Yesterday, 10/10/12, I went into the building of Dental 90210 for dental work. Unfamiliar with the classy neighborhood and posh business district, I marched into the hallway in search of a directory to show me which office to enter. Confused and mumbling the name "Dr. Sprague, Dr. Sprague" under my breath, or so I thought, I gazed in wide-wonder at the ornate beauty and overall cleanliness of my new dentist's office location. Beverly Hills! I'm a City-Slicker, mild-mannered engineering type; and, rarely cause a scene. My shoulders must have slumped a little, or something, when a young lady in a white medical professional's coat approached me and softly asked if it was "Dr. Sprague's" office I sought. Her jacket read, "Dr. Catrina F. Rodriguez," and pleasantly invited me into the proper office reassuring me that I was in the right place and that she was one of the dentists who worked for Dr. Sprague. I followed her inside and was led to the receptionist.
The receptionist's name is Idania, and deserves this well-earned paragraph just for herself. She is a younger-than-thirty-model-type with a million-dollar image, Gloria Estefan curls, and a $500 facial she insists was comped. I gave her my name and apologized for my 10-minute tardy arrival. No worries and a smile. I was reassured with a welcoming, fresh clipboard, a new pen, and Idania further highlighted the areas of paperwork I was to fill. Five minutes later, the quick-witted, intelligent, perfectionist Idania, looked me up on her computer. Problem. My dental insurace was just days new, and I was not in Dr. Sprague's database. Idania gave me the play-by-play of her flying typing fingers search for me in the insurance database. Before I could ask what all had gone wrong, she told me everything was now fixed, to have a seat to read current issues of the impressive array of magazines available. "Your paperwork is with the doctors and you will be called next, Mr. Bodnia. Impressed, I smiled and thanked her.
For the few moments I had before getting ushered into my hygienist's station, I kinda took a look and listen around. I saw two USC Dental School Diplomas on the rear wall, both belonginging to a mysterious and obviously super-qualified man, whom I hoped to meet, in person. He surely seemed a man to be reckoned with. Overheard he was a U.S. Marine. I returned to the waiting room and sat. I knew I was to be in good hands. Indeed, I was!
Suddenly, Dr. Rodriguez opened the door to the waiting room and gestured for me to take her station's dentist chair. She had an assistant named, Henry, a confident and professional X-RAY technician, computer operator, and basically did everything behind the scenes and all that the good doctor requested. My procedures took a full 8 hours. I was given a few breaks to regenerate my mouth- opening retention capability and drill and so forth. I was offered and brought a very cold can of Diet Coketo amelliorate the thirst they somehow knew I developed. Question: when has your dentist given a Coke and a Smile? I was just in a Beverly Hills moment of awe when I first saw, met, and firmly shook hands with the Man who made this fantastic experience possible. Doctor Sprague. In proper Chief /
Head Honcho / First Officer apparel, bluish/purple scrub-tupe uniform, the Legend of his Trade cameup to me. I was slightly leaning against a wall, downing my soft beverage, when he turned some corner and made his presence at my station. I quickly snapped from slouch to semi-attention when he extended his hand and called me by name and introduced himself to me. I managed a few words, then that unforgettable "Once a Marine, Always a Marine" firm handshake of dignity and respect. I have heard there are stars in Beverly Hills. Yesterday, I thought I met them all. Today, is the day after. I confirm I was amongst the real Stars.
The Brightest Star, in my opinion was my dentist, Doctor Rodriguez. She is a skilled, patient-compassionate, teeth magician. Also hums a great tune and loves the 80's music on the office radio playing The Wave. Kind, intelligent, gifted, compassionate. My teeth feel better today than they did when Tears for Fears topped the Pop Charts. Being from the Phillipines, Doctor "Catrina" (no Waves implied) informed me that in Manila their radio waves only broadcast British Pop. Fascinating! She went to the L.A. County Fair to se TFF perform (Lucky!); called her friend back in the Phillipines and held up the phone for the encore song, "Shout." Always thinking of others. And for a full workday Dr. Rodriguez made me her only priority. I hope I was good company, a decent patient. Writing this Review is my way of trying to give back what was (virtually) freely given to me. Thank you for your perfectionism, doc, you have a patient for life!
Honorable mention to "Armita," la Joya de Zapotlan, Jalisco, Mexico, america del norte, la tierra. And Marni, too! read more