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A Trip to the Dentist Was the Highlight of My Week
- lindsaympost
- Sep 16
- 6 min read
I’ll be honest: the dentist’s office has never been on my list of “can’t wait to get there” places.
For me, it’s a little like exercise—you don’t always feel motivated to show up, but you leave feeling better, healthier, and lighter…even if it’s not the kind of thing you usually mark on the calendar with a heart.
But today? Today I had one of THE best dental experiences of my life—and it had everything to do with two women who turned what’s usually a checklist chore into a moment of joy, learning, and emotional connection.
A Front Desk That Feels Like Family
Before I even made it to the chair, I was greeted by a bright spot in a gray office: the woman at the front desk. She joked about how much she “pesters” people with reminders, but truthfully, I love it. Emails, texts, even an old-school phone call—it’s all delivered with such genuine warmth that I never feel bothered, just cared for.
Her upbeat energy and humor set the tone for the whole visit. At one point, I complimented her on how her tone is always so kind and joyful—whether she’s calling or chatting in person—and she responded by doing the Tootsie Roll dance right there in the office. It completely lit me up.
And honestly, while the Tootsie Roll was phenomenal, if she had busted out the floss? I would’ve been rolling on the floor laughing. The dental pun practically writes itself.
I’ve been coming to this practice for years, and I can honestly say I’ve never walked out without feeling lighter than when I walked in. That has everything to do with the way she and the entire staff treat people—not just as patients, but as humans.
A Hygienist with the Voice of a Yoga Instructor
My hygienist was new to me, but she felt instantly familiar. Her voice had the same calm, steady, grounding presence as our yoga instructor, Suzanne, at The Fitness Studio—the kind of voice that lowers your shoulders before you even realize you’re tense.
But honestly, my love for her started with one simple exchange. She asked me if I used a sonic toothbrush. I admitted, “No, they kind of freak me out.” Without missing a beat, she gasped and said, “Me too!” And just like that, we bonded. It was the kind of small, human moment that makes you feel instantly seen.
She wasn’t just kind; she was knowledgeable. She had stories from her time working with the Coast Guard in Alaska (Yes, she took care of service members’ teeth up north!) that she wove into conversation so naturally, I felt like I was chatting with a friend instead of getting my teeth cleaned.
She also didn’t ask me to speak while my mouth was invaded by any of her dental tools or fingers, which I appreciated.
What impressed me most was her balance: she used proper dental terms so I could learn and even look things up later, but she explained them without drowning me in jargon. She gave compliments freely—on my teeth, on my care habits—and in a world where smiles can be a source of insecurity, her words made me feel like a rockstar.
Then came the mind-blowing facts. Did you know seltzer water isn’t completely harmless? I had always assumed my fizzy water addiction was helpful, like a little bubbling rinse. She kindly set me straight, noting that the citrus flavors often have higher acid levels, which can impact your tooth enamel if you’re prone to sipping them ALL DAY LONG like me. She also explained that tea and coffee don’t just stain because of their dark pigment — there’s real chemistry involved. The heat opens tiny little pores in your teeth, increasing the likelihood of staining. 🤯
And when I asked a question she didn’t know—“Does that mean iced coffee is a better alternative?”—she didn’t fake it. She smiled, admitted she wasn’t sure, and encouraged me to dig into the research. That honesty was refreshing. It showed me that expertise isn’t about knowing everything; it’s about knowing enough to guide, and having the humility to keep learning.
From Fear to Trust
The truth is, I avoided dentists for years. The anxiety, the discomfort, the vulnerability—it was easier to just not go. But one weekend, with a painful tooth and no options, I called around frantically. This practice was the only one willing to work with me, to see me quickly, and to do so with compassion.
That moment changed everything. They didn’t just fix my tooth—they rebuilt my trust. And I’ve been showing up every six months since.
Fresh and Knowledgeable
As I was leaving today, I stopped to thank them for their kindness and care. I told them, honestly, “I think this was my favorite cleaning ever. I’ve never felt so fresh and knowledgeable.”
Without missing a beat, they laughed and said, “You should be our walking billboard! That’s our new tagline: fresh and knowledgeable.”
It was the perfect snapshot of who they are—warm, witty, and always looking for a way to make people smile.
A Goodie Bag (and Then Some)
Of course, no dental visit is complete without the little bag they hand you on the way out—fresh toothbrush, floss, toothpaste. But this office goes the extra mile.
They had a whole bucket of goodies for kids sitting out, and when I jokingly asked, “Can I have this goodie bag instead?” they laughed. Because we had chatted about my kids during the visit, they encouraged me to take a couple of treats home for them.
So not only did I walk out with a sparkly new toothbrush, but also a fantastic magic wand (sure to delight my daughter) and a stretchy lion guy (a perfect, post-school surprise for my son). That small gesture made me feel seen not just as a patient, but as a mom—and it turned a routine appointment into something I got to share with my family.
Emotional Intelligence in Action
What struck me today is that this wasn’t just about dental care. It was about emotional intelligence in action.
Self-awareness & empathy: Both women knew how people often feel about the dentist and brought kindness and reassurance to every interaction.
Social skills: They connected through stories, humor, and encouragement, making the whole experience personal.
Optimism & outlook: Their “glass-half-full” approach turned something dreaded into something delightful.
Honesty: My hygienist didn’t pretend to have all the answers, which built even more trust.
Personalization: They remembered I was a mom and extended kindness that reached beyond me.
It was a masterclass in how the way you show up—your attitude, your presence, your EQ—can transform someone else’s day.
A Final Thought
Walking out of the office, I realized I wasn’t just smiling because my teeth were clean. I was smiling because I had been cared for, educated, entertained, and uplifted.
That’s the power of people who lead with kindness, knowledge, and emotional intelligence. They remind us that even the most routine appointments can become meaningful experiences.
And maybe—just maybe—I’ll start looking forward to the dentist after all.
PS: I did some digging, and there is some suggestion that iced coffee stains less than hot coffee, but the research is still emerging. You’re welcome.
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Dive deeper with the "5M" MoveMaker Method - exploring EQ from all angles:
Mini Takeaway:
A dental cleaning isn’t just about plaque and polish—it’s about presence and perspective. When someone leads with kindness and calm, they can turn a “have-to” into a “get-to.” That matters.
Music Reco:
“Smile” by Nat King Cole. A gentle reminder that your smile (crooked, stained, imperfect, or sparkling) is always worth celebrating. Bonus points if you hum it on your way out of the office.
Mindful Snack:
The “Tooth-Friendly Trio” 🥕🧀🍏
Crunchy carrots (nature’s toothbrush).
Aged cheddar (balances pH).
Crisp apple slices (fiber + freshness).
Snack like someone who knows prevention is the real power move.
Movement Exercise:
The “Waiting Room Wiggle”:
1️⃣ Sit tall in the chair.
2️⃣ Roll your shoulders back three times.
3️⃣ Inhale through your nose: “I’m calm.”
4️⃣ Exhale through your mouth: “I’m cared for.”
5️⃣ Optional: add a Tootsie Roll dance in honor of the front desk hero.
Mind-Bender:
What if expertise isn’t about having all the answers… but about creating space for honesty, learning, and laughter—even during a cleaning?
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Snack-sized sentiments, full-sized feelings. Follow @MoveMakerMedia for more everyday chaos and emotional clarity.
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