The dentist visit. One of the hardest appointments to prepare for.
Bright lights. Strange smells. Someone's hands in their mouth. For many neurodivergent children, the dentist isn't just uncomfortable — it's unpredictable. And unpredictability is where anxiety lives. A personalised visual story gives your child a rehearsal before they walk through the door. They've already been to the dentist — in the story. The real visit becomes the second time.
Last updated: July 2026
Liam's actual dentist story — the same file you'd get.
This is a real Lionmain export starring Liam, our mascot. When you create one, your child takes Liam's place. Watch it, or download the PDF — both come with every story.
Read the full sample story
Liam's Visit to the Dentist
Scene 1 of 11On Tuesday, Mum and I go to the dentist.
Scene 2 of 11Some children feel nervous in new places, and that is okay.
Scene 3 of 11I sit in the big, blue dentist chair.
Scene 4 of 11The dentist shows me the tools first.
Scene 5 of 11A bright light helps the dentist see my teeth.
Scene 6 of 11The dentist uses a small mirror to look inside.
Scene 7 of 11The dentist counts my teeth one by one.
Scene 8 of 11I can raise my hand if I need a break.
Scene 9 of 11I can wear my headphones if I want to.
Scene 10 of 11Mum stays in the room with me the whole time.
Scene 11 of 11When the visit is finished, I go home with Mum.
What makes a dentist story actually work.
- 1
Use your child's real name throughout, not "a child" or a character name.
- 2
Name the actual dentist or clinic if your child knows it — "Dr Sarah at the blue building on Smith Street" is more calming than "a dentist".
- 3
Describe the waiting room specifically — chairs, whether there's a TV, roughly how long the wait feels.
- 4
Name the tools simply and without alarm — mirror, water squirter, little hook — so they aren't a surprise.
- 5
Include an "asking for a break" scene — knowing they have control over stopping is one of the most calming things a story can give a child.
- 6
End with something true and specific — the hot chocolate after, going straight home, whatever your family does.
Sensory moments to prepare for.
Include these in your story so they aren't surprises:
The bright overhead light (mention you can ask for sunglasses).
The smell of gloves and cleaning products.
The sound of the suction or drill (mention headphones are an option).
The taste of the cleaning paste.
Touch inside the mouth — being told before it happens makes it more manageable.
Make this story your child's own.
Add their name, their photo, and the real details of your dentist — and Lionmain creates a personalised version in about three minutes. Your first story is free.
Create our dentist story →Other stories parents have used.
A visit to the doctor
Height charts, stethoscopes and ear lights — walked through in an illustrated story.
Read the guide →First day at a new classroom
New teacher, new room, new bag hooks — the whole first morning previewed the night before.
Read the guide →A morning at the hair salon
The chair, the cape, the buzz of the clippers — each sensory surprise named in advance.
Read the guide →