Dentists Are No Big Deal

15 August 2024

Dentists Are No Big Deal
by Debbie Kesslering and Ashley Vercammen
Published by Home Style Teachers
Review by Shelley A. Leedahl
$25.00 ISBN 9781778152986

Writer and publisher Ashley Vercammen has teamed with another Saskatchewanian, Debbie Kesslering, of Viceroy, on a new title in Vercammen’s “No Big Deal” series of illustrated books for children. Vercammen is also a Registered Behaviour Technician, and it’s this position and her “belief that, with practice, some scary things can become No Big Deal” that are the impetuses behind the series. Kesserling, a mother of four who’s worked with “many World Class Dental Therapists, Dentists, Hygienists and Assistants,” dedicates the story to her “fellow ‘sugar bug catchers’”.

The brightly-illustrated tale begins with young, bespeckled Nora waking with a smile to her dad’s announcement that on this “special day,” the girl’s going for a dental check-up. Nora knows that visiting the dentist is “no big deal,” but she’s not sure what the check-up’s about. Her father reminds her that “every morning and night we brush our teeth so we don’t get sugar bugs. But they are very sneaky!”

What’s unusual—and wise—is that the father and daughter go through a pre-appointment practice session, and Rosie, “a bright red teddy bear,” gets to play along too. A “plastic dentist equipment” set is used to go through the procedure. Now I don’t know if such a set has in fact been manufactured to help children battle the dental heebie jeebies, but if not, what a grand idea! When Nora puts on the glasses “to protect [her] eyes from the light,” her reaction is “I look like a rock star!”

The story’s upbeat tone is supported by the characters’ consistent smiles, brightly-coloured rooms, and pleasant landscapes viewed beyond windows. I noted that for some of the attributions, the writers used Nora “Cheered!” Incorporating positive similes is another way to reinforce the feel-good tone, ie: Dad says that the moving dentist chair is “like a ride at the park!” Dad, as make-believe dentist, makes his daughter giggle with a silly face and speaks “calmly,” and Nora’s sure to be clutching Rosie through every step of the rehearsal. Another way Dad prepares Nora for the dentist is to use counting, so she’ll know when something new is about to happen. When it’s time for an x-ray, a timer is set. The polisher is also given an upbeat spin: “It’s like a toothbrush that shakes and tickles your teeth!” Nora says, and even Fluoride is given a child-friendly twist. “I want bubble gum flavoured!” Nora says. And, of course, no child’s visit to the dentist is complete without a “prize”.

The authors take Nora, Rosie and her father right through the actual dental visit, as well, and as you might guess, because the child has been so well-prepared, the appointment certainly is no big deal.

There are currently two sets of toddling twins in my family to buy books for. I believe they and their parents will really appreciate receiving this fun and practical gift. It dispels fear, promotes good dental hygiene, and might even make going to the dentist something to look greatly forward to.

THIS BOOK IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR LOCAL BOOKSTORE OR FROM SASKBOOKS AT WWW.SKBOOKS.COM

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