Friday, August 13, 2010
Trip to the Dentist - Army Style
A Trip to the Dentist - Army Style
by Lou Davis
I arrived in Viet Nam in mid December. After 10 days of in country training, I was sent to Bien Hoa and was able to see the Bob Hope show on Christmas day. The next day a helicopter took me to Fire Base Mace. I reported to my new platoon leader at dusk. He told me to draw ammo, food and water and informed me that we were to be helicopter-inserted into the bush early the next morning.
I found the 2nd squad, where I had been assigned and introduced myself to my new comrades. They mostly ignored me, and I realized later that it was because I was an FNG (F***ing New Guy). After a few weeks, our squad leader was wounded and since I was a sergeant, I took over the squad at the ripe old age of 19.
Our squad walked point every 3rd day and I followed my point man very closely, observing my compass. One day we were bending low to go through some thick brush and his rifle butt accidentally hit me in the mouth, chipping my front tooth. No big deal.
Our platoon was extracted in mid February and we were flown to a Fire Base on top of a mountain named Nuey Chou Chin. We had been in the jungle for over six weeks, and we were exhausted, filthy, and more animal than human. There was a spring half way down the mountain where a water pump and a fire hose brought us water.
My squad was given two perimeter bunkers to occupy and defend, and while my squad members took showers, got mail and enjoyed hot chow, I was busy checking our trip wires, claymore mines, barb wire, drawing munitions and scheduling guard duty. It was late and I was looking forward to sleeping in a bunk and not on the ground, so I decided to hit the rack and planned on taking my shower in the morning.
That night the enemy mortared us and destroyed the water pump, so I didn’t get my shower. I asked my platoon leader if I might be able to go to the rear to fix my tooth. A couple of hours later, I was summoned and climbed aboard a tiny two seat observation helicopter, to be taken to a large Army base in Long Bien.
A soldier in a jeep was waiting for me and we went to a nice air conditioned dentist office. I was surprised to see an American woman as the receptionist and all the soldiers wearing starched khaki uniforms. I sat on one side of the three sided waiting room and no one would sit near me and they all were avoiding eye contact.
I no doubt smelled badly, but I realized that to these folks, I presented a menacing appearance. I had my 45 caliber sub machine gun, a gurka knife, hand grenades and was wearing a captured VC chest web gear loaded with 30 round magazines.
After about 30 minutes, a pretty round eye (American girl) took me to an exam room and placed me in a dental chair. I placed all my weapons on my chest and lap. The dentist soon came in and I could tell that he was intimidated by me. He greeted me and nervously began to look into my mouth. Instantly, I grabbed his wrist, gave him a fierce look, and said very quietly, “Hey Doc, you’re not going to hurt me are you?” He backed away, stuttered, and assured me that I would be treated with the utmost care.
He began to gingerly examine me and I promptly fell asleep. I was awakened by the dentist and the nurse calling my name with their backs against the wall. They were afraid to touch me or startle me. I turned my head to look at them while I felt around my mouth. Finally, I smiled and said, “Good job Doc”. They both almost collapsed with relief.
Outside, my driver was waiting to take me back to the airport. I told him to take me to the PX (Post Exchange, a type of store). He refused, saying that he had orders to take me immediately back to the air base. I tapped my gun and growled, “Take me to the F***ing PX!’ At the PX I bought two bags full of cookies, candies and snack for my guys.
by Lou Davis
I arrived in Viet Nam in mid December. After 10 days of in country training, I was sent to Bien Hoa and was able to see the Bob Hope show on Christmas day. The next day a helicopter took me to Fire Base Mace. I reported to my new platoon leader at dusk. He told me to draw ammo, food and water and informed me that we were to be helicopter-inserted into the bush early the next morning.
I found the 2nd squad, where I had been assigned and introduced myself to my new comrades. They mostly ignored me, and I realized later that it was because I was an FNG (F***ing New Guy). After a few weeks, our squad leader was wounded and since I was a sergeant, I took over the squad at the ripe old age of 19.
Our squad walked point every 3rd day and I followed my point man very closely, observing my compass. One day we were bending low to go through some thick brush and his rifle butt accidentally hit me in the mouth, chipping my front tooth. No big deal.
Our platoon was extracted in mid February and we were flown to a Fire Base on top of a mountain named Nuey Chou Chin. We had been in the jungle for over six weeks, and we were exhausted, filthy, and more animal than human. There was a spring half way down the mountain where a water pump and a fire hose brought us water.
My squad was given two perimeter bunkers to occupy and defend, and while my squad members took showers, got mail and enjoyed hot chow, I was busy checking our trip wires, claymore mines, barb wire, drawing munitions and scheduling guard duty. It was late and I was looking forward to sleeping in a bunk and not on the ground, so I decided to hit the rack and planned on taking my shower in the morning.
That night the enemy mortared us and destroyed the water pump, so I didn’t get my shower. I asked my platoon leader if I might be able to go to the rear to fix my tooth. A couple of hours later, I was summoned and climbed aboard a tiny two seat observation helicopter, to be taken to a large Army base in Long Bien.
A soldier in a jeep was waiting for me and we went to a nice air conditioned dentist office. I was surprised to see an American woman as the receptionist and all the soldiers wearing starched khaki uniforms. I sat on one side of the three sided waiting room and no one would sit near me and they all were avoiding eye contact.
I no doubt smelled badly, but I realized that to these folks, I presented a menacing appearance. I had my 45 caliber sub machine gun, a gurka knife, hand grenades and was wearing a captured VC chest web gear loaded with 30 round magazines.
After about 30 minutes, a pretty round eye (American girl) took me to an exam room and placed me in a dental chair. I placed all my weapons on my chest and lap. The dentist soon came in and I could tell that he was intimidated by me. He greeted me and nervously began to look into my mouth. Instantly, I grabbed his wrist, gave him a fierce look, and said very quietly, “Hey Doc, you’re not going to hurt me are you?” He backed away, stuttered, and assured me that I would be treated with the utmost care.
He began to gingerly examine me and I promptly fell asleep. I was awakened by the dentist and the nurse calling my name with their backs against the wall. They were afraid to touch me or startle me. I turned my head to look at them while I felt around my mouth. Finally, I smiled and said, “Good job Doc”. They both almost collapsed with relief.
Outside, my driver was waiting to take me back to the airport. I told him to take me to the PX (Post Exchange, a type of store). He refused, saying that he had orders to take me immediately back to the air base. I tapped my gun and growled, “Take me to the F***ing PX!’ At the PX I bought two bags full of cookies, candies and snack for my guys.
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Root Canal
You’ve heard it a thousand times: “I’d rather have a root canal than __” you fill in the blank. Root canals have gained one of the worst reputations on the planet and, believe it or not, it is much undeserved.
I worked for an Endodontist for eight years. That’s a root canal specialist. I’ve talked to thousands of people with toothache and fear of root canals. The first question always asked is “Is it going to hurt?”
This is the scenario: your toothache hurts like the dickens. You’ve had an x-ray that reveals decay into the pulp of the tooth. You have two alternatives: get the tooth pulled or save it by having a root canal.
The root canal itself does not hurt, OK? Remember Novocain? No dentist or Endodontist is going to perform a root canal on you if you aren’t numb first. It is a precision procedure. You have to be still and not move around in the dental chair. You must be numb to accomplish that.
It is not the root canal causing the pain. The problem that made you have to have a root canal is causing the pain. A root canal is the first step to alleviating the pain...more...Root Canal Info
I worked for an Endodontist for eight years. That’s a root canal specialist. I’ve talked to thousands of people with toothache and fear of root canals. The first question always asked is “Is it going to hurt?”
This is the scenario: your toothache hurts like the dickens. You’ve had an x-ray that reveals decay into the pulp of the tooth. You have two alternatives: get the tooth pulled or save it by having a root canal.
The root canal itself does not hurt, OK? Remember Novocain? No dentist or Endodontist is going to perform a root canal on you if you aren’t numb first. It is a precision procedure. You have to be still and not move around in the dental chair. You must be numb to accomplish that.
It is not the root canal causing the pain. The problem that made you have to have a root canal is causing the pain. A root canal is the first step to alleviating the pain...more...Root Canal Info
Monday, March 13, 2006
How to be Your Dentist's Favorite Patient
First of all, let me explain something in case you don’t already know. The more your doctor and his staff like you, the better service you will receive. It’s just a plain fact and human nature. Most doctors are swamped with patients and have to make choices when appointing patients to their schedule. So how do you get the only appointment left on next Tuesday, you day off?
Asking for an appointment: Make or break the relationship.Depending upon how large the practice is, there is probably one person designated to make appointments and is most likely a woman or young adult. This position is one of the lowest paid in the practice, so keep that in mind when talking to them and boost their ego at every chance.
· Don’t tell them you have to get in this week because you are going on a cruise or exotic trip next week and just have to be seen now. This will not induce sympathy with a person financially incapable of affording such luxury. Just say you’re going out of town.
· Don’t tell them it ‘has to be next Tuesday between 2 and 4’. Ask nicely if ‘that time’ is available, but do not insist on it. If you consistently follow the suggestions laid out here, chances are the appointment coordinator will move patients around to accommodate your schedule just because you are the favorite. But it is not a good idea to demand a specific time unless they ask you first. In case you don’t know, the appointment coordinator is taught to run the schedule, and to not let the patients do it for them.
· Keep in mind it is the appointment coordinator’s job to FILL the schedule for the doctor. Most doctors want to see a full schedule for tomorrow when they leave for the day. “Emergency time” is seldom available, unless the practice has a consistent need for it. I know of no doctor that likes to sit around with no patients and therefore no income. Even the most caring of doctors still has their income in mind. After all, they have a staff and bills to pay.
· Which brings up the next point: do not ask the appointment coordinator for a discount or a payment plan. Trust me, they will not have the authority to grant one. In most practices, only the doctor can grant lower fees. Sometimes the office manager can suggest payment plans. However, keep in mind, you will never be the doctor’s favorite patient if you consistently ask for lower fees or special treatment in the payment department. If you truly need help with financing, do it with the greatest tact.
· And please, please if you remember nothing else I’ve said here, remember that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Your doctor files your insurance for you as a courtesy. It is not a requirement. It is not their duty. It is not their fault if your insurance does not pay, (most times anyway.) You may be responsible for any balances left by your insurance. Just because your insurance does not pay all of your doctor’s charges, does not mean your doctor charges too much. If there is a question about your insurance, offer to call the insurance company yourself. It is so time consuming for the office personnel to do this. Sometimes they will need to, but you’ll gain points with them if you do it yourself.
· And please know your insurance information. If you are going to a medical doctor, have your medical card with you for them to copy. If you are going to a dental office, know the difference between your medical and dental insurance and have the proper card available. Most dental policies are separate from the medical policy. Some vision policies are separate, also. If you work for a large corporation or a large group, such as State or Federal employees, the office will probably know who is your insurance carrier, but have your card available for them for ID numbers, etc., from the card. If you do not know who handles your insurance, contact your Human Resources department for the information before your appointment. Or, if your doctor is referring you to a specialist, you can obtain your insurance information from your regular doctor to take to the specialist’s office. They will love you for this.
· Which brings up the next point: reward any special favors. Bring goodies with you for the doctor and staff. I’ve had patients bring the doctor a bottle of wine and a box of cookies for the staff. Most people are watching their weight, so fresh fruit is nice, too. One patient brought fresh strawberries, another fresh peaches in season. Bake them a cake. Bring a potted plant. Trust me, they’ll love you for it because it so rarely happens. If you do not have a chance to bring them anything, a written card to the doctor and staff with specific comments about how wonderful everyone was, is a great favorite, too. Praise the staff to the doctor if they do a good job and they’ll be your friends forever.
· Do not wear strong perfume. I’m constantly amazed how often patients do this. Remember you are at a doctor’s office. People there are sick, hurting, or have some kind of malady. A vast majority of people gets headache from smelling strong perfume. You are never going to be a favorite patient nor are you going to get the most compassionate service if all the staff can think about is getting your smelly self out of their office as soon as humanly possible. Do you want to be a rush job? What if your doctor is allergic to your perfume? Mine is! And so are members of our staff. It will be noted in your chart because a nurse or assistant that can tolerate your smelly self will be assigned to you while those you make sick will avoid you. The doctor may deliberately anger you just to get rid of you. You will not be treated well and may never know why because it is hard to tell a patient that they stink! Enough said.
· Try not to cry. Yeah you’re hurting, or deathly sick, but please try not to cry. Doctors and staff will feel helpless and sad for you, but they’ll also be relieved when you leave. Raw emotion is hard for any human to deal with and doctors and staff are no different.
· Do not whine, or complain about another doctor you’ve already seen. It could be the doctor’s best friend. Or a staff member’s friend. If you’ve been ‘doctor shopping’ and have seen several doctors in a short period of time, don’t tell the new doctor that you’ve seen ‘5 different doctors and can’t find a good one’. You’ll be pegged as a ‘problem patient’ in a heartbeat and won’t be taken as seriously. Be professional when talking about other doctors, not complaining.
· Keep religion and politics out of your conversations in the doctor’s office. Period. Unless you know the affiliation of your doctor and/or staff matches yours from something they’ve said. I’ve seen a Baptist patient bring our Catholic doctor literature that conflicted with his beliefs. It created an uncomfortable situation. And don’t think just because you and everyone you know is fed up with your country’s leaders, your doctor is also.
With a little forethought and tact and lots of kindness, you can be one of your doctor’s favorite patients. Now, to find that perfect doctor….
For more articles and information, click here: Toothache Help
Asking for an appointment: Make or break the relationship.Depending upon how large the practice is, there is probably one person designated to make appointments and is most likely a woman or young adult. This position is one of the lowest paid in the practice, so keep that in mind when talking to them and boost their ego at every chance.
· Don’t tell them you have to get in this week because you are going on a cruise or exotic trip next week and just have to be seen now. This will not induce sympathy with a person financially incapable of affording such luxury. Just say you’re going out of town.
· Don’t tell them it ‘has to be next Tuesday between 2 and 4’. Ask nicely if ‘that time’ is available, but do not insist on it. If you consistently follow the suggestions laid out here, chances are the appointment coordinator will move patients around to accommodate your schedule just because you are the favorite. But it is not a good idea to demand a specific time unless they ask you first. In case you don’t know, the appointment coordinator is taught to run the schedule, and to not let the patients do it for them.
· Keep in mind it is the appointment coordinator’s job to FILL the schedule for the doctor. Most doctors want to see a full schedule for tomorrow when they leave for the day. “Emergency time” is seldom available, unless the practice has a consistent need for it. I know of no doctor that likes to sit around with no patients and therefore no income. Even the most caring of doctors still has their income in mind. After all, they have a staff and bills to pay.
· Which brings up the next point: do not ask the appointment coordinator for a discount or a payment plan. Trust me, they will not have the authority to grant one. In most practices, only the doctor can grant lower fees. Sometimes the office manager can suggest payment plans. However, keep in mind, you will never be the doctor’s favorite patient if you consistently ask for lower fees or special treatment in the payment department. If you truly need help with financing, do it with the greatest tact.
· And please, please if you remember nothing else I’ve said here, remember that your insurance is a contract between you and your insurance company. Your doctor files your insurance for you as a courtesy. It is not a requirement. It is not their duty. It is not their fault if your insurance does not pay, (most times anyway.) You may be responsible for any balances left by your insurance. Just because your insurance does not pay all of your doctor’s charges, does not mean your doctor charges too much. If there is a question about your insurance, offer to call the insurance company yourself. It is so time consuming for the office personnel to do this. Sometimes they will need to, but you’ll gain points with them if you do it yourself.
· And please know your insurance information. If you are going to a medical doctor, have your medical card with you for them to copy. If you are going to a dental office, know the difference between your medical and dental insurance and have the proper card available. Most dental policies are separate from the medical policy. Some vision policies are separate, also. If you work for a large corporation or a large group, such as State or Federal employees, the office will probably know who is your insurance carrier, but have your card available for them for ID numbers, etc., from the card. If you do not know who handles your insurance, contact your Human Resources department for the information before your appointment. Or, if your doctor is referring you to a specialist, you can obtain your insurance information from your regular doctor to take to the specialist’s office. They will love you for this.
· Which brings up the next point: reward any special favors. Bring goodies with you for the doctor and staff. I’ve had patients bring the doctor a bottle of wine and a box of cookies for the staff. Most people are watching their weight, so fresh fruit is nice, too. One patient brought fresh strawberries, another fresh peaches in season. Bake them a cake. Bring a potted plant. Trust me, they’ll love you for it because it so rarely happens. If you do not have a chance to bring them anything, a written card to the doctor and staff with specific comments about how wonderful everyone was, is a great favorite, too. Praise the staff to the doctor if they do a good job and they’ll be your friends forever.
· Do not wear strong perfume. I’m constantly amazed how often patients do this. Remember you are at a doctor’s office. People there are sick, hurting, or have some kind of malady. A vast majority of people gets headache from smelling strong perfume. You are never going to be a favorite patient nor are you going to get the most compassionate service if all the staff can think about is getting your smelly self out of their office as soon as humanly possible. Do you want to be a rush job? What if your doctor is allergic to your perfume? Mine is! And so are members of our staff. It will be noted in your chart because a nurse or assistant that can tolerate your smelly self will be assigned to you while those you make sick will avoid you. The doctor may deliberately anger you just to get rid of you. You will not be treated well and may never know why because it is hard to tell a patient that they stink! Enough said.
· Try not to cry. Yeah you’re hurting, or deathly sick, but please try not to cry. Doctors and staff will feel helpless and sad for you, but they’ll also be relieved when you leave. Raw emotion is hard for any human to deal with and doctors and staff are no different.
· Do not whine, or complain about another doctor you’ve already seen. It could be the doctor’s best friend. Or a staff member’s friend. If you’ve been ‘doctor shopping’ and have seen several doctors in a short period of time, don’t tell the new doctor that you’ve seen ‘5 different doctors and can’t find a good one’. You’ll be pegged as a ‘problem patient’ in a heartbeat and won’t be taken as seriously. Be professional when talking about other doctors, not complaining.
· Keep religion and politics out of your conversations in the doctor’s office. Period. Unless you know the affiliation of your doctor and/or staff matches yours from something they’ve said. I’ve seen a Baptist patient bring our Catholic doctor literature that conflicted with his beliefs. It created an uncomfortable situation. And don’t think just because you and everyone you know is fed up with your country’s leaders, your doctor is also.
With a little forethought and tact and lots of kindness, you can be one of your doctor’s favorite patients. Now, to find that perfect doctor….
For more articles and information, click here: Toothache Help
Labels: toothache help
Friday, February 17, 2006
Toothache and Root Canal - Toothache Relief
There are very few things in life as aggravating and frustrating as a toothache.
Does this sound familiar? You may have a high threshold for pain. You can tolerate a nagging backache or aching knee, but pain in your mouth?
No way! There's nothing worse!
It can bring your world to a screeching halt. All you can think of is getting relief.
How do I know? For eight years I worked in a dental office. I was the one you would talk to if you needed information. I was the one that offered comfort when the pain was just so bad. I made my dentist mad, put my job on the line working you into the schedule as soon as humanly possible.
Why? Because I have had a bad toothache. I KNOW how miserable you are."
Does this sound familiar? You may have a high threshold for pain. You can tolerate a nagging backache or aching knee, but pain in your mouth?
No way! There's nothing worse!
It can bring your world to a screeching halt. All you can think of is getting relief.
How do I know? For eight years I worked in a dental office. I was the one you would talk to if you needed information. I was the one that offered comfort when the pain was just so bad. I made my dentist mad, put my job on the line working you into the schedule as soon as humanly possible.
Why? Because I have had a bad toothache. I KNOW how miserable you are."
Labels: toothache help
