The Spitting Dentist Remembered

Today on my itunes: Various. I took my playlist and hit shuffle. I’ve heard stuff today that I haven’t heard since I loaded it on my computer almost 4 years ago. It’s been fun! Right now it’s Flogging Molly.

Today at work, during my “allowed” down time, I caught up on my blog reading. It’s really too bad it is only Wednesday because I will be hard-pressed for things to do to keep me busy by Friday.

Anyway, I thought Elle’s entry from yesterday was amusing and it reminded me of my own dentist story.

I don’t like going to the dentist because one of the hygienists that I get is EXACTLY the same way as in Elle's story. No matter how great my teeth look, she alway comes with the negativity. But the funny story is really about my old dentist. At one point we had a dentist that spit while he talked to you – with your mouth wide open! He’s since retired to Arizona – good riddance with all the spitting! This guy had a few bad faults that I really didn’t ever notice until I referred a friend to him and he complained to me one night. The next time I went in I was disgusted at his habits and was horrified at the thought that I had missed it all for so long! Did I miss it all this time? I had a hard time believing that I - Me would've missed something so disgusting. Maybe my mind blocked it out? I may never know. Another bad habit would be when he would go out for a smoke right before the Hygienist was ready to have him check after a cleaning. Then with NO mask, come in and do a quick exam on you. NO MASK! I’m a smoker and it bothered me!

Along with the spitting dentist, his girlfriend, a hygienist named Kitty (yes, I said Kitty) was a buxom, blonde girl that when she smiled her whole face was teeth. Perfect, huge, white, teeth. I wonder what she had to do to get those teeth, how many times....oh never mind, it's too horrible to even think about! She was at least 10-15 years younger than him, clearly a 2nd wife candidate, and frankly he was no looker, so I never understood the attraction. I wasn't keen on her at first, she bent down at the waist to talk to me (I’m only 5’2”, she was around 5’ 6” – no giant mind you) like I was a little child. I thought she was very condescending but she was like that with everyone and over time you realized that she was actually being very genuine. Also, she didn’t bitch at me about flossing but would actually tell me things like (in a very sing-song voice) “Oh! Joni! You are brushing so much better this time”. She always talked like that, always with the smile, and always surprised by everything. The friend whom I referred, called her Miss Kitty, a perfect name for her – a combo of a stripper and a kindergarten teacher.

Before I knew the two of them (The Dentist and Miss Kitty) were an item I went off on the dentist to Miss Kitty for his bad habits and the very next time he did an exam on me, he was wearing a mask! I told my friend this and he laughed and laughed and told me that the two of them were engaged! Always me and my big mouth! I couldn't have been the ONLY person to have said something - could I have been?

Now that they’ve moved, I kind of miss them. Not the spitting or the huge, white, teeth of course, but the fact that they knew me so well. And they knew that I was terrified of pain and did everything I needed so that I wouldn’t feel any pain, and usually didn’t charge “extra” for it.

My new dentists are okay. (It took TWO guys to replace the one spitter) They are both young, and a bit cocky for my taste. I had a cavity filled a few months ago and got the bill and saw a double charge for “extra” numbing agent. Why should I get charged “extra” when I can still feel pain? Is there such a thing as “extra”? If I feel pain then it’s NOT ENOUGH right? There is no such thing as "extra" is there? I should ask them that the next time I go in.

Did I use enough quotes for you this time? Here’s an “extra”! HA!

Today is payday and date-night. Nothing special planned for tonight, but maybe another movie, which means I will review it tomorrow.

Enjoy the day.