A filling: students role-play needing to get a filling (or get one replaced) and asking questions about the process, such as the length of the procedure, how pain will be prevented, what the filling is made from, and how to care for the filling afterward. A toothache: In this scenario, students can role-play experiencing a bad toothache and how to communicate their symptoms to the dentist. This might involve practicing language related to pain, swelling, and discomfort.

Geographic tongue is a common condition which can appear on the top and sides of the tongue, and sometimes on the under-surface.

I love this one by CHILDREN’S VILLAGE. A good reminder that imagination and rich play opportunities can emerge from even the most basic set-up!

Why not celebrate National Smile Month using these resources? You can reinforce good oral hygiene by asking the children to consider the symptoms people often suffer from and fill out these patient forms to work on their handwriting skills. Ready to Use Role-Play Ideas

Teaching about the latest events?

The free resources we have made explain why and how children can keep their mouth healthy, along with best brushing practice. These resources allow children to manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs successfully Complete this form to access our free Early Years' Foundation Stage Dental Buddy Resources Overall, the key to adapting role-play activities for different levels of language proficiency is to be flexible and adjust the activity to meet the needs of your learners. By modifying the length and complexity of the script, using visual aids, encouraging learners to use their own words, providing support and scaffolding, and differentiating roles, you can help ensure that all learners are able to participate and benefit from the activity.

To write a script, start by listing the key phrases and questions that students will need to use during a trip to the dentist. This might include introductions, such as “Hello, my name is [name]” and “I’m here for a cleaning,” as well as questions they might have for the dentist, such as “Is this going to hurt?” and “How long will it take?” Here are some more questions students might need or want to ask at the dentist’s: By the way, make sure your students also understand the purpose of role-play and how it can be used to prepare them for a trip to the dentist. Now, let’s take a look at some practical tips for making role-play a successful tool in the classroom. 4 Tips for Making Role Play a Successful Tool in Preparing Adult ESL Students for a Dental Visit Differentiate roles: You can assign different roles to learners based on their language proficiency level. For example, you could assign a more advanced learner to play the role of the dentist, while a lower-level learner could play the role of the patient. This can help ensure that learners are challenged at an appropriate level. In conclusion, role play is an effective tool for helping adult ESL students feel more prepared and confident for a trip to the dentist. By using props, incorporating humor, and practicing for potential negative situations, you can create a dynamic and realistic role-play experience that helps students practice the language they’ll need and feel more comfortable during their actual appointment. By leveraging the benefits of role-play, you can help your students feel more confident and capable of handling the challenges that may arise during a real-life trip to the dentist. Keep reading about using role plays in adult ESL!Soha is Head of Scientific Engagement at Johnson & Johnson. Soha brings a strong foundation as a Periodontist across NHS, private, hospital and specialist practice together with extensive experience in both R&D and the commercial areas of industry.