Dentistry Merit Badge Requirements

Requirements

1. # Copy link to requirement 1
   Using X-ray (radiographic) films or images and with your counselor’s guidance, do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 1.a
      Study the tooth structure and look for decay.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 1.b
      Draw a lower molar, using the radiographs as a guide. Label its parts and surfaces. Show surrounding structures such as bone and gum tissues.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 1.c
      Show on your drawing where the nerves and blood vessels enter and leave the tooth.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 1.d
      Show on your drawing where bacterial plaque is most likely to be found.
2. # Copy link to requirement 2
   Do the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 2.a
      Tell or write about what causes dental decay and gum disease.Tell how each of the following contributes to dental decay and gum disease: bacterial plaque, sugars, and acid.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 2.b
      Tell the possible causes for traumatic tooth loss, describe the types of mouth guards used to help prevent tooth trauma, and list the athletic activities during which a person should wear a mouth guard.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 2.c
      Explain the first-aid procedure for saving a tooth that has been knocked out.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 2.d
      Discuss how the use of tobacco products can negatively affect your oral health.
3. # Copy link to requirement 3
   Arrange for a visit with a dentist. Before you go, ask whether your visit can include a dental examination and a plaque-control demonstration. Afterward, ask questions about things you want to know. Then tell your counselor what the dentist does during a checkup examination.
4. # Copy link to requirement 4
   Do TWO of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 4.a
      Name at least five instruments and five pieces of equipment a dentist uses.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 4.b
      With the help of a dentist, prepare a dental stone cast using a vibrator, a mixing bowl, a water measure, a plastic measure, model stone, and a spatula.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 4.c
      Keep a record of everything you eat for three days. Circle those items that may provide the sugars that bacterial plaque needs to make acid. List snacks that you should avoid to help maintain the best oral health.
5. # Copy link to requirement 5
   Discuss with your counselor the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 5.a
      How fluorides help prevent tooth decay and the ways fluorides can be provided to the teeth.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 5.b
      How the mouth is related to the rest of the body. Topics might include chewing, saliva, enzymes, nutrition, and speech.
6. # Copy link to requirement 6
   Do TWO of the following:
   1. # Copy link to requirement 6.a
      Make a model tooth out of soap, clay, papier-m?ch?, or wax. Using a string and a large hand brush, show your troop or a school class proper tooth-brushing and flossing procedures.
   2. # Copy link to requirement 6.b
      Make a poster on the prevention of dental disease. Show the importance of good oral health.
   3. # Copy link to requirement 6.c
      Collect at least five advertisements for different toothpastes. List the claims that each one makes. Tell about the accuracy of the advertisements.
   4. # Copy link to requirement 6.d
      Write a feature story for your school newspaper on the proper care of teeth and gums.Include in your story how the use of tobacco products can negatively affect a person’s oral health.
   5. # Copy link to requirement 6.e
      Make drawings and write about the progress of dental decay. Describe the types of dental filling and treatments a dentist can use to repair dental decay problems.
7. # Copy link to requirement 7
   Identify three career opportunities that would use skills and knowledge in dentistry. Pick one and research the training, education, certification requirements, experience, and expenses associated with entering the field. Research the prospects for employment, starting salary, advancement opportunities and career goals associated with this career. Discuss what you learned with your counselor and whether you might be interested in this career.