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Zubby, home

Before a dentist visit

A short cartoon about a pretend visit and a hand signal, with your child as the hero. Watch it together at a calm time, then talk.

Try a story beginning

An example story beginning for this moment. It is not a cartoon of your own story.

Cartoons are made with AI. You preview each one before your child sees it. Automatic checks can miss things.

Illustration, made with AI: a boy raises his hand for a pause while his dad plays dentist with a torch and a toothbrush, and a small glowing firefly raises one arm too.
Illustration, made with AI

Let's imagine

Example, made with AI

Leo (6) remembers that the last dentist visit was hard. Dad listens. At home, they set up a pretend visit on the sofa and take turns being the dentist. "Let's find a way to ask for a pause," says Dad. Leo raises his hand. "Pause." Dad pauses at once. "Before we begin, we'll tell the dentist how you'll ask for a pause." Leo practises his signal twice.

The characters in this example are made up. Your child can be the hero, with or without a photo.

What happens in the story

In the example above:

  • Leo says the last visit was hard, and Dad listens.
  • They play a pretend visit at home and take turns being the dentist.
  • Leo picks a way to ask for a pause: a raised hand.
  • Dad says they will tell the dentist before they begin. The story doesn't say how the real visit goes.
Try a story beginning

Talk-after card

Here are three gentle questions to talk about after this example. Best watched together, then followed by a chat or a game.

  1. What did Leo and Dad play at home?
  2. How did Leo ask for a pause?
  3. What signal would you like to use for a pause? You can tell me or show me.

Use the ones that feel right. Skip any you like.

What a cartoon can and can't do

  • Zubby does not replace the preparation your child's health team gives.
  • Fears are common. If fear keeps stopping your child from sleeping or doing everyday things, talk to your child's doctor.
  • A cartoon can't make a dentist visit comfortable, and it doesn't say it will. Your child's dentist knows the steps and can tell you what to expect.
  • Every family has its own pace.
  • Each Zubby cartoon is made to be talked about together. It can't do the work of routine, patience or your child's doctor.
  • If you are worried about your child's sleep, eating, fears or behaviour, talk to your child's doctor, nurse or teacher.