1st Dentist Appointment Abroad

 So, as weird as it may sound, I absolutely love going to the dentist. I love the process of having my teeth cleaned and walking out of the office knowing that all the junk on my teeth before is now gone. My goal is to go a minimum of once a year, and loved it when health insurance paid for me to go once every 6 months.  To top off the whole experience, I have been going to the same dentist, Dr. Gordon, since I started getting my teeth cleaned at a young age, and really respect his opinion and work.  

    Anyways, we were approaching almost a year since going to the dentist and I had been thinking about possibly looking into going to the dentist here.  The downfall is that I don't think we have insurance to cover it and considering I'm very cheap, I hadn't looked too hard into it.  Well, I saw a QGrabs (similar to Groupon) one day for a "teeth polishing and exam" coupon for 189 QR ($53 USD).  So, after I talked to Mark we decided to buy the QGrabs and check out the dentist.

   Our appointment was last Monday at 6:00.  That is difference number 1, the hours of doctor's and dentist's offices are open much later here, as that fits the culture.  We got there and only waited about 10 minutes, which wasn't too bad and then both Mark and I were taken into the same room.  We sat and talked to the dentist from Egypt, who seemed very nice, and then Mark was the first to get his teeth cleaned.  Difference #2, the dentist cleaned our teeth and there was an assistant who helped.  I graded papers while Mark got his teeth cleaned.  At one point Mark had me look up to see how ridiculous he looked, he was wearing plastic protective goggles and a face mask to cover his nose.  I couldn't help but laugh and question why is he wearing that.  Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera to snap a photo.  When he was done, the dentist told him to go wash his face.  Again, I questioned in my head as to why he needed to wash his face.  That seemed quite odd to me...

   It was my turn to go and the overall experience went well.  There were several differences in the cleaning process, but I answered my questions as to why we needed the protective gear and why we needed to wash our faces when we were done.  The polishing process at the end consisted of them spraying this wet powder onto our teeth, which then sprayed all over the place.  I had this polish on my protective goggles, mask, and all over my face...even with the attempt of the assistant wiping it constantly.  

   To end our appointment, the dentist proceeded to tell Mark he needed braces, which I completely disagree with.  Mark has very straight teeth and he's never had a dentist tell him it was a "need" to get braces.  Then, the dentist proceeded to tell me that I have 5 cavities, keep in mind he didn't take my x-ray.  I'm not saying I don't fully believe I have some cavities, but I will say I'm in denial about having 5. I plan on getting a second opinion before doing anything or before freaking out.  We met a dentist last night who recommends going to a government run dental office where their salary is not based on commission. 

   Oh, how I miss Dr. Gordon and the trust I have in his opinion.  Overall, I'm glad we went to get our teeth cleaned, but will keep in mind to go to government run places in the future.   So, since August we have definitely amercing ourselves here, as we have managed to each go to the hospital once and now we have gone to the dentist together.  I wonder what will be next...?

  ~ Kristin