I walk in and add my name to the list on the sign in sheet. Harriet, the grey haired women behind the white frosted glass widow, sees me and lets me know the doctor will be ready in a minute. While I wait for the dental nurse in her crisp white uniform and sharp square spectacles to call out my name I look round and think what a coward I am as I see children with joyful, bubbly, faces looking at me. My face by now is now the colour of a great big red balloon ready to pop.
I quickly turn away to hide my embarrassment, and take notice of the fish in the large blue tank in the corner of the room. The sleek, scaly, shining fish dart about playing hide and seek with the plastic mermaid at the bottom of the tank while tiny silver bubbles slip to the top of the tank’s surface and break silently while I wait my turn. I turn and see a photo album sitting on a coffee table. I pick it up only to see pictures of decaying teeth and gums. I quickly close the book and shudder at the thought as I roll my tongue over my teeth and thank God they are all there!
Then the door of Dr Adelson’s office, opens and the nurse wearing the crisp, white uniform appears and calls my name. I enter the inner office and walk over to the big brown leather chair and sit down. I look round the office and notice the walls are plastered with pictures of teeth and gums and the selection of shiny stainless steel equipment on a small table by the side of the chair. As I look up the bright overhead light momentarily blinds me.
A little white door opened at the back of the room and there Dr Adelson stands, she is also wearing a crisp white uniform but has a brightly coloured strap around her very large waist. She has long flowing bright red hair and a small, round, piggish face and speaks in a rather “posh” manner.
Dr Adelson then picks up a small black box and presses a big red button and two big black leather straps fasten me into the seat. I feel like a deer about to meet its death. I see the round light and hear the clink of instruments. Suddenly a huge face looms over me her eyes fixed on mine, “Good morning Rhys”. There is no escape now! I am constrained by good manners to suffer.
