Morgan was very helpful on the phone, getting my appointment in order, filling me in on recent procedural changes, accepting my payment remotely, and letting me know I would have a new hygienist.
Mallory did an efficient and quick job on my cleaning, using modern tools effectively and making practiced small talk, suitable for all age groups—much like the music being played in the background. She even told me my home care had resulted in a “Super Good” result.
The surrounding world has gotten much younger as I’ve aged. We’re now at the point where my children comment about dentists, doctors, and other authority figures appearing to be still of high school age—something I’ve been doing for decades.
Morgan and Mallory don’t work for my regular dentist. They are part of a periodontal group I have used for several years to help reduce gum shrinkage and prevent all manner of dangerous diseases caused by tooth neglect. At least that’s what they tell me.
Eight months ago, I met with the former periodontist for the last time. He retired after that, and now I’m seeing a guy who appears to be still trying to figure out high school physics. Not sure if anyone watches Maine Cabin Masters, but they offer a segment that uses angles to resolve issues with warped flooring and refers to high school physics.
Now high school for me was an astoundingly long time ago—but I don’t remember any physics classes being available at Tuscaloosa High. I did take plane geometry, which offered an exhaustive study of angles of all sorts—much like the Maine Cabin Masters guys were talking about when referencing high school physics. Anyway, to my point, the doctor was really young looking, although nowhere close to the youngest appearing dentist I’ve ever encountered.
My dentist in Birmingham for several years was slightly built and had a baby face. The first time I visited, he entered the room I was occupying and appeared to be, at least to me, someone involved in a Take your Child to Work Day. His smock was too large and with his youthful appearance seemed much too young to be trusted with one’s teeth. Over the next five years he proved to be highly capable and was actually the first dentist to suggest a program to improve my receding gum problem. Although he didn’t suggest bringing in anyone else.
The Birmingham hygienist was capable and friendly although she had one off putting trait. Evidently used to working on small children, she talked to me as if I was four years old. Or maybe she figured “Old People” revert back to toddlers after so long.
In four months I will see my regular dentist once again, and things will get more normal. While there are several newer employees there, most of the staff has been in place since I moved back to Columbia in 2002. My hygienist has an actual first name, Carol, and comes from a demographic much closer to mine. She even lets me listen to Jason Isbell while reclining in the chair.
Although, to be fair, she’s never told me I did “Super Good.”
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