To sign 'dental', form your dominant hand into an 'X' handshape by bending your index finger into a hook. Bring your hand up to the side of your mouth. Gently tap the side of your mouth or cheek near your teeth twice with the side of your hooked index finger.
Sign 'tomorrow', point to yourself, then sign 'dental' followed by the sign for 'appointment'.
Point to the person, sign 'have', then sign 'dental' and 'insurance', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself, sign 'dental', then sign 'clean' and 'good', nodding your head slightly to emphasize the positive statement.
Sign 'tomorrow', point to yourself, then sign 'dental' followed by the sign for 'appointment'.
Point to the person, sign 'have', then sign 'dental' and 'insurance', making sure to raise your eyebrows to indicate a yes/no question.
Point to yourself, sign 'dental', then sign 'clean' and 'good', nodding your head slightly to emphasize the positive statement.
Yes, they are often signed exactly the same way. Sometimes, 'dentist' is signed by adding the 'person' marker (moving both flat hands downward) after the 'dental' sign, but in casual conversation, the base sign is frequently used for both.
No, you don't need to touch your actual teeth. Tapping the outside of your lips or cheek right next to your teeth is the standard and most hygienic way to perform this sign.
Absolutely! In ASL, you should always use your dominant hand for one-handed signs. If you are left-handed, simply form the 'X' handshape with your left hand and tap the left side of your mouth.
