Summer 07
Vol. 12 No. 3

In addition to calming nervous young patients, registered dental assistant Angela Canty teaches Hugo Garcia, 5, to brush and floss his teeth correctly.

Story and photo by John Perry

As time passed, nervousness grew among the dozen or so young patients clutching their mothers hands in the dental clinic’s waiting room.

But when Angela Canty, a registered dental assistant, greeted them with a warm smile and calming voice, the nervousness waned.

The dental section is on the third floor of Health and Human Services’ La Nueva Casa de Amigos, or translated: the New House of Friends.

Canty becomes a new friend. She relaxes little ones who may be overwhelmed by the strange sounds, smells, shiny instruments and bright lights.

Patients ages 1 to 19, whose families lack adequate income, are eligible for treatment. They may pay $3 for service.

Of the nearly 5,300 patients seen each year, the majority are prekindergarten.

“They can be very fearful. For some, it’s their first visit to a dentist and they’re afraid something painful is waiting for them,” said Canty, a 24-year Health Department veteran. “My first goal is to comfort them.”

Once the child is in the dentist’s chair, she will hold their hand and speak soothingly. Though English may be unfamiliar, they understand Canty’s nurturing message: Everything’s going to be all right.

Good morning, Ms. Canty
At 6:40 a.m., Canty arrives for work at 1809 N. Main St., two miles north of City Hall.

Entering the darkened exam rooms, she turns on lights and awakens the sleeping X-ray machine. She retrieves sterilized instruments from the autoclave and places plastic covers over examining chairs. There must be a fresh cover for each patient.

At a little past 7 a.m., patients start arriving. Before long, 12 to 18 sit in the small waiting area.

The clinic serves a predominantly low-income Hispanic community of downtown’s near northside. Some wait two months for an appointment.

Canty takes their blood pressure and checks vital signs. As a certified X-ray technician, she can radiograph a patient’s teeth and gums.

She prepares examination trays, mixing the amalgams used for filling cavities and arranging instruments for the next procedure.

Today, she is assisting Dr. Donald Plotkin, who appreciates Canty’s wealth of experience.

“I don’t know what we’d do without her,” said Plotkin, the clinic’s senior public health dentist, who will examine a dozen or more patients today. “Angela’s dedicated and competent.”

The clinic maintains one part-time and two full-time dentists, five dental assistants and one dental hygienist.

During the day, Canty will also comfort young patients ushered into the examination chair, often chatting with them about their personal interests or schoolwork.

The clinic also provides preventive-care to pregnant women enrolled in the health department’s maternity services.

While attending to a pregnant 16-year-old, Canty urged the young woman to return to high school after her baby was born.

As a cancer survivor, Canty feels empathy for those struggling through challenging times or hardships. She uses her experiences to connect emotionally.

“Sometimes I pray with them, helping them ask for courage and guidance,” said Canty, who completed radiation treatment nine months ago.

Dental component
The application of dental sealants is the most common clinical procedure. Sealants are plastics applied to the pits and fissures of the back teeth to protect them and make them flatter and easier to clean.

“Another big part of what we do is educational,” Canty said. “We explain how practicing good oral hygiene prevents disease and promotes wellness for the entire body.”

Canty teaches mothers the proper way to brush and floss their children’s teeth. She also gives them a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and easy-to-understand pamphlets on dental hygiene.

The dentists, assistants and dental hygienist provide care that includes head and neck examinations, X-rays, cleanings, topical fluoride applications, amalgam and composite restorations, pulp therapy, stainless steel crowns, extractions, and space maintainers. Orthodontics is excluded.

The day ends at 4 p.m.

“I have a lot to be grateful for,” Canty said. “I enjoy my work. I enjoy the patients. I’m grateful I can be here for them. And grateful I can be here for me.”

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