Chicken Soup

By drr

January 25, 2011

Category: Uncategorized

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I was reading a copy of Chicken Soup for the Dental Soul and came accross this. I thought I would share it if you haven't read it.

Preventive dentistry can extend human life ten years."

- Charles Mayo, founder of the Mayo Clinic.

Vella was one of our favorite patients. Married more than 70 years, she and her husband were both the same age. Like her husband, Vella was a ray of sunshine - still knowledgeable and interesting in spite of her advanced age. Our staff learned something new every time the couple visited our office. At 96, Vella still had nearly all her natural teeth -although most of them were worn and broken. Nevertheless, she came in regularly to have them cleaned. The passing years had also taken their toll on Vella's good nature - she had grown more and more cantankerous.

During a recent cleaning, Vella must have asked me every five minutes "Who are you? And what are you doing to me?"

Each time, I answered, "Vella, I'm Adrienne, and I'm cleaning your teeth for you."

When I was nearly finished with the cleaning, she grabbed the armrests, raised herself bolt upright on her elbows, and demanded in a loud, cranky tone, "WHO ARE YOU? AND WHAT ARE YOU DOING TO ME?"

Patiently, I explained, "Vella, I'm Adrienne, and I've been cleaning your teeth for the last ten years."

With considerable irritation, she hollered, "AND YOU'RE NOT DONE YET?"

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