Toys for Children Interested in Being a Dentist (Or for Your Waiting Room!)

Toys for Children Interested in Being a Dentist (Or for Your Waiting Room!)

Looking for dentist themed toys? You’ve come to the right post. Whether you’re looking to open or update your waiting room, just have a kiddo eager to participate in the profession (this week), or trying to encourage better brushing and flossing, we’ve rounded up some great finds with links.

Most dentist offices today have a child-ready waiting rooms because they know that it’s so important to keep the scary part of visiting the dentist as far from the child’s mind as possible. By doing so, they can eliminate fear early on and help that client maintain a healthy mouth throughout childhood and beyond. This might also explain those goodie bags or treasure chests stuffed with stickers, balloons and other fun items to coddle their youngest clients, who should start coming in as soon as their first tooth bursts through their gums.

“The AAPD recommends that every child visit the dentist by the child’s first birthday. The American Dental Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics recommend a child visit the dentist by age one as well. This “well baby check” for the teeth can establish a dental home and helps ensure that parents learn the tools they’ll need to help their children remain cavity-free.” (Source: www.aapd.org, 2014)

OFFICE OR AT-HOME

Dentist Play Kit

Similar to the doctor play kits you find at most store toy departments, this one comes with soft-stuffed toothpaste tube, explorer, mouthwash, mouth mirror, flosser, and a bag to hold them all.

Dentist Play Kit Link

Mouth Model and Giant Toothbrush

This larger-than-life teeth set model comes with a toothbrush. The springs make it open and close and the tongue moves as well, both fun ways to visually explore the mouth. This might also work well in exam rooms to show proper brushing technique.

Dentist Novelty Items

Giggle Time Toys has a variety of super cute dentist-themed toys that would be great for party favors, stocking stuffers, or quick grabs for the treasure chest after a appointment! They offer chattering teeth, dentist tool shaped bands, slinkies, tooth water squirters, tic tac tooth games, sticky white teeth, mood rings, stickers, bouncy balls, and more.

Dentist Doll or Bear Outfit and a Dress-up One To Match

No play room or waiting room is complete without a doll or stuffed animal! Take your dentist theme a step further by having fun dentist outfits to place on them like this one from Child Therapy Toys. Or let them be the patient and buy this Melissa and Doug Dentist Costume complete with dentist tools for a spur of the moment pretend appointment.

Magic Slate Board Pads

These fun tooth themed magic slate board pads are great for waiting mini patients, the grab box at the end of an appointment, or just for at home. Each tooth character will make your kiddo smile! You can buy them by the dozen on Amazon.

Hasbro Crocodile Dentist Game

This younger age group classic game by Hasbro is a winner. Players become the dentist and hope they don’t bite by their patient! Grab it from any toy section of your local store or get it on Amazon just in time to wrap and place under your Christmas tree!

WAITING ROOM STYLE TOYS

If you’re looking for more big size items to fill your waiting room or play room, check out these more common items you often find at health professionals waiting rooms.

Activity Cubes with various sides like this one on Creativity Institute that has Mini Rollercoaster Express, Pathfinder, Counting Abacus, Learn the Alphabet and Fun Gears.

Magnetic Sand Tables like this one by Creativity Institute greatly influence  hand eye coordination. Even better, they keep them busy and their brain chug, chugging.

Mirrors, Forts, and Play Structures are great options if you have a larger space. They tend to hold attention and tucker out the patient, making them less likely to battle it out in the dentist’s chair.

Hands on Wall Panel Pads are a fun way to memorize your child and let them touch something without worrying about smudges on glass and mirrors. These are especially useful in exam rooms when parents have to bring a second child and need a distraction. This cute option by is one of many designs you can find online.

BOOKS

Of course, books are a wonderful way to discuss and explore teeth care, dentist visits, and other tooth related topics. Here is a list of our favorites!

Show Me Your Smile – Dora the Explorer

The Berenstein Bears Visit the Dentist

How Many Teeth by Paul Showers

Harry and the Dinosaurs “Say Rahhh” by Ian Whybrow, Adrian Reynolds

What if you had animal teeth by Sandra Markle

Melvin and the Magnificent Molar by Julia Cook and Laura Jana

Brush Your Teeth, Please: A Pop-Up Book By Leslie Mcguire

The Tooth Book By Edward Miller

Tooth Trouble By Jane Clarke

Do you have any other toys or tooth-related items that your child loves to play with? Is there an item in your dentist’s waiting room you think every dentist should have? Please let us know on our social media pages or leave a comment!