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Stop thinking. Focus on your patient.

His slow breathing told me he was trying his best to concentrate on that instead of the noisy equipment. If I had innovative equipment, it would help people recover from this phobia faster. With all the technology available today, why hadn’t they invented something beneficial to the dental industry?

I had a few ideas for better equipment, but I had no clue where to get started. Plus, I didn’t have the funds to work on something like that. For example, a silencer for my handpiece would be awesome. No more loud noises. Kids would love it.

Sound was very important to a person’s mental state. People listened to certain music to relax or get into a certain mood. A loud drill was as far away from relaxation as one could get. On bad days, I found the sound of the handpiece irritating as hell.

If the weapons industry could invent a silencer for a gun, why couldn’t they create one for a handpiece? It would be so easy for them.

Not enough money in dentistry.

Well, not general dentistry, but certainly cosmetic dentistry. The beauty business made loads of money, but I had no interest in servicing that community.

He flinched when water sprayed on his cheek. “Sorry.” I wiped it with his napkin. “You’re doing great, by the way.”

He nodded, and I knew he wanted to say something but couldn’t.

He had fabulous hygiene and beautiful teeth for someone who hadn’t been to the dentist in a year. The fear probably motivated him to take extra care of his teeth.

When we were done with the cleaning, I performed a quick x-ray. After reviewing it, I said, “You’re all set. No cavities. Keep up the good work.” I gave him a bag with a toothbrush and toothpaste.

“Thank you.” He took the bag and peeked inside. “No toy?”

I smiled. “We need to save those for the little kids. And you’re welcome.”

A serious expression splashed onto his face. “I’ve never had such a comfortable dental experience. Be my dentist from now on.”

I arched an eyebrow at his demand. A man accustomed to shouting orders didn’t usually ask for anything. But I wasn’t the type to comply with orders either.

“Is that a request or a command?”

He smiled. “It’s a plea.”

“I’ll think about it. I made an exception for today’s visit. Consider this as repayment for you taking care of me while I was drunk.”

“I’ll pay you extra to be my dentist.”

“It’s not about the money, Arrow. If I become your dentist, then other adults would also ask me. I would have to decline, which would make them angry, and so on. I don’t have time to deal with that.”

“I could come in after hours,” he said, trying to look adorable.

I laughed. “Are you planning on having a lot of cavities or something? Right now, you’re good until the next cleaning, which would be in six months.”

“See? You can be my dentist twice a year. That’s not bad at all.”

An idea percolated in my mind. I let it simmer while I considered his request.

“If I agree to be your dentist, can you help me with something? You know more people than I do.”

“How can I help?”

I told him about my silencer idea, and he beamed. “That’sbrilliant.”

His excitement and praise did something to my heart. I hadn’t shared this idea with anyone until today. It felt wonderful to have someone understand where I was coming from.

“You have the specs?” he asked.

“Just a rough sketch, but that’s it. I don’t know where to go to have it produced or have the funds to?—”