Speaking of interesting cases, I was the dental director of a Washington State Developmentally-Disabled (Down-Syndrome) Institution from 1996 to 1999. Down syndrome patients are notoriously known for being extremely aggressive, verbally abusive and physically threatening..I was kicked, bitten, head-butted and scratched. The only reason I got that job because I was the only one crazy enough to apply for that job at the pay of $ 25 an hour...lol...  The state of Washington was undergoing financial hardship at the time, so they had to cut back the hours of residing anesthesiologist. Without the services of anesthesiologist, I had to resort to heavy sedation. But I tell ya..10 mg of Atavan IM would normally knock out a 300 lb man. But sure does not work on these guys. I found the hard way when the patient tried to head-butt me during the dental procedure..That is how I got started in the profession of dentistry. Hence it is only fair that I want to give something back to these patients at the twilight of my career..  Hopefully, U of Melbourne and U of Sydney will give this old fart a chance to go back to school. |
