Dentally Yours

Dentally Yours

I am not too fond of dentists. I don’t disrespect dentists, but I believe going to the dentist means having to endure pain 90% of the time. That's why volunteering for the Medical/ Dental Mission last July 21,2005 and assisting dentists was quite an experience for me.

We prepared gargling water for the patients. Mel Patal and I made sure that the patients on our corner of the Sto. Tomas gym had water exactly when they needed it, which was usually after 1 to four teeth were pulled out by the dentist, one after the other (ouch!). Painful as this may sound, it was in this Mission that I saw the human side of their profession. I saw how they tried to relax their patients, how they tried to crack a joke or two to lessen their fear of what they were about to go through.

Encouraging words 'Kayang-kaya mo yan!' (you can do it!), challenges 'Tingnan nyo 'yung bata o, kaya nya, kayo pa kaya!' (if a kid can take it, you can too!), and advise were given by the dentists. Always, the concern and care for each of the patients were there, even if it was volunteer work and they were not getting anything for it. Or maybe there was something . . . the satisfaction and fulfillment of having helped the residents of one of our key communities. Maybe that was the reason why the dentists enjoyed volunteering.

After the dental mission, I found myself having new respect and admiration for dentists. It is a noble profession that can help a lot of those in need.

Maybe I should renew my ties with my dentist . . . that is, if I can remember his name.