Monday Memories - The Dentist

Twin Falls Idaho Public Library
the dentist's office is to the left of it

Mom must have chosen Dr. Carpenter based on his location.  The public library and the city park (complete with wading pool and maple trees) were just across the street from his dental office.  Mom would drop us off at our appointments and then come back two, or three, or four hours later to pick us all up.  If you were one of the first ones in Dr. Carpenter's chair, and had no cavities, there was plenty of time to go to the library and play in the park until everyone else was done.  Of course, going to the park and library was after you stopped by the receptionist's desk and picked an expandable, be-jeweled ring from the box.

Because we lived thirty miles from town and our dentist appointments took all morning (there were ten of us kids), we stopped at a fast food drive-in after our exams. Those who had cavities got milkshakes; those without cavities got a hamburger and french fries.

I've found milkshakes consoling ever since.

Today I had another dental appointment.  As the dental assistant suctioned saliva, I thought of Dr. Carpenter's office and the green sink with swirling water that was next to each dental chair.  Remember how we used to spit in the bowl?  I had forgotten all about that until today.  But I didn't forget about going to get a milkshake after the appointment.  I drove straight to DQ and ordered a medium hot fudge one.  And guess what?  Anah from Texas sent me a darling card a month ago with $10 in it.  I'd mentioned in a post that I don't like going to the dentist anymore.  Anah said she hated the dentist too; the $10 was for future dentist-visit milkshakes.  Her thoughtfulness warmed me through and through, and the milkshake soothed my aching mouth.  Thank you Anah for your gift. It was very much appreciated.

(By the way, the dentist told me yesterday that my 40 year old fillings - Dr. Carpenter's fillings - were really good ones.  He said fillings never last that long.  He said they usually give them 10 or so years maximum.  He said that for the supplies and technology available then he had done a good job.  Dr. Carpenter had a red nose with lots of purple veins.  Dentists didn't wear masks back then like they do now.  Staring at his nose up close for hours and hours like I did, I often thought I could spot him in a police line-up should someone ever need me to.  No one ever needed me to though.  Maybe Mom chose him on skill, and because he wasn't a criminal instead of location.  Maybe he was brilliant and chose his location.)


How about you?  Were expandable rings your dentist prize, too?  I don't remember what they gave the boys do you?  Do you remember having to spit in the swirling mini-sinks?