“The best part about going to a dentist is not being able to communicate,” said no one ever, right?
A nine-year-old boy in Lima, Peru, came to a one-day clinic hosted by Global Hope International. His mother wanted him to have his teeth examined, but the boy had never had a good experience with medical staff.
Why? Because he was deaf, a medical visit always felt vulnerable, confusing, and scary. After all, if he couldn’t communicate with a doctor or dentist, nor they with him, their actions were far from soothing.
His mother brought him to Dr. Campbell, who introduced herself by signing her name. So caught off guard, he laughed, immediately at ease.
Dr. Campbell examined his teeth and spoke through hand gestures the whole time. It turned out he needed a tooth extraction, which she explained to him and successfully performed.
At the end of the visit, as his mother thanked the staff for their help, she shared that she had tried to get him treatment but could never get him the help he’d needed. This was the best medical experience he’d had.
Imagine, a tooth extraction being the best medical experience you’d ever had!
When people connect one-on-one, whether in a language or style they both understand, connect goes farther than mere diligence ever could.
Today, try making a connection with someone who seems isolated. Smile at them, say “Hey,” or tell them your name
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