So much of dentistry is simply combatting the negative stereotypes that many have absorbed. Many people have internalized ideas that the dentist is scary or painful or uncomfortable. While certain procedures such as tooth extractions can be painful, a routine cleaning should be painless. Even though these procedures are quite simple and straightforward, many people still hold fears. Perhaps the biggest challenge on this front is addressing the concerns of children. A kids’ dentist in Chino has a massive hurdle to overcome. One way to do that is to put the child at ease with books, movies, television, and toys. Changing the perceptions of dentists has to begin early. To that end, a practice could put forth some effort to teach kids about famous dentists.
Doc Holliday
Born John Henry Holliday in 1851, Doc has become a well-known Wild West figure. He is immortalized in fiction and nonfiction. He is the subject of dozens of movies, a prominent character in many movies, and the subject of hundreds of books. His life was not nearly as glamorous or altruistic as many of the fictionalized accounts, but that is probably best for changing children’s perceptions of dentists. A kids’ dentist in Chino can appeal to Californians’ love for stories about the Wild West.
Many children’s books are available about the legendary gunfighter, gambler, and dentist. He was a close friend of legendary lawman, Wyatt Earp, as well as a crucial figure in the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral.
Major Exploits
Doc’s life was one largely spent suffering from the effects of tuberculosis, the disease which finally claimed his life at age 36. He was born in Georgia. At the age of 15, his mother died of tuberculosis. He earned a degree from Pennsylvania College of Dental Surgery at age 20. He began his practice in Atlanta but was diagnosed with tuberculosis not long after. He thought that the dry climate of the West would help, so he moved.
In Texas, he saved the life of Wyatt Earp. This began their friendship. He joined Wyatt and his brothers in Tombstone, Arizona, where they would all become legends. On October 26, 1881, Doc Holliday and several of the Earps attempted to disarm five criminals known as Cowboys. A gunfight ensued that came to be known as the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral. Serialized in dime novels, this propelled the Earps and Holliday into national stardom.
Throughout his exploits as a gambler and gunman, Doc Holliday remained a dentist. He is rumored to have cleaned Wyatt Earp’s teeth. If that is the case, then he probably gave Earp his very first toothbrush. The gunmen of the Wild West were not known for their hygiene.
These are the sorts of stories a kids’ dentist can use to re-frame a child’s perception of the profession. This can foster lifelong hygiene habits.
