Note:  I posted this article a couple years ago on my Active Rain blog.  Another visit to Dr. Heap today prompted me that is deserved another posting.  Enjoy…

I have posted on Ageism before, mostly on how it relates to real estate. I have written how it is easy for clients to trust an older, though less experienced agent vs myself based on the appearance of longevity. The topic intrigues me and I found my brain wrapping around it in a different way today. Apparently we real estate agents aren’t the only ones that have this issue in our midst.

I found myself in dire need of a dentist. My last dentist mismanaged my billing to a point that I had to leave, though I hated to give up the spa-like atmosphere of the office. They even cleaned my jewelry while they cleaned my teeth! I’m telling you, it was posh.

But over Christmas I started experiencing some intense pain and prior knowledge has taught me to handle it asap.

Even though I am five months pregnant. Yes, I know. The thought of a huge needle going into my gums while my baby does gymnastics 18″ below is not pleasant. However, if an infection reaches my gums, it could easily induce preterm labor. Crazy I know. So the need to deal with this was imperative. And here I am, without a clue who to call. I mean, who actually likes their dentist?

My husband asks around and it turns out a buddy of his from high school is now a full-fledged dentist. Um okay. He’s on the plan, he’s nearby. Give it a shot.

When he walks in, my jaw hits the floor. If he graduated with my husband, he’s right around 30. But I still hadn’t planned on this….this….well, let’s just say baby-faced and clean-cut doesn’t begin to describe it. Seriously, does he even shave?!

I swallow my shock and figure, hey people trust me with the largest purchase of their lives, why can’t I trust this guy with my teeth?

The exam goes fine, yes there’s a cavity. Yes it can be fixed easily. I voice my concern that the novacaine makes my heart race and I’m worried about the baby. A concern I have voiced with my 2 other pregnancies and the corresponding dentists. The other guys have responded with, “I promise, it won’t hurt the baby” (a little condescendingly) and proceeded to shoot me up.

This child-doc responds with, “Well that’s because of the epinephrine. If you want to wait a day, I can order anesthetic without it.”. Holy Hell! A doctor who actually listens and then presents an acceptable option?!

Today, the cavity was fixed. I was in and out in less than an hour, even though I was 10 minutes late. His office has been terribly accommodating. And he pretty much has my complete trust now. Regardless of the fact that I don’t even want to know how long he’s been practicing.

Although I have to interject, the funniest moment came when he started humming off-key to the Aerosmith song playing in the background. This is my kinda’ guy!

By the way, his name is Dr. Kris Heap, with Lakeside Smiles at 480-892-1711. Just in case you’re looking for a good dentist in the Gilbert or Mesa area.

The experience has reaffirmed my belief that I may be young, I may look like a child compared to some, but I have the track record to prove my success. And the clients who will back me up. Dr. Heap can add one more to his list as well.