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.
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.
Use your child's real name throughout, not "a child" or a character name.
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".
Describe the waiting room specifically — chairs, whether there's a TV, roughly how long the wait feels.
Name the tools simply and without alarm — mirror, water squirter, little hook — so they aren't a surprise.
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.
End with something true and specific — the hot chocolate after, going straight home, whatever your family does.
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.
In this example, Liam — our lion mascot — is the brave main character. When you create your own story in Lionmain, your child steps into Liam's place with their own photo, name and familiar details. That's the moment it stops being a story about someone else.
On Friday morning, Mum and I walk to the dentist's office together.
The waiting room has soft chairs and a big window with sunlight.
Dr. Robert is a kind person who helps look after my teeth.
I sit in a special chair that can move up and down like a ride.
A small tool makes a gentle buzzing sound while it cleans each tooth.
Feeling a little bit nervous about new sounds is a normal thing to feel.
I can hold Mum's hand or take a deep breath if I want to stay calm.
When my teeth are clean and shiny, I go to the playground to play.
Imagine this story with your child's face where Liam is. That's what Lionmain creates.
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 →