Today, I was sent home from a Budapest dental office because my teeth were "too clean." Yes, this is a true story.
Usually, dentists and dental hygienists are a tough crowd to please. Even if I flossed daily, brushed multiple times a day with the softest bristles possible and never let sugar touch my lips, there is always room for improvement (like last year, when I was chastised for over brushing). However, my experience today has made me rethink my dentistry assumptions.
After months of procrastination, I finally found a reputable English-speaking dentist to visit in Hungary. Since this region is known for dental tourism and attracts Western Europeans to their experienced and relatively inexpensive facilities, I had no qualms about skipping out on my life-long Colorado dentist. Everything was fine when I arrived at the modern clinic, and a friendly English translator welcomed me back into the exam room. Before she explained the treatment, the clinic's hygienist did a precursory exam of my teeth so she could recommend a specific cleaning. After the brief look-see, she told the translator that there was no need for plaque removal, and a regular cleaning was not necessary. Since I am used to six-month treatments and it's been awhile, I couldn't believe the diagnosis. Even after I protested, they told me to come back in a few months and sent me on my way without paying a forint.
Now, I don't think this would ever happen in a Western clinic. Even if my teeth were as clean as they say (which I guarantee they are not, despite my golden flossing habits), who would turn away a paying customer? But, I will relish the dental compliment, because it will probably never happen again. When I return to my US-dentist, I am sure he will scold me for waiting so long between dental cleanings and tell me I'm under brushing this time.
**Editors note - After retelling this story to my American editor, he said the same thing has happened to him. Apparently, you have to be very firm with dentists here and demand that your teeth be cleaned.
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1 comment:
I visited a dentist in India sometime last year; it was by far the most professional dentistry I have ever experienced. At Rs. 500, also the best for one's buck! It's great to read of your life, Marisa!
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