Times are crazy!
I have many dear patients that I love to chat with and oftentimes i also give out my personal mobile phone number to patients that have had complex surgery, like implant work. This has never been abused and some patients even include me for funny anecdotes etc which I enjoy.
Anyhow, Rose* (her name has been changed for privacy purposes) called.
She called me this morning, whilst I was reading the Sunday paper over breakfast – yes, I am of a vintage that likes to read a hard copy of the newspaper (which I may have to save for other purposes when I am done at this rate. Desperate times call for desperate measures as they say – see the attached photo 🙂 ).
But hey, I also have over 35 years cosmetic dental experience which has to count for something!
I have known and treated Rose and her family for over 25 years. Her family have moved around the country now but she is still very sprightly and independent and her mind is sharp as a tack. She lives over an hour away and still drives all the way to Penrith to see me by herself. So Rose, who recently had some surgery by another dental specialist that I referred her to, who I was going to call on Tuesday as part of my follow-up with her, though she was not in pain, wanted to ask if something she could feel with her tongue was normal. Moreover, her mind was racing she said and she had so much on her mind, it was lovely to speak to me though she was expecting to just leave a message.
I would like to reassure everyone that we are here for you if you need us. We are doing our very best to look after all of our dental family which includes all of our patients and my dental team and if you have any concerns, please call us. Sometimes being listened to and offered a little reassurance goes a long way.
For your reassurance, with regards to the current Coronavirus situation, please know that since mid-February, we instituted some extra practices to protect our team and our patients, including more regularly disinfecting surfaces, even door handles several times a day, not just in the clinical areas which are normally attended to on a very regular basis as it is. Our facilities and bathroom areas are being very closely monitored. Social distancing is being observed whenever possible (unfortunately my arms are not 2 metres long :)).
You will also be aware that we work on a pretty tight schedule so we don’t have lots of people in our spacious patient lounge at any one time.
Your health and safety is paramount to us and we wish you well in this difficult time. And finally, if you have a smile to spare, please give one away. Little random acts of kindness and a friendly word really does go a long way.
Kind regards
John
