And speaking of dentists and collard greens… Were we? Well, I have been talking about dentists with my mother’s college roommate who hates hates hates going to the dentist. And collard greens, lots of people hate those too, but not me (keep reading for more on this tie-in). I’ve never minded the dentist and in fact, if I could get my teeth cleaned every month and have insurance pay for it, I would.
One of the absolute worst things about moving to another state has been having to change doctors. I loved my Dallas dentist and all the ladies who work there. If you live in the area and need a dentist, I highly recommend Travis Spillman / Dental Center of Lakewood. He isn’t one of those dentists who tries to refill every old filling in your head or sends you off with a detailed financial plan for future work. He’s a young (but not Doogie-young) guy with old school ways and a super cool office that includes flat screens in each examination room so you can watch television while getting your teeth clean. Nice.
Luckily, Dr. Spillman referred me to a dentist in Rogers. Todd Phelan, DDS. They went to dental school together. Yay. Having a referral makes changing much easier. Yesterday I went for my first cleaning. I’m telling you, it was a pleasure.
First off, when I first walked in, the background music was Talking Heads. Good music set the stage for what followed. (I once had a dentist who played opera and sang along with it. After a while, it got to me.)
Secondly, you know those two pages that must be filled out every time you walk into a doctor’s office? His was the best questionnaire ever. One of the questions was tell us a little about yourself. Another was what are your hobbies? Oh my, these are dangerous from a writer’s perspective. I filled the page down the margin, included a shameless plug for my blog, and even worked in how I love collards. No kidding. I’d eat them every meal if I could. And I could if I made them more often.
Third, the entire staff was so friendly. We have already bonded over a certain hilarious story I can’t discuss here but may have to write a short story about.
Fourth, the examining chairs vibrated. Yes. Massage examination chairs. Nothing weird, just a little relaxing vibration on the upper back, shoulders and head. Heaven at the dentist office and those words may never have been written together until now. Maybe this is normal for Northwest Arkansas, I don’t know, but the only place I ever experienced this in Dallas was at Fine Nails. And, I’ve been to some fancy schmancy doctor’s offices in Dallas, specifically those that charge half a semester of college for a root canal.
Fifth. I’m sure there is one, but I can’t get past those chairs. Well done, Dr. Phelan.
Grace Grits and Gardening
Farm. Food. Garden. Life.
[tweetthis]Heaven at the dentist office. Massage examination chairs! #ToddPhelan #NWA [/tweetthis]
Musical Pairing:
Talking Heads – And She Was
A niece-by-marriage, Jacquline Hoggard is a dentist at the veteran’s clinic in Fayetteville. Her husband, Keith Hoggard, is one of the youth pastors at Central UMC. They have a first baby, Bennett, born last July. If you ever need something, give them a call. Tell ’em “Aunt Trisha” sent you.
Thanks Aunt Trisha! Good to know:))
haha…very cool, Talya…It’s good to have a good dentist you can trust…and like you, I don’t mind going to the dentist, either. After working as an engraver for so many years, those little drills dentists use have a calming effect on me…like I’m sitting at my desk and grinding away on a piece of brass…My dentist here in Franklin actually told me I was one the best patients he had, that is, after waking me from my nap…haha…I couldn’t help it…I got bored.=)
Tim, I almost always fall asleep too.
Okay, so Todd’s parents are good friends of ours. His dad is Hubby’s dentist. Ask him who delivered his babies:) SMALL WORLD. He’s a greT guy.
That’s so cool!
I love Dr Phalen. That’s who I got a rec for too. All his family were Ouachita folks and I love catching up when I’m in there. “My gal” is awesome too. Doesn’t hurt that he’s right down the street from my office!