Painless Injections: What is Your Legacy?
It's amazing what you can learn in 10 minutes and use the rest of your career. Recently, each time I have given a painless palatal (roof of mouth) injection, I have gotten a little emotional. Why? My home-town dentist and mentor, Dr. Gary Pedersen, 87, passed away this March. His sudden passing was a bit of a shock. He was a great mentor and model, a very diligent dentist, father, coach and involved in his local community.
He was the reason I got into dentistry. In high school
I broke a tooth during PE. It was late in the day and I was a new patient, recently moved to Astoria. He got me
comfortable and did everything you can do to a tooth. I
was amazed at his technique, his attitude--he answered all
my many, many questions. I knew I found my calling, a
crossroad of art and science and caring for people.
A few years later, I was at his office observing. He said, "Hey Alan, let me show you something you will use for the rest of your dental career." I use his technique for painless palatal injections nearly every day. Dr. Pedersen's legacy lives on in my practice.
Dr. Pedersen took 5 to 10 minutes out of his day to give a "mentor moment" on patient care to a pre-dental student. Think of all the people you interact with every day: What will be your mentor moment? What will your legacy be?
Dental Care of Canby
333 N.W. 3rd Avenue
Canby, OR 97013
503-266-2705
www.DentalCareof Canby.com
