When our doctors are out of the office and one of our patients has an emergency, we have them stop by to see if there is something we can do. Otherwise, we refer them to the doctor we have asked to cover for us while they are out.

In this case, one of our patients had an emergency and I was able to help her.  One of her front teeth had become so loose that it fell out completely.  She wasn’t in any pain (the tooth had a root canal and post) but was mortified because she had this gaping hole when she smiled!

As an assistant, I am limited as to what I can do to help.  So after thinking about it, I was able to affix the tooth back into place long enough to take an impression.  By doing this, it allowed me to make her a clear retainer which would hold her tooth in place until Dr. Donaldson could restore it more permanently.  The patient was so happy that I was able to help her!  She still remembers how “Irene made me a retainer and saved my smile.”

-Irene

I just had the pleasure of visiting with one of your patients who recently moved to our area. I discussed with her the wonderful dentistry that I saw in her mouth – particularly the veneers. Nice job! kudos to the dentist and lab. This is the type of work that I strive to emulate, with varying degrees of success.

regards
Barry Kliger

I had a powerful experience with a new patient this week. This man had avoided the dentist for ten years and was scared to death to return. He was afraid and ashamed that his mouth might be falling apart. He had had very bad experiences years ago that left him feeling awful about himself and resentful toward dentists. As my new patient consultation appointment proceeded, this man would stop, shake his head, bring his hands to his face holding back inner emotions and say “wow.” He was overwhelmed by genuine, non-blameful caring.

He hung out with my office manager afterward and went on and on about how relieved, hopeful, and genuinely excited he was. He knew he could have good dental health and how we were going to help him with sedation dentistry to get a few things back under control. He could have confidence in himself again and the dentist wasn’t going to be the enemy any more. As a dentist, this is what it is all about for me: helping people get to a better place in their lives. Read the rest of this entry »