Dental Check-Up English Dialogue Pointers

Visiting the dentist requires a very particular set of English skills. A patient must understand how to respond to a dentists questions and communicate concerns about their teeth. Learn important vocabulary and study the following authentic dialogue to prepare for your next visit to the dentist. Vocabulary gums: the pink tissue connecting your teeth to your jawto recline: to lie or lean backopen your mouth: (at the dentist) to open your mouth as wide as you comfortably can and leave it open until told otherwiseinflammation: irritation that is often painful; usually of the gumsX-rays: an imaging procedure that allows a dentist to see a patients bones/teethstandard procedure: common practice; normalcavities: a hold in the tooth resulting from decayfillings: used to fill cavitiessuperficial: shallow; not deepto identify: to find or locatetooth decay: rotting of the teethevidence of further decay: signs that the tooth is rotting moreprotective apron: worn by a patient during an X-ray to keep them safe from the rays emitted by imaging equipmentto drill: to use a special tool to remove bacteria from a cavity in order to prepare it for filling and prevent more decayto take care of: to fix or correct a problemto get your teeth cleaned: to go to the dentist where they remove plaque (a material coating the teeth) in order to prevent cavities and gum diseases Dialogue From a Dentist Appointment The following conversation represents an exchange between a dentist and their patient during a dental check-up. Make sure that you understand the terminology used and expectations of the patient. Sam: Hello, Doctor. Dr. Peterson: Good morning, Sam. How are you doing today? Sam: Im OK. Ive been having some gum pain recently. Dr. Peterson: Well, well take a look. Please recline and open your mouth...thats good. Sam: (after being examined) How does it look? Dr. Peterson: Well, there is some inflammation of the gums. I think we should also do a new set of X-rays. Sam: Why do you say that? Is something wrong? Dr. Peterson: No, no, its just standard procedure every year. It looks like you may have a few cavities as well. Sam: Thats not good news. Dr. Peterson: There are just two and they look superficial. Sam: I hope so. Dr. Peterson: We need to take X-rays to identify tooth other decay and make sure that there isnt any between the teeth. Sam: I see. Dr. Peterson: Here, put on this protective apron. Sam: Okay. Dr. Peterson: (after taking X-rays) Things look good. I dont see any evidence of further decay. Sam: Thats great! Dr. Peterson: Yes, Ill just get these two fillings drilled and taken care of and then well get your teeth cleaned. English Dialogue in Other Medical Settings Make sure that you know what to expect from other medical appointments as well so that medical professionals can help you with any problems that you may have. Dentist Youll interact with professionals other than the dentist when you get your teeth checked. Be able to communicate with a dental receptionist and dental hygienist—they will be the first people you talk to during your next dentist appointment. Doctor There are a number of different experiences that you might have during a doctors appointment. Know how to tell a doctor or nurse about any symptoms or pain you are experiencing and be prepared to answer their questions about your general health as well.