You Make a Difference!
Child care providers improve children's dental health through:
- Individual or group toothbrushing during the child care day
- Encouraging parents to continue their child's dental care at home
- Sharing the importance of early dental visits
Experts* recommend a visit to the dentist by a child's first birthday. Early dental visits reduce cavities and other tooth health problems.
*The American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and American Academy of Pediatricians
“Good communication to me is when the teacher and I can get together on what’s best for the child.”
–Alisha, a parent“Good communication is having a door that swings both ways. It allows both the staff and the parent to have their input and it empowers the parent to understand that they are a viable and valuable part of whatever situation that they’re in.”
– Carole Morrison, Head Start Manager, Salisbury, NC
Communication Guide
This guide provides tips and resources for effective communication with parents.
7 Tips to Improve Communication with Parents
- Have a short agenda when talking with parents.
- Never ask more than three open-ended questions.
- Always focus on the good.
- Be ready with an affirmation/reflection for each question the parent answers.
- Ask permission to share resources and tips.
- Then, share only two to three brief points. Ask which resource or tip might work best.
- If you don’t know something, say so and promise to find out. Follow through on your promise.
Motivational Interviewing: The OARS Method
Motivational interviewing is a collaborative, supportive way to talk with parents.
Inspire parents to protect their kid's teeth with these ToothTalk tips:
- Persuasion, advice and threats don’t work. Avoid being aggressive, loud or combative.
- Calm, open-ended questions and two-way conversation do work.
- Pay attention, listen, show understanding and be empathetic.
Use OARS to motivate your parents to change what they think and do about dental health for their kids.
What are OARS?
Ask questions that need more than a “yes” or “no” response. Open questions promote conversation and build trust.
Ask parents: “How did toothbrushing go last night with Janie?” instead of “Did you brush Janie’s teeth last night?”
Short, open-ended questions let parents know you’re both on the same team. They show you both have their children’s best interest as a top priority.
To change, people first need to believe they can change. Use affirmations to help parents believe in themselves.
Everyone needs praise! Be supportive: “What a great idea to read Janie a book about going to the dentist before her first visit!”
Repeat back what you heard the parent say and how they feel. This lets the parent know you’re listening and understand.
A good reflection is: “So, it’s hard for you to find the time to brush Janie’s teeth in the morning.”
The R also stands for Rolling with Resistance. Refocus the conversation on supporting what’s important – healthy behaviors.
Sharing Tips and Resources:
Follow up on reflections by asking permission to share tips and resources. “May I share a few ideas that may make it easier for you?
After sharing information, ask what idea or resource might work best.
Say back to the parent what you’ve discussed, confirming the parent's plan of action.
A good summary is: “So, you’ll try and find the time tomorrow to call the dentist and schedule Janie’s appointment.”