My Dental Poem

So I had to write a paper for my online class, and I was tired of writing papers, so I wrote a poem instead. I was pretty worried my teacher wouldn't accept it, but he said he really liked it. Also, I am pretty sure my fifth grade poem skills need work. The assignment was to relate these two behaviorist's philosophies to treating patients. Also, it is kind of long.

There once was a boy named Bobby
Eating candy was his hobby
His mommy said, “no no”
Daddy said, “to the dentist you’ll go”
And Bobby ate the candy anyway

According to Kohleburg, his parents should learn
That all their admonitions Bobby will spurn
Kids his age need some sort of prize
To make the decision seem good in his eyes
Until then he’ll always say, “nay”

In a dental office, the rules are the same
Kids his age need some sort of aim
Being patient and good in the chair
Is something they must forebear
In order to take the prize away

A goodie bag is what we suggest
To make time in the chair a type of contest
If helpful and respectful they have been
A toothbrush, floss, and toy they will win
And going to the dentist will be like having a party

As Bobby grows his attitude will change
He will grow out of the reward stage
He will want to be good
So people will say he could
This attitude will not us dismay

It is important, at this time
To reinforce his good behavior as sublime
“Such a good, big boy.” “Best patient of the day”
Might be good things to say
Therefore, being at the dentist will make his day

In time Bobby will learn
His behavior he must govern
Not because Mommy and Daddy said
But because a law of ethics has become inbred
At this point you won’t have to keep him from running away

Teach Bobby it is his duty to care
For those dear little teeth and gums in his mouth somewhere
He is lucky to have them, and in order to keep them
He’ll have to brush, and floss, and debride them
This will help to keep away decay

Regular visits to the dentist he must attend
His candy and sugar habits he must end
Each day is important in the life of each tooth
Home care will keep his gums and teeth in their youth
This he must do each and every day

Now, Bobby had a sister Mandy
And just like Bobby, she liked her candy
Mommy and Daddy to her said the same
“The dentist is awaiting and you he will blame
For those cavities that won’t go away

Mandy was too young to understand
And so felt guilty for all she had eaten that was contraband
According to Erikson this might make her feel like a failure
Her parents need to stop or she might lash out in anger
As a dental hygienist attention to Erikson’s theories, we must pay

Instead of reprimanding her or making her feel bad
We should focus on the one clean and good tooth that she had
“This tooth here is quite perfect and clean
I think you can make each of your teeth glimmer with the same sheen”
And here you must not lead her astray

“I will show you what you have been doing right
Brush here and here, and even those out of sight
Yes, that’s just the way, you are doing so swell
Keep up with that and all will be well”
Eventually, that gingivitis will go away

As Mandy got older she was a little shy
Why must I brush when no one knows I am alive
Now, promises are difficult to keep
When only twice a year, to your office she does creep
This is something you may safely say

“Keep up on your hygiene, dear little Mandy
And remember to keep away from too much candy
Those boys will come running, eventually to you
And it will be important, that when they do
You can smile big and confidence portray

It is a hard time of life, but you will feel better
If your teeth aren’t wearing a sweater
You know your friends stinky breath
Remind you daily of the scent of death
Ha ha, yes, keep up on doing what you are doing, just this way”

And years later when Mandy brings her own children in
You can both rejoice that her teeth are as good as ever have been
Remind her that her kids teeth are her responsibility
She might need to be a little bossy
Good habits in her kids she must now lay

Teaching her kids to brush and floss daily
Especially after eating a cookie
Coming to the dentist must be a regular thing
A healthy mouth is for what we are aiming
If they follow Mandy their mom, they are on their way

Erickson and Kohleburg had great ideas
In dental hygiene practice they are good sources
To teach the patient what to do
You must approach the level they are going through
That will help make each day with the patient a productive day