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The
practice of cosmetic dentistry requires not only training in the
standard dental curriculum, but also the understanding of facial
structure, aesthetics and – equally important – psychology.
These treatments are truly life-enhancing, but many patients find
themselves fearful of the unknown – even though it will improve
their lives enormously.
The
satisfaction of helping patients through this process, seeing their
fears melt away and their self-confidence soar as they find themselves
able to smile again (sometimes for the first time in years) is always
substantial. Having built a successful cosmetic practice for ten
years, I have long wanted to find a way to give back – especially
to women who could not afford the costs involved, but who could
really benefit from all that I’ve learned. The Smiles for
Success program that I had read about many times in the Womens Dental
Journal seemed an ideal fit between my talents and my desire to
help others.
Monica
Greene was referred to our practice through Smiles for Success and
NITCHEN (a Native American education program). Monica was trying
diligently to find employment and in need of major dental work to
help her find it. Her earlier experiences with dentists had been
difficult, and left her with fears about pain and the outcome of
the work she required.
When
Monica and I started working together, she was out of work, with
no insurance, and having a hard time. As she put it; “I had
extreme fear of dentistry. And it had been years since my last treatment.
At the dentist’s office, it was too expensive, so I had gone
to an emergency room with a toothache. They gave me painkillers,
but didn’t treat the problem. I knew I needed the work, because
I kept applying for jobs online. At first, the employers would respond
favorably to my resume (I looked good on paper) but, when we met
face to face, they’d always say ‘I’ll call you’.
Somehow they never did.
“But, after I met Dr. Mello, things changed for the better.
Because I hadn’t smiled in years, at first my face didn’t
know which way to go. But her entire office made me comfortable
(not an easy thing to do!) They treated me like a person, not a
number. They made me a complete set of dentures, and I began smiling
again. When my family had a cookout, I laughed so much they almost
fell out!”
More
important, Monica began applying for jobs on the internet again.
By the time she went for an interview, the work had been completed
– she felt more confident and outgoing. Most important of
all, she got a new job – with Homeland Security.
Monica
was one of the most satisfying patients I was able to help. Initially,
her warmth didn’t come through; she wasn’t feeling good
about herself, so she was holding back. Afterwards, she really shined!
You could see the warmth – everybody in the office noticed
it. You’ve got to see HER – an outgoing person, excited
about going into a new field and now confident enough to show that
warmth. You could see it returning.
The
entire experience was deeply rewarding – being able to put
the skills I’ve learned to such productive use. You always
feel good when you’re able to give people the help they need,
especially someone who wouldn’t otherwise have access to it.
Smiles
for Success is a wonderful program. I would urge my colleagues to
join me by volunteering their skills to benefit women in need, really
enabling them to make a better life for themselves. Women helping
women is a powerful idea, and I’m hooked!
Elisa Mello, DDS
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