Amara, a 3-year-old girl, is brought to your clinic by her mother for her first dental appointment. Her mother is concerned about the appearance of Amara’s upper front teeth, which appear discolored. Amara drinks milk from a bottle and prefers sugary snacks and juices. Her brushing habits are irregular, and her mother admits she struggles to transition Amara to a cup. She also mentions that Amara recently completed a course of liquid antibiotics for a throat infection.
The mother emphasizes the importance of addressing Amara’s dental aesthetics as there is a family wedding in three months. She expresses concern about how the discoloration might affect photos but also acknowledges her need for guidance on managing Amara’s overall oral health.
Your goal is to provide evidence-based recommendations that balance preventive care, aesthetics, and professional ethics while considering the family’s immediate concerns and long-term oral health outcomes.
Question 5
Which strategy most effectively builds trust with Amara and her mother during the first visit?
Correct Answer: C. Involve Amara in the discussion and demonstrate brushing techniques.
Justifications:
- A. Focus on findings: May overwhelm the family without addressing their concerns.
- B. Non-verbal communication: Helpful but insufficient as a standalone strategy.
- C. Involve Amara: Correct Answer. Builds trust and empowers both the child and the parent through active engagement.
- D. Extensive list: Risk of overwhelming the family with too much information.
- E. Highlight regular visits: Important but does not directly address immediate trust-building.
Correct Answer: C. Involve Isabella in the discussion and demonstrate brushing techniques.
Justifications:
- A. Focus on clinical findings: May overwhelm the family without addressing their concerns.
- B. Non-verbal communication: Helpful but insufficient as a standalone strategy.
- C. Involve Isabella: Correct Answer. Builds trust through engagement, empowering both Isabella and her mother.
- D. Extensive list: Overwhelming and less effective for behavior change.
- E. Highlighting regular visits: Important but does not address immediate concerns.
Correct Answer: C. Involve Amara in the discussion and demonstrate brushing techniques.
Justifications:
- A. Focus on findings: May overwhelm the family without addressing their concerns.
- B. Non-verbal communication: Helpful but insufficient as a standalone strategy.
- C. Involve Amara: Correct Answer. Builds trust and empowers both the child and the parent through active engagement.
- D. Extensive list: Risk of overwhelming the family with too much information.
- E. Highlight regular visits: Important but does not directly address immediate trust-building.
Correct Answer: C. Involve Isabella in the discussion and demonstrate brushing techniques.
Justifications:
- A. Focus on clinical findings: May overwhelm the family without addressing their concerns.
- B. Non-verbal communication: Helpful but insufficient as a standalone strategy.
- C. Involve Isabella: Correct Answer. Builds trust through engagement, empowering both Isabella and her mother.
- D. Extensive list: Overwhelming and less effective for behavior change.
- E. Highlighting regular visits: Important but does not address immediate concerns.