Dominic is Dr. Thompson’s nephew who is in 7th grade at Big Walnut Middle School.  Today was shadow day so Dominic came to see what a dentist does all day.  Dominic likes to practice basketball, play the “Skate” video game on Xbox 360, and listen to music from Disturbed, Blur, SlipKnot, and SoulFly.

Dominic thought the coolest part of shadow day was watching Dr. Thompson “fix the metal rod in the patient’s gum”. (aka adjust a dental implant)  Dominic also took some photos around the office, chose the song and created the video at the top of the post.

As Part of the Shadow Day Dominic had to interview Dr. Thompson.  Below are the questions and answers.

What type of education/training is needed for this job?  3-4 years of undergraduate college and 4 years of dental school.  Ongoing continuing education.

Why did you choose this job? President and God were taken. What do you like best about your job? I like the variety of things we do and it’s never repetitious.  

 What do you like least?  Stress; running behind schedule.

When you were in middle school, what did you want to be?  A race car driver or pilot.

What advice do you have for someone who wants to have this job?  Study hard, get good grades, and always be willing to explore new things.

Does your job require continuing education?  Yes. 40 classroom hours every 2 years at a minimum. 

How important do you feel shadow day is for students?  Very important.  It provides exposure to real life and what people actually do.  Also, if you shadow and think you don’t like the job it might not be for you. 

Well  I had a great time in Steamboat and the Spring skiing was great!  But now, on to more important topics.  What did my staff members do with the $100 bills I gave them on Tuesday(see 4/7/09 blog post) before I left?

Many of the staff members treated themselves to a fresh spring hair salon experience, while others got a pedicure with girlfriends, some bought new outfits and purses, and one even splurged on a pinky ring they had been looking at for a while. 

All in all it was a very fun treat for my staff and for me although women spend their money A LOT differently than men…. there were no Home Depot receipts…..

A big thank you to my staff that makes my job so much easier.  I couldn’t do it without each and every one of you!

We had quite a snowfall yesterday.  The office stayed open until the normal Wednesday hour of 7 PM and most patients braved the storm and came.  Whether you love it or can’t stand it a good snowfall does have a few postives as I see.  Besides being able to use my snow blower throughout the neighborhood I also get to wear my favorite hat for weather like this…… my wife calls it the Nanook of the North hat …  I can’t tell if she likes it when I wear it or not…..

While I was out walking the dog today in the snow I started dreaming of warmer days in the Tropical sunshine of the Caribbean.  Enjoy the photo and sound montage of our staff cruise from last year!

On this eve before Christmas Eve the office is very quiet.  The patients and staff are at home with their families relaxing or perhaps preparing for the festivities in the days to come.  I want to thank you for particpating in our food and Toy drive this holiday season.  

We dropped off the loot this afternoon at the Grandview Fire Department and they will make sure the toy donations get to a child in Columbus in need in an effort to help make their Christmas a little bit brighter. 

Thank you to all of you for your generous support.  Happy Holidays!