Paying Attention
Sitting in the dentist chair, one doesn't quite know where to look. I keep my eyes away from the bright light and try not to focus too much on what the dentist is doing. Instead I look straight ahead, finding one point to dwell on that puts everything else into the edge of my view. Suddenly I'm aware of the assistant's working to my left. She is so ready to get the tools needed and to be an extension of the dentist's hands. He couldn't do his work efficiently without her. I watch as she anticipates his moves, almost handing him a tool and then readjusting as he asks for something else. This assistant happens to also be my friend. I've heard her tell how it takes time to adjust to a new dentist's style and manner. She worked with her former employer for years, but he is gradually working into retirement and works at a slower pace. This new dentist is quick and energetic, expecting more to be accomplished with each minute. She has to study him to