Shout out to my "Designer Dentist"

Designer because Dr. Anesko saved me from a world of hurt caused by shady dentist #1 (yes, I should have listened to my gut that told me there was something wrong with a dental practice being the basement of a Sears that didn't have a consistent water supply. But in my defense, they were a preferred provider as listed on my insurance company's website); restored my confidence in the profession; have really nice offices and state-of-the-art technology (digital x-rays, anyone?) on Michigan Avenue; AND, given recent UK dental experiences, reinforced that there is a lot to be desired about socialized medicine (so attention people who want to do away with the current US health system-- while there are certainly major flaws that need to be sorted, there's no one single solution to make it all better; it has to be some kind of collaboration between public and private. Not to mention, socialized medicine does not translate to FREE health care; it translates to equal access. You still pay for it through the tax system-- and take it from someone who's currently seeing a more than 20% of her salary going to health care services that I use infrequently at best. It's no fun. But, as per usual, I digress...).

I've blogged about my dentist in the past, but in light of recent unhappy events (including teeth that are still sore), have been fondly remembering the great customer experience at Water Tower Dental Care. Not only are they completely patient-focused, they're also so genuinely nice and actually care about your well-being. Not to mention they're state-of-the art and inspire complete confidence.

One of the things that struck me right from the beginning is that it's not just a business for them-- they're committed to patients and giving back to both the community they serve AND to those less fortunate around the world. The first month I visited they were offering teeth whitening services but 100% of your payment went to a local children's charity that provided free dental services to underprivileged children. In fact, I wrote the check directly to the charity and got to claim it on my taxes that year. They also do missionary trips to provide free dental services in areas of the world where dentistry is not up to par. I mean, how cool are they?

So, just a shout out to my friends at WTDC-- I miss you guys! And to all my Chicago friends (or even people just passing through Chicago!), go see them! You won't be sorry.

Designer Dentist

Well, I bit the bullet and had my first experience at the Dentist in the UK. And boy, was I not disappointed. Obviously we've all heard (or perhaps, surmised) about the poor quality of UK dentistry-- speculation and a lot of stereotyping driving that perception, but all the same, it's pretty well perceived in most of the world that Brits, while incredibly talented, successful and powerful in most respects, are not known for their good oral hygiene.

I pretty much confirmed that stereotype yesterday.

On my first trip to the dentist in the UK for my regular 6-month check-up and cleaning, I spent 10 minutes in the office. TEN. That included checking in, filling out my new patient paper work, walking up two flights of stairs to the examining room, talking to the dentist, getting my exam, having my teeth "polished" and then walking back down and booking my follow-up appointment (to repair a cracked crown-- ugh). I am not even kidding. No x-rays, no thorough exam of my teeth, gums, tongue, roof of my mouth or ANYTHING. He sort of looked at each tooth, but didn't check my gum pockets. He kept saying that I have very good oral hygiene and no plaque or tarter (IMPOSSIBLE)-- and, disturbingly, he told the assistant in the room that I had no black spots... whaaaa?!? (A clue into the state of most of his patients' teeth, I would suppose??).

When the "exam" was over (in superhero-speed time), I couldn't believe it-- I asked, "umm... so do I need to make an appointment to have my teeth cleaned, or take x-rays?" to which he answered, "well, if you just had x-rays done and your teeth were fine, then there's no need to take them again..." (UMMM-- at a different dentist IN AMERICA...), "... and, you have very good oral hygiene, so you don't really need to see the hygienist-- I polished your teeth," he added.

WTF?!?!

I explained to him that I generally have pretty deep pockets-- esp. in my back teeth... "4's and 5's" I said (in dentist-speak-- I got a good education at my Chicago dentist). And I know that it's IMPOSSIBLE not to have plaque or tartar-- I know what it looks like (thanks again to my Chicago dentist) and that it's under your gum line-- and only those instruments of torture at the dentist can really get it clean. Besides-- that's the biggest problem. Tartar and plaque that sit on the teeth and under your gums can lead to bigger issues, including heart disease (thank you Aetna). While you can keep it in check, regular flossing and brushing is not enough.

Now, I know I've been particularly diligent about flossing and brushing since moving to the UK and having to give up my Sonic Care (different plugs and voltage) and Designer Dentist (as I affectionately called the Chicago practice), and my gums are looking pretty healthy, come on! Anyone with common sense knows that regular dental visits, cleanings and maintenance should be part of your general health routine.

*Sigh*-- guess my Designer Dentist just got even more designer, considering he now will have a patient flying in from another freaking country to visit him.