Candy For My Dentist
When I was growing up, I went to a dentist who gave out candy and charms when you finished your visit. In fact, his office was situated over a candy store. I found this very convenient since my mother would always take me downstairs to the candy store and buy me something sweet to eat and a comic book. I didn’t like going to the dentist, but I did look forward to what came afterward.
This created the association for me of dentist equals candy, or at least lollipops. As a result of this, I always ask my dentists for lollipops, usually to no avail.
About 3 years ago, I changed dentists and on my first visit, asked for a lollipop. I was somewhat insistent and said I wasn’t leaving without one. The office people up front scrounged around and found one in a desk. I left content.
A pattern was formed. I would tell them to have a lollipop ready for me when I made my appointment, and they would say it wasn’t seemly to offer their patients candy.
In spite of their protests, I usually got something. The second appointment I got chocolate, the third, gum, and so on. In reciprocation, I made them Black and White cookies.
On a recent appointment, they had nothing for me. I was disappointed, and when the survey came to rate the dentist and practice, I put down that I was very disappointed I didn’t get a lollipop.
As it turns out they were not amused.
I went there to make an appointment for peridontal work and mentioned I expected a lollipop.
“So, you’re the one,” a person at the front desk said. “You’ve caused us a problem. Whenever anyone googles the dentist, something about lollipops comes up. It’s not funny,” she said smiling ( Idid think it was kind of funny).
“I didn’t know my comment would show up on your site. I thought it was internal,” I answered, “but in my defense, I did ask for a lollipop in my appointment confirmation.”
“Please don’t put that in the survey again,” she asked.
“Ok,” I answered as Barbara, who happened to be with me, gave me the “look”.
A week later, I had the peridontal work, and was given a follow up appointment for two weeks to take out the stitches. I didn’t get a lollipop, but the post surgery instructions specified only eating soft foods like ice cream, pudding, cheese cake, and drinking thick shakes and malteds. Who was I to argue?
The office called me the next day to see how I was, and I asked if I could have the stitches taken out sooner. I told them they owed me because I didn’t get my lollipop.
“Well, I could possibly do it if YOU agree to bring us candy,” she replied.
“Hmmm, I do have about 2 1/2 pounds of Jelly Bellies left, I could bring those,” I said, “but only if you agree to display them prominently in the office so all can see.” I felt it was only fitting to share with the other patients.
“Done,” she said.
I think they are coming around to my point of view.
