Following the American Psychological Association’s Guidelines
Procedure
Warm up (5 to 10 minutes)
The teacher will ask the students how many have been to the doctor or dentist. Then the teacher will ask how many students go to the doctor or dentist regularly. A few students will be asked to briefly describe their experiences when they went to the doctor or dentist for students who may not have had much experience. Unusual experiences may be dwelled on if they present an opportunity for learning vocabulary or situational awareness. If no students visit the doctor or dentist regularly, or feel comfortable sharing stories, the teacher will share some stories in order to break the ice, or provide information for those who need a frame of reference.
Development
Activity #1 (10 minutes)
The first exercise is designed to familiarize students with a doctor’s office and a dentist’s office. The teacher will ask students if they would like to share anything specific about their visits, if anybody shared. Once they have, the teacher will then explain what the “Please Stand Here Until Called” sign’s significance is. The teacher will also explain the essentials needed when visiting a doctor or dentist office (i.e. ID, social security card, insurance card).
Activity #2 (5 to 10 minutes)
A worksheet will be handed out to every student with a script on it. The script with require that the students break up into pairs. Each student will have the opportunity to play the receptionist and the patient. The point of the exercise is for students to “call in” to the receptionist and schedule themselves a doctor or dentist appointment for a particular time or day. The exercise will familiarize them with the action, and get them comfortable with the idea of making doctor or dentist appointments.
Example
Receptionist: Hello
Patient: Yes, hi, I’d like to make an appointment for myself.
Receptionist: Okay, may I ask what symptoms you are experiencing?
Patient: (the student is to insert symptoms here)
Receptionist: Alright let me see. When would be best for you?
Patient: Can the doctor see me some time around 10am?
Receptionist: We have a 9:30 and an 11:30 spot available that day. Will either of those work?
Patient: (Student is to pick a time that works “best for them”)
Receptionist: Terrific! Can I just get your name, birthdate, and phone number
Patient: (Student should give real name and birthdate for habit purposes, but can give different phone number if they feel uncomfortable giving that information in front of the class).
Receptionist: Alright Mr./Ms. _______, we will see you (insert appropriate time here).
Activity #3 (10 to 15 minutes)
The students will again be broken up into pairs. They will be given a different worksheet, also with a script on it. During this exercise, each student will have the chance to be a doctor or dentist, and a patient. The “patient” will discuss the symptoms they have been having, and the difficulties they have been experiencing. The “doctor” will ask about the symptoms and difficulties. All scripts include a diagnosis to ensure students do not lose focus. The activity is based on familiarizing students with speaking to doctors or dentists about their issues, as well as learning what to expect from doctors or dentists.
Example
Doctor: So, how have you been feeling lately?
Patient: My gums are very sore. There is one tooth in the back that is sensitive to cold foods, and one that is sensitive to pressure. I cannot lay on my left side some nights!
Doctor: That sounds very difficult. Are you brushing and flossing regularly?
Patient: I am brushing regularly, but I can’t brush the left side too hard. I can only floss the front right now, my gums are too sensitive near the back.
Doctor: For right now, it sounds like it might be a few cavities and gingivitis. However, I’d like to take a few x-rays and inspect your mouth before I do anything. Just rinse with this wash and we’ll take a look at you.
Closure (5 minutes
The teacher will ask the class how their roleplaying felt, briefly assessing the feelings of the class overall. A short time for questions will be given in case any come up. The teacher will answer anything that was not covered by the role-playing or the brief lesson in etiquette. An overview of official vocabulary used by most dentist and doctor’s offices will be given, and if there are no further questions, the class will be released.
