To begin your assessments on Jessie:

Be certain the environment appears safe and pleasant. Remember that this is Jessie's introduction to dentistry, whether a dental or medical healthcare provider performs it, and will serve as the foundation for the development of positive attitudes and responsible relationships with healthcare providers in the future.

1. Provide Jessie with a toothbrush that she can put in her mouth.

2. Ask Betsy, "How do you take care of Jessie's teeth?" If her mother does assist Jessie with tooth cleaning at home, communicate approval and praise. Request that she demonstrates how she brushes Jessie's teeth so you can provide suggestions and modifications if necessary to be certain that all surfaces of all teeth are being cleaned thoroughly. Remind Betsy that toothbrushes don't last very long - perhaps two to three months. Once the bristles begin to bend, it's time to get a new toothbrush.