Dr. Kate's Reviews > Visit to the Dentist

Story: Young Arun has his first visit to the dentist where he learns how to brush and what causes cavities. Book includes a glossary of more advanced dental terms, such as "bacteria" and "plaque."

Reading level: For more advanced readers or parents to read. The flow of content per page is confusing; the arrangement of words and pictures bounces all over the page. I think it would be difficult for a child to follow unless someone was pointing to each new idea. Not suitable for beginning readers unless assisted by an adult.

Illustrations: Good example of population diversity. Arun is depicted of Indian heritage ( his mom wears a sari) and the dentist is a woman.

Review: The written content is acceptable in explaining the entire process of a dental visit, from scheduling an appointment, through the check-up, to the reward of a new toothbrush. However, if your child is old enough to understand the defined words "plaque" and "bacteria," they are dangerously late in receiving their first visit to the dentist. Children should start seeing the dentist when they have their teeth.