Interview with Dentist John Smith

John Smith is one of the best dentists I've ever had. He's great with children and adults, and that seems to be rare these days. I've been thinking of asking to interview him for ages and finally had the guts to ask. He was flattered and shocked and scheduled a sit down with me at the end of the day.

I sat down with my mind racing and began asking questions and taking notes as fast as my fingers would move.

Did you always want to be a dentist? No, not really, I wanted to be a famous football player but that didn't work out. In my junior year, I was injured quite badly. I wasn't one of those jocks though that was simply betting on the scholarship to slide by in college. I was a straight A student, I loved reading and learning. It was only later on when I started to notice that the first thing I noticed in other women were their teeth that I might want to look into becoming a dentist. I had always noticed imperfections even the slightest in other people's smiles. This just seemed like the natural avenue.

So you weren't like Hermie the elf from Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer? No, I never had dolls as a child and certainly not any with teeth.

So after you got into dental school, how did that go? I loved it right away. I was like a sponge taking it all in, wanting to know more. It wasn't easy but there was so much to learn that I had never expected.

Doesn't it bother you to be in a persons face that closely? No, I've never had any issue or thought of it. I'm attracted to beautiful teeth and smiles. If I make one or help make one, then I've done a great thing.

Do you ever get upset at a patient that seems like they aren't taking care of their teeth? Not upset, but disappointed. I realize it isn't cheap to take care of a smile, but if you start young and brush everyday, the only thing you may need is a cleaning. In addition, cleanings aren't that often nor that expensive.

Do you think or feel heredity has anything to do with bad teeth? Oh yes, and more! Diet, is a very important factor. If the mother didn't eat well while carrying the child, not only will there be bad teeth but other health factors and risks. Milk and calcium is very important. There are those whose family history is thin teeth, those are traits that are past down. Therefore, those family members are likely to have the same problem with their teeth.

I once read that certain astrology signs have weak or bad teeth too; did you notice an increase with patients with a certain birth date? John laughed... No, I've never noticed anything like this. I added, "I would be interested in knowing though, as I'm an Aries and know other Aries with the same problem and would love to know if it was true." That's something I'll have to look into.

Do you think you will continue to be a dentist until you are old enough to retire? Yes. I truly love my job. There may be days when it seems nothing goes right like missed appointments, double scheduled appointments, cavities being deeper then we thought, X-ray machine going down, you name it, but that's just part of life and would happen in any job. I enjoy making the world brighter, one smile at a time.

Are there any tips you would like to pass on to readers of this interview? Certainly. Brush at least twice a day, and make sure you floss and mouthwash. If you have a problem affording dental care, or dental products, visit any name brand website for toothpaste samples, as well as ask your dentist for some. If you can't afford dental work, your local school should have some sort of health care program to help assist you. Welfare should be able to assist too depending upon your state. Another fantastic way to help is there are also dental colleges that work on the public for a much cheaper rate. After all you can only truly learn by working on a real set of teeth. There are of course downfalls to going to dental colleges for work. You could get someone who doesn't know what they are doing, and could end up making a mess of things; however, there are supervisors who keep a close eye on their students. If however, you find a dentist you like, and you can't afford dental care, many will help you work out some sort of payment plan if you do not have insurance.

Another important note I'd like to make is, stay away from gum, and sugar candy. Gum can cause more damage besides cavities. Diet is very important, drink milk and eat fruits and vegetables. Going to the dentist doesn't have to be something you are frightened of, a well balanced lifestyle will lead to a pain free life.

I'd like to thank John for taking the time to sit down with me, and give such wonderful in-depth answers. I enjoyed it, and learned a lot about my dentist, and dentistry in general.