A 26-year-old pregnant patient with a history of epilepsy, suffering with pain in the lower right molar (46), was prescribed RCT and referred to my chamber for the procedure. Her husband, so caring, asked me for permission to stay in the chamber because of her epileptic condition. (Another regular human proving love lies in the gestures, not in the possessions)
I started with a Local anesthetic, drilled a bit, and the access opening welcomed me with a pulp stone, but I stayed calm and poised. Drilled a bit more, utilised DG-16, and there they were, 3 guys waiting for biomechanical preparation. That quiet moment reminded me of why I have heard all my life, " sabr rakho." This was one case that taught me the art of patience.
A few other cases taught me humility when my patient, in his late 60s, got the news of his sister’s passing, yet calmly continued his treatment. One patient gifted me a Cadbury for the painless treatment done by me, while another invited me to dinner as a gesture of gratitude for easing his pain. Such moments reminded me of my purpose that I decided to pursue.
Do all these incidents mean that it is all rosy and breezy working in healthcare? No, not all. I have had patients giving wrong history and quoting words like “mein toh aapki knowledge check kr rha tha.” Dude, I didn’t graduate from WhatsApp University, unlike you. Another uncle in his late 70s, carrying a magnificent cyst in his mandible and saying, “Ye toh antibiotic se thik hoajega, Bass.” I have met people bugging for discounts, choosing quacks over professionals, and doubting my capabilities, just for being a woman. Oh, god, I just don’t want to get started on later.
However, every patient enters the clinic with certain experiences and lessons, and a mutual exchange of words and wisdom is one of the most important factors. Over time, as a clinician, I have realised that it is 49% conversation and 51% skillset. You might be the best dentist in the city, but if you don’t listen, don’t converse, you won’t get the honour of showing your skillset. Compassion, along with composure, in my opinion, is the greatest quality of a clinician.
These three months, I got the opportunity to do more than 100 RCTs, fixed orthodontic cases, aligners, extractions, disimpactions, IMF cases, full mouth rehabilitation via RCTs and bridges, and restorations. I am thankful for the learning and the failures and look forward to doing better work.
Along with that, I have realised that standing up for your rights always pays, irrespective of the situation. In healthcare, especially dentistry, it is hard to find good mentors who actually want to help their associates/juniors, so the saying that we are all in the same boat doesn’t make sense here. Maybe it is the same river, and you have to swim until you buy a cruise by yourself.
MBH/AB