I, like most people, detested going to the dentist. I hated the ill-fitting, torturous chair, the sound of the drill and its smell, but the thing that haunted me most was the manner in which they treated me; in which they made me feel. I was nothing more than a tooth on their assembly line--independent of emotion; seen primarily as a body part. For most of my life, I did my best to avoid this humiliating experience. Then, the unimaginable happened.
On December 21, 1999, I was involved in a near fatal accident. One that left me brain damaged. Because of my Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) I had to re-learn a whole set of cognitive functions most people take for granted. These include: reading, writing, bathing, dressing oneself, and somewhere in these wrinkles of time came refreshing my memory on how to brush and take care of my teeth.
I didn't have a job or money to my name, so I qualified to receive care at a health center where dental coverage was included. Finally my teeth would be attended to. Or so I thought. Years passed like running water, and I couldn't understand why they getting worse not better?? Why was it always my fault? Why did they have to re-do the same filling seven times? Why did they extract my teeth at will? I got tired of being shamed for my situation, so I recently went off looking for something better.
After a couple of missteps, where I ran into some 'Nazi' dentists more interested in lining their pockets than in procuring what is best for their patients, I entered the enclave that is Dente. Nervous at first--I didn't know what to expect nor did I hold out much hope. Yet, here in this space there was a different kind of feeling. I couldn't quite place a finger on it till I realized that Dr. Anette was really listening to what I had to say. She was interested in my backstory, in what brought me there, in me. She asked questions and went as far as to show compassion. Imagine that, the words dentist and compassion in the same sentence.
Dr. Anette examined me. Rather than telling me how decrepit my mouth was, she assured me that she could work on them. After all, she proclaimed to be a dentist and that meant she was in the job of saving teeth; of making people smile from within. But it was more than that. Her excitement to restore my mouth dazzled me. It was infectious.
So, the first installment of my reconstruction has been placed and I'm happy to report her gift as a dentist is not only impeccable, but flawless matching her always happy, energetic state of being. If I had to encapsulate Dr. Anette in one word, I would call her human. A human who cares deeply for the lives of her patients and who guides her staff to do the same. From the moment I stepped into Dente, I became aware that it was a team effort. Her assistants, other dentists, and receptionists have been nothing but patient, helpful, and kind.
I, by all means, recommend Dente as the top choice for your dental protection. I further ask you to keep one thing in mind: my case has been a unique, out-of-the-ordinary one, and she's worked miracles. Now, imagine what she can do for you!!
Warm Regards,
Maria A. Hernandez read more