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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the difference between a Zoo Animal Teaching Aid® and a Plak-Posse™ Pal?
What is the difference between a Zoo Animal Teaching Aid® and a Plak-Posse™ Pal? Zoo Animal Teaching Aids®, (or ZATA’s as we refer to them) are puppets, with twice life sized dentition and a water-squirter. Their dentition is made of unbreakable PVC. They range in size from 25 to 15 inches tall (depending on the design) and come with an oversized demonstration toothbrush. They squirt bottle feature releases water from the mouth in a stream or very softly depending on the force used in squeezing the bottle. ZATA’s have been around for nearly 15 years and are proven effective tools for oral health discussions. Plak-Posse™ Palz, are equipped with ½ life sized dentition that has four flossible locations; two on the top and two on the bottom. They are too small and cute to be puppets and come with two children’s toothbrushes. They are the perfect size for children to use and are great in groups to pass around during group presentations.
What are the teeth in the ZATA’s like? The dentition is made of unbreakable PVC, and can be flossible by using a sharp blade to pass in the interproximal spaces.
What do I do if I need a repair or replacement? If you have an old style breakable model, the dentition can be replaced with our unbreakable version for a cost of $30.00 per model. You can send the animal back with shipping and contact information, to
Please include a $30.00 check or phone contact to provide a credit card number for the repair. We will repair your item and return quickly. This repair will also cover the replacement of the water bottle, tubing and tongue (if missing). Remember, the new unbreakable model will require that you cut spaces between the teeth for flossible locations.
Which one is best for group instruction? We think that the ZATA is best, due to its size and interactive design. Being a puppet, it is more animated and memorable, and the water squirter is a fun way to engage your audience. We now offer the family packs which are big and little versions. While you are demonstrating with the ZATA, you can have the littler Star SmileZ™ touring through the crowd.
The tongue comes packaged with each ZATA. It can usually be found attached to a Velcro closure on one of the animal’s hand. Notice that there is two sided pressure sensitive Velcro attached to the tongue. Attach the Velcro to the lower palate of the dentition. The tongue can be used to demonstrate brushing and can be removed and placed on the Velcro provided on the hand.
You can use it for a holder for the oversized toothbrush or storage of the tongue
How do I create more interproximal spaces? By passing a thin sharp blade, like an exact-o knife between the teeth wherever you want to demonstrate flossing. This is definitely and adult only activity!
Can the ZATA and PPP be washed? These products can be surfaced cleaned with any mild soap or cleaner. We do not recommend full submersion or washing machine use, because of the dentition. We have a plush cleaner available for sale for $6.95.
Can parents buy these for their children? Absolutely! We have parents coming to our website often to buy the Plak-Posse Palz/Star SmileZ™ line up. At $24.95, they are an affordable assistant to the childhood challenge of tooth brushing. Thanks to your recommendations, parents are finding us and helping their children combat tooth decay, the number one chronic Childhood disease.
Do you accept purchase orders? Yes, for institutions, no private practices please. We require a hard copy with a signature and contact information. You can fax the purchase order to 352 332 1828. Please be sure that there is both a ship to and bill to address. We need a phone number for the purchaser and the billing contacts. Feel free to provide us with an email address and we can send you confirmation of receipt of the PO and let you know when it will ship.
ZATA’s original characters were designed nearly 15 years ago. A dentist and other creative minds, sat around talking about how difficult it is to decrease the fears of children when they come to the office. When you are booking the patients on a tight schedule, every minute matters, right? Well this was a solution that we came up with! Let’s give them a chairside buddy, one that is getting some dental care, too! The original products were heavy and bulky. We used to make the dentition for the animals in our own little “garage” factory and install them in the evenings after our “regular” work day. As Paragon has grown, we have automated and standardized our products. We can now be found in nearly 20 countries and in almost every dental distributors catalog in the US. We started the Plak-Posse Palz/Star Smilez™ at the urging of our friends, parent’s (we had twin two year olds at the time) and other dental professionals! Thank you, we do listen and continue to take your advice on new characters, designs and products. Our goal is to have these oral health entertainers be the ambassador for healthy smiles!
Do they all come with the water squirter? No, only the ZATA line comes with a water squirter, all the puppets except the Large BG Roo. The large BG Roo has a sound device in him that makes the noise of a spring instead of the water squirter.
I love my new assistant, but how do I use it?
Who manufactures this product? Paragon International Inc. is both the inventor and original manufacturer of unique plush teaching products for oral healthcare. Email us if you or your organization requires a sole source letter.
Are you producing new designs? Certainly. We continue to develop new designs and improve upon our existing items. If you have comments or suggestions we would love to hear from you. We offer a Star SmileZ™ Program that is design to send you new characters quarterly. You may also want to join our newsletter and be notified of special offers.
We strive to provide everyone with the best products all the time, but if for some reason you are unhappy with your new product, please feel free to return it for the cost of the merchandise minus the shipping or we will be happy to exchange the product for you. Please include the form below for reference: Is the dental model flossible? Zoo Animal Teaching Aids: The teeth do not have inter-proximal spaces, although you can easily remove the material between the teeth if you want to demonstrate flossible techniques. The teeth are cast from a flexible material that can be easily altered. Plak Posse™ Palz have 4 flossible locations, two on top and two on the bottom jaw. Do you provide brushing guidelines? Our purpose is to improve the lives of others as an advocate for great oral health. We keep our brushing guidelines intentionally broad in order to meet the needs of our diverse audiences. We offer the following strategy to all our customers: Advice for children’s Star SmileZ™!
Can your products help me build my practice? The key to effective marketing efforts is being memorable and that is precisely what our products do best. Use our Zoo Animal Teaching Aids® to strengthen your presentation and then leave a Star SmileZ™ character (perhaps personalized) in the classroom where you are speaking. Both the teacher and the students will be reminded of you and your presentation throughout the year.
My patients may think this idea is just as crazy as I do. What if they laugh at me? Here is a direct quote from a patient after her dentist presented our product to her daughter: “My daughter has struggled with fear of dentists since the beginning. We were all surprised at the ease this animal instilled in her and how smoothly our dental visit went after a short interaction. Thanks so much!” Your commitment to innovative education strengthens your reputation and we all know, satisfied patients are an excellent referral source.
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