A1

Although many patients arrive in a variety of anxiety states to the practice (well it is dentistry we are talking about here!), every now and again, a chance remark by a patient can be revealing about their personality type and can make the day even more enjoyable!
Having finished preparing and shaping a tooth for a porcelain, natural shade crown, I was deciding on the choice of colour (we can match to around 16 different shades and hues with the modern porcelain shade guides these days - unlike the 'old days' where the choice was 'grey or yellow'!).
Having selected a shade which recorded as B2, the patient, who was listening to my conversation with my dental nurse, said in a clear voice "I want to be A1".
Now having had the pleasure of treating this patient for around 15-20 years, what amused me, was that her comment reflected her outlook on life, her fun of life and her enjoyment of life!
Why? Because she has always has a wonderfully healthy and positive perception of herself, which has been a cornerstone of her self esteem and self worth. And it reminded me that each patient needs to feel that the work we provide is both 'A1' and that they feel 'A1' about it.
I will use this as an example when I am lecturing next as to why we must always focus on being A1!