Shafiq's Dental Appointment

Today,Shafiq had an appointment with the Dental Surgery Department in Penang Hospital. Two years ago he was refered to the hospital by the local Govt Clinic.Too much `carries' were forming in his teeth and had to be surgically removed.The hospital removed quite a number of his teeth that were badly decayed, and he spent a couple of days in the ward. so today he is going for a follow up inspection,every 4 months or so. He woke up early as usual,he thought he was going to school.Lina skipped school to keep him company.He was happy travelling so far and to some place other than his school.We travelled on the ferry so he can watch the waves and ships sailing by. I handed over his clinic card to the HA and we waited,he was happy and relaxed. And then they called him `Muhammad Shafiq'. I took his hand and he pushed it away. He knew he was going to be examined.Its no fun being held back on the dentist chair,with the bright light blinding your eyes,someone gripping your jaws and prodding your teeth. After some gentle coaxing and encouragement,Shafiq good boy,Shafiq clever boy, he relaxed and allowed himself to be examined but not without some resistance.Someone had to hold his legs,someone had to hold his head.Finally it was over.His teeth are okay ,clean.The nurse just applied some fluoride.As a reward for being a good boy,the clinic gave him a balloon.On the way out,he gave his balloon to a little girl. I am pleased with his attitude today,maybe he has been through this several times and he has learnt to cooperate. His next appointment is in January 2006.