical appointments?
Positive or negative associations are built in the first 6 years of life. See how following a play-based, child-led approach can help children unpack challenging new ideas and environments.
See practical examples of how to use the play-based approach to build confidence in children.
Find out how to engage children’s natural curiosity through songs, hands-on exploration of toy dental equipment, dress-up and role play. Don’t miss meeting Chompy the dinosaur – who has the cleanest teeth EVER!
- LO3: Children have a strong sense of wellbeing
- LO4: Children are confident and involved learners
Play-based Approach to Oral Health
Refresh your view of how a play-based approach can be applied to every part of a child’s life-long learning journey.
Consider your role as an Educator in building confidence in children and families – so they can protect their teeth and overall health, by accessing the best care.
Learn more about embedding a play-based approach from the Valuing Play Online Learning Bundle.