April is traditionally the silly season. I am succumbing to a long-standing urge to classify some of the patient types that I have observed over the years. You undoubtedly have some of your own.
The tease--"Guess what happened?"
The tester--dabs his finger at what you have done and carefully examines it for blood.
The socialite--would like the braces to come off for a cousin's sweet sixteen party.
Miss Popularity--brings six friends to the office with her and your waiting room is SRO.
The eager beaver--has next month's headgear chart filled out in advance.
The office lawyer--"My dentist said that sugarless gum was OK."
The semanticist--"I never chew gum very much."
The collector--"I save the cards and throw the gum away."
The innocent bystander--"I wasn't doing anything. All of a sudden the wire broke and the bands fell out." "No. I lost them."
The boy scout--believes in "Be Prepared". He took his rubber bands off on the way into the office.
Mr. Gallup--his friends only wear their bite plates at night.
The impatient patient--hasn't done anything right for three years and wants to know when you are going to get done. What's taking you so long?
The equalizer--his lower retainer bothered him, so he left both upper and lower out.
Old Faithful--never misses an appointment. You are his last stop on his way home to go to bed with the flu.
