The Dentist

I had to visit the local dentist for some non-urgent treatment. The safe house staff very kindly supported me in going. The dentist spoke English and was very friendly. She said I was her first ever international client and wanted photos after the appointment. I had to go back again a few days later. On both visits, other patients came into the dentist’s room and would wait for the appointment with me in the chair, mouth held open, and the same in reverse! I watched a whole family have their check-up whilst I waited for my appointment. It was a bizarre experience, and I was grateful that no one needed a tooth extraction whilst I watched! 

The second appointment that I had was set to start at 1pm. Naturally, I arrived at 1pm ready for the appointment. When the dentist saw me, she was flabbergasted. She frantically explained to me that the appointment started at 1pm, so I was too early (at 1pm), and I would have to come back later for when the appointment started (1 pm). Now, as I understand it, there is not necessarily a culture of linear timekeeping in Nepal. This takes some getting used to, and a lot of patience coming from the UK; however, after volunteering and travelling in different parts of the world, I was not too phased. I had assumed though, that medical appointments (along with say flights, trains, and tour groups) would be fairly set in stone! I am not sure what time I was supposed to have arrived, but I was in the dentist’s chair around 2.30 after getting a somewhat defeated samosa nearby. 

After my first appointment, it was cool enough for me to take a late afternoon walk. I ran into my dentist, who invited me for mangoes. After picking up her young son from nursery, I went with her to her colourful apartment, which reminded me of my own back in London. She gave me cold mangoes and sweets, and we had a nice conversation. She was incredibly friendly and welcomed me back anytime, and offered her support for anything I might need. I was really touched by her kind gesture and hospitality. I don’t know if that outweighs having an audience whilst your teeth are scaled, though, but my dentist at home usually requires a great deal to be satisfied with my teeth; all in all, it is very different to your average UK dentist experience.