• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7

The Dentist and You is a book for any young child making a trip to the dentist's office. 

It familiarizes children with many of the tools and procedures they are likely to encounter during their visit, allowing them to become more comfortable with dentists and oral hygienists. By showing how specific instruments are used to examine or treat them, why they are used, and how they work, this book helps children develop positive attitudes about their visits to the dentist.

Children are invited to participate in a section entitled “Your Job,” while “Points for Parents” offers advice on discussing the book with children. It also suggests activities to do before and after a trip to the dentist to help young patients become comfortable with the visit and procedures.

The Dentist and You is illustrated with photographs of children visiting dental offices, and with line drawings.

Diane Swanson has been researching and writing nature books for children for over 25 years. Her work has been recognized with many awards, including the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children. Her titles have been regularly selected for the “our choice” list by the Canadian Children’s Book Centre. A frequent guest speaker at conferences on nature for kids, she lives in Victoria, B.C.

Diane Swanson's profile page

“An attractive, quick primer.”

Library Media Connection

“Will help educate and entertain young children at home before a medical visit, or while putting in time in a waiting room. Recommended.”

St. Catharines Standard

“Stays fresh thanks to Swanson’s energetic prose.”

Horn Book

“Parents wanting to prepare their children for their first visit to the dentist will appreciate The Dentist and You. It will also be useful for teachers doing a unit on dentists or community helpers.”

Resource Links

“Reading this book may allow children to sleep the week before their appointment.”

School Library Journal