09/24/2020
We have a long way to go with this case. Photos were rushed and these temps are far from perfect, but as I’ve expressed before, I don’t use this platform for likes or shares, or to become an influencer; but simply to be real. To give a glimpse of me as a doctor and person, one who hopes to make even a slight difference in someone’s life so that they may go on and do the same for someone else. After all, this concept is what has made me who I am.
This patient helps us to call attention to and the effects that anxiety of any sort can have on a person’s health. This patient is one of the sweetest, most caring, most empathetic people I’ve ever known. I’m absolutely honored to know her and am thankful that God brought her in to my life. The sweetest person in the world, who rarely smiles. I’m mean really smiles. The belly laughing, not a care in the world type of smile. Think about that. Think about making a conscious effort to not smile. What might this do to your well being? There are many things, even one’s own well being, that will be sacrificed due to . The mind, body, and spirit are a unit that need to be treated as such. I promised to make this appointment quick, I promised to not make a fuss. I think I took these photos in about 10 seconds combined. But this patient needs to smile at her daughter’s wedding in two weeks. She needs laugh without effort at this momentous occasion.
I suppose this post is a plea to everyone. Doctors, take the time to assess your patient’s mental well being. It will make all the difference to them. Patients, don’t give up. Ever. There is always something we can do for you. I’ll admit. Yesterday was a hard day. I squeezed this patient in. I was in surgery all day and had what felt like a million follow ups and exams. But I’d do it again in a heartbeat. These are the moments we live for in the dental field. Lots of follow up photos to come!
And P.S. I learned A LOT of this even before dental school. is life long mentor and a master at restoring smiles. 🙏🏼❤️