Do you need to teach your upper elementary students how math is used at the dentist? Dentists use tons of math every day! From using fractions in their measurements of numbing medicine to estimating how many supplies they need, a dentist's office is a perfect way to help your students relate math to real life!
How does a dentist use math?
Show this video to your students which interviews a real dentist, Dr. Joel, who explains to elementary students how he uses math every day!
What are some different ways that my students can practice this in class?
Have your students price out different dental supplies like toothpaste, toothbrushes, and floss! See if they can come up with how much one bag of dental goodies would cost!
Have your students create a mock dentist schedule! Have them create a daily schedule that includes a start time, lunchtime, and end time. See how many patients they can schedule with certain time blocks to practice elapsed time!
Have students create their own dentist word problems. This can include fractions, time, or measurements! Have them trade with a friend in class.
Contact a local dentist to have students interview them about how they use math in their daily practice!
Do you have any additional resources that could help my students?
Want to show students math at the dentist? Check out this dentist clipart!
Subscribe to my Youtube Channel for more real-life math examples!
Where can I find more information on Westerville Pediatric Dental, the dentist, shown in the interview?
Westerville Pediatric website: https://westervillepediatricdental.com/
Check them out on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westerville_pediatric_dental
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