Dear Dr. Kabot,
What can I say...Meeting and working with you and your staff during Sara's treatment has been nothing short of an answered prayer. As you know, Sara's case was a mess when you first met us, almost two years ago. Not only did she have congenitally missing teeth that would require dental implants, but we also had the unfortunate experience in the past six years of having a prior dentist pull the wrong tooth, which resulted in a third dental implant being necessary. Then, the orthodontist that was treating her at that time took her braces off too early. However, that is when I believe her excellent care really began, between Dr. Caris becoming her dentist four years ago and you becoming her new orthodontist almost two years ago.
I will never forget the day we took Sara into Dr. Caris' office after she had her braces removed by the first orthodontist. She was so excited to start treatment for her implants. She had went completely without tooth #10 during her ortho treatment during 9th, 10th, and 11th grade. No temporary was ever offered to us as an option. You will see in all of her pictures during high school that she has a huge gap in her smile right up front! That never kept Sara from smiling or excelling in everything that she tried. I was so proud of her for that. But, on the inside it struck a chord for me, because I knew what it felt like to be just a little different, as I grew up having a cleft lip repair. Anyway, the day Sara went to Dr. Caris' office and he told her she would need to have braces put back on, she came home and cried and was furious. She had been through so much. Now we had experienced two doctors whom we trusted, who had not taken proper care of her; her first dentist and her first orthodontist. Dr. Caris strongly encouraged us to visit you to get your opinion.
I literally drug Sara into your office that first visit. Sara told me there was "no way" she was getting another set of braces on! I asked her to just come in and see what you had to say. I remember so well the interaction I witnessed that day as she sat in the chair and you interacted with her in that special way that you do with all of your patients. I watched her fear melt away as she accepted her new treatment plan. You told her that you would keep a temporary in the space #10 during the entire treatment phase, so she "wouldn't look like a hillbilly". We were so concerned with finances, as we had paid for an entire ortho treatment already. You assured us, "it would only be a few thousand more!" Your smile, kindness, professionalism and generosity will never, ever be forgotten by our family!
Because of you and your staff, Dr. Caris, Dr. Sweeny, and Dr. Royal, Sara has the most beautiful smile. It reflects the beauty she has on the inside. I have wanted to write this letter a million times, but just could never put into words our gratitude. Thank you for your wonderful, professional expertise. We will be forever grateful for your care and treatment of Sara during the last two years. You and your staff are an example of professionals who go beyond what is 'expected' and also treat patients with care, respect, dignity, compassion, humor, and kindness. Those are actions which can change a patient's heart, self esteem, and confidence.
Our life has been changed and blessed because of you. Thank you for all that you have done for Sara and all you do for others.
Sincerely,
Kristy R.