Coffee, Cavities, and Conversation with Jimmy
- Andrea Fallon DMD
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
As a dentist, each day is a whirlwind of patients, teeth, and tiny triumphs. From the moment I sip my morning coffee to the sound of the last patient leaving, my mind buzzes with thoughts of cavity prevention, patient comfort, and the occasional quirky patient story. Today, I’ll take you through my day, sharing what I think about and obsess over in the life of a dentist.
The Morning Grind
Every day starts with that beloved first cup of coffee. It’s not just fuel; it’s a ritual. As the rich aroma fills my kitchen, I can’t help but think about the patients I have lined up for the day. Are they nervous? Will they need more than the proposed treatment? My mind races through the challenges of each appointment while I sip my caffeine fix slowly.
Patient Preparation: Anxiety and Anticipation
Once I’m awake and alert, it's time to prepare for my appointments. I often find myself thinking about the various patients I will encounter. Will Jimmy - my favorite patient who is always up for a chat - drop by today? His stories about life always brighten my day and give me perspective. I think about what each patient needs to have the best experience in the office and make mental notes to talk about these points with my team.
Cavity Conversations
When it comes to patient treatment, the chatter shifts to dental education. I constantly think about how to best relay information about oral conditions and proper oral care. Sometimes, it feels like I’m giving the same spiel over and over, but then a patient – like Jimmy – asks a question that takes us down a wonderful tangent about health and wellness. Those moments remind me why I love being a dentist: it’s about connection and co-discovery. I learn as much from my patients as they learn from me.
The Dentists' Secret: Breaks Need Purpose
During my breaks, I am writing notes, letters to specialists, working in the lab, creating educational presentations, updating the blog/website or calling to check up on patients from the day before. These breaks are hardly a break as they are busy and the work done during them is critical to keep our office running smoothly.
What Keeps Me Up at Night
As the sun starts to set, I often find my mind racing with thoughts of the day. Did I miss anything? Did I give enough attention to each patient? This obsessive self-reflection is a blessing and a curse. While it helps me improve, there are nights where I lie awake, going over patient details in my head. Did I recommend that fluoride treatment for Jimmy? Or did I get too caught up in his stories? It is human nature to obsess over the one thing that didn't go perfectly, instead of the 50 things that did go well. I am not immune or a stranger to this phenomenon.
A Smile At Sunset
At the end of the day, when I close the doors of my practice, I take a moment to reflect on everything that’s transpired. The laughter, the stories, the patients – they all create a rich landscape that makes my job feel rewarding. While my day might revolve around cavities and conversations with Jimmy, it's the journey all our patients make and the progress they enjoy that gives me energy for the next day.
Thank you to all our amazing patients that help our days be filled with the meaningful building of relationships. We are only able to do the best dentistry because of YOU!!
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