Hedgy Visits the Dentist is a children’s picture book about preparing for a dentist visit, designed to help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and support positive experiences at the dentist.
The story follows Hedgy the hedgehog on his very first visit to the dentist. He experiences what happens during a dental appointment, including new sounds, unfamiliar tools, and different sensations. Through the story, children learn what to expect and how to manage feelings of worry or uncertainty.
This book is also designed to support early oral health education, including how to look after teeth and establish good toothbrushing routines.
It helps children understand:
What happens during a dentist appointment
How to feel more confident during new experiences
the importance of looking after teeth
Basic oral health and toothbrushing habits
It is particularly helpful for children with:
Sensory processing differences
Social communication differences
Neurodivergent children
Anxiety around medical or dental visits
Additional learning needs
Included with the book are supportive resources such as an award chart with sticker rewards, toothbrushing instructions, a linked toothbrushing song, and additional activities to reinforce learning.
The book has been developed with input from the oral health promotion team at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and aligns with current national toothbrushing guidance (2025). A special library version is now available too.
Hedgy Visits the Dentist is a children’s picture book about preparing for a dentist visit, designed to help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and support positive experiences at the dentist.
The story follows Hedgy the hedgehog on his very first visit to the dentist. He experiences what happens during a dental appointment, including new sounds, unfamiliar tools, and different sensations. Through the story, children learn what to expect and how to manage feelings of worry or uncertainty.
This book is also designed to support early oral health education, including how to look after teeth and establish good toothbrushing routines.
It helps children understand:
What happens during a dentist appointment
How to feel more confident during new experiences
the importance of looking after teeth
Basic oral health and toothbrushing habits
It is particularly helpful for children with:
Sensory processing differences
Social communication differences
Neurodivergent children
Anxiety around medical or dental visits
Additional learning needs
Included with the book are supportive resources such as an award chart with sticker rewards, toothbrushing instructions, a linked toothbrushing song, and additional activities to reinforce learning.
The book has been developed with input from the oral health promotion team at Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust and aligns with current national toothbrushing guidance (2025). A special library version is now available too.
