Also congrats and thanks for sharing that. Good luck. I have been going to a new dentist for basic work, filling replacement, deep cleaning, etc. This guy is so relaxed that he passes it on to his patients, or least me, and I have no fear whatsoever (I never did, really, but we all know what it's like going to the dentist) of repeated visits. He's also the nicest dentist I've ever been to. That's the secret of being a good dentist. So perhaps someday when you're drilling and filling and billing, you'll think back to these words of wisdom from lil ol me, just another flyboy who has less fear of his dentist than he does of getting his hair cut.
I've actually heard this from several people...and I think thats completely true (coming from someone who was affraid of the dentist when I was younger). My father gave me the best dental advice I think, he is a dental hygentist (as is my mom). He told me to be very careful not to hurt the patient. He says "if you don't hurt them they will think your a God." While I think that might be a little extreme, the message is clear-people are terrified about the dentist in general and by making it painless you make yourself look really good. I think I am very lucky to have his advice. Plus, I'm also lucky that I come from humble beginnings. Many of the young dentist's out there come from money and are very uptight and "superior." I've never been that way, I grew up around people who worked very hard for what they got and they taught me how to act...and I think thats really going to help me when I become a dentist. My parents have given me a lot.