Saying Thanks

Saying Thanks

You just never know when you’re going to meet someone you’ll never forget.

About 12 years ago, a freshly minted registered dental assistant came by the office to meet us, check us out, and maybe share a word or two with the dentist…me.

Well, you know how busy we think we can be. And one of the classiest young ladies I’ve ever met managed only to generate a brief wave from me before being sentenced to a panoramic view of the back of my over-sized head.

I start off every morning with a litany of all the stuff for which I’m grateful. And not a day goes by without me saying “thanks” for Dental Assistant Extraordinaire/Office Manager Dani’s generosity in giving me a second chance.

Within weeks of her first day at Temple City Dental Care, on her own initiative, Dani executed a comprehensive inventory of supplies. Later, Dani would lead our community project that helped the Temple City Unified School District become one of the first in California to implement “Toothprints”, a system offering DNA identification and child safety and awareness training for the school district’s pre-high school students.

We happen to belong to a very progressive national dental organization, the Crown Council. Members include some of dentistry’s most valued innovators and educators. When we joined the Crown Council, back in 1998, it seemed like almost all of its practices were already using lasers and providing progressive care…while making a major difference in the community. And on one memorable night in Dallas, Dani was named Crown Council Dental Assistant of the Year.

Thing is, as impressive as Dani’s resume’ is, it doesn’t do her character and good heart justice.

Dani communicates with her patients and co-workers with the kind of eloquence you’d expect out of Keats, describing a sunset; I’d probably challenge the ghost of Abraham Lincoln before having the slightest concern over Dani’s honesty or fairness.

But for me, what really distinguishes Dani is her authentic concern for others. When I began serving on the Board for Pasadena’s Haven House (the first shelter for victims of domestic violence established in the U.S.), Dani showed up with literally a carload of clothes. I’m not kidding; there was some room behind the wheel…and clothes. And through the years, Dani has always stepped up when doing something a little extra would make a major difference for someone else.

On Saturday, November 15th between 11AM and 3PM, Dani’s caring DNA will be on display once again. We’re hoping you’ll join us for a Thanksgiving celebration. But here’s the catch; we’re asking for a donation of non-perishable food that will be distributed to local families who could use some help. It’ll be like friends and family getting together and passing the spirit of friends and family forward.

And one more thing, you’ll also have the chance to meet or say hello to a local treasure who, for the last twelve years, has enhanced the lives of everyone she’s touched…and especially that of the busy guy with the big head.

Hope to see you on the 15th.