Sept. 6, 2012 ... Why I Do This...

Today I had one of THE MOST satisfying/memorable experiences I have had in the program thus far. I was at the VA today and had an elderly gentlemen scheduled as my afternoon appointment. As I walked up to the waiting room to bring my patient back, I was a little intimated at first as he presented in a wheelchair. He seemed very fragile and his darling wife informed me that he had been ill and was not looking forward to this appointment. As soon as I heard this, I was bound and determined to make his experience a positive one. Because of his health, he had to sit almost straight up in the chair, but I tried to make his cleaning as comfortable as possible. The majority of the appointment was devoted to OHI, as I demonstrated the use of certain aids to help both him and his wife clean his teeth and mouth effectively. I was also able to give him a few samples of Biotene for his severely dry mouth - the look on his face after I sprayed a few drops in his mouth was priceless...I could have been mistaken for a magician for all he knew. To make a long story short, by the time I finished the appointment, he couldn't stop telling me how this was the BEST cleaning he had ever received in his life - "and I've had a few cleanings in my life time". As I handed him a mirror to view the finished product, his face instantly lit up... he literally couldn't stop smiling as he said, "look how good my teeth look, I look so good". That moment for me was priceless, I gained so much satisfaction from that single moment. As I walked him and his wife to the front, this wonderful gentlemen nudged his wife and said "ask her". She asked for my information and wondered if it would be OK if she gave me a call as soon as I graduated so that they could come visit me in private practice. My heart melted. It is so easy to get caught up in completing requirements, missing spots, etc. that I think I tend forget the "bigger picture". Today I was reminded of the true reason why I chose to make this my profession - to make some small difference in the health/wellness of each of my patients, each and every day. I will never forget this memory. What a fulfilling day! :)