Requirements
1. Using X-ray (radiographic) films and with your counselor’s
guidance, study the tooth structure and look for decay.
Then do the following:
a. Using the radiographs as a guide, draw a lower molar.
Label its parts and surfaces. Show surrounding structures
such as bone and gum tissues.
b. Show on your drawing where the nerves and blood
vessels enter the tooth.
c. Show on your drawing where bacterial plaque is most
likely to be found.
2. Do the following:
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.
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.
c. Explain the first-aid procedure for saving a tooth that has
been knocked out.
d. Discuss how the use of tobacco products can negatively
affect your oral health.
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. Do TWO of the following:
a. Name at least five instruments and five pieces of
equipment a dentist uses.
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.
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. Discuss with your merit badge counselor the following:
a. How fluorides help prevent tooth decay and the ways
fluorides can be provided to the teeth.
b. How the mouth is related to the rest of the body.
Topics might include chewing, saliva, enzymes,
nutrition, and speech.
6. Do TWO of the following:
a. Make a model tooth out of soap, clay, papier-mâché,
or wax. Using a string and a large hand brush, show
your troop or a school class proper toothbrushing and
flossing procedures.
b. Make a poster on the prevention of dental disease.
Show the importance of good oral health.
c. Collect at least five advertisements for different
toothpastes. List the claims that each one makes.
Tell about the accuracy of the advertisements.
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.
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. Learn about career opportunities for both Doctor of Dental
Surgery (D.D.S.) and auxiliary dental professions. Pick
either general dentistry OR a dental specialty, plus one
auxiliary dental profession. Find out about the education,
training, and experience required for these two professions.
Discuss these with your counselor, and explain why these
professions interest you.
Resources:
Scouting.org Merit Badges - Requirements
boyscouttrail.com Merit Badges