I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for all that you did to help me.
As you know from my first letter to you prior to coming out for treatment, I had exhausted many resources here in New York City. As I had shared with you, I had been to a number of specialists and dentists to no avail.
My dental problems started in 2003 and escalated to such a point that literally, “I became my teeth.” I was in chronic teeth and jaw pain for almost 2 years. I did not know what I would face each day when I awoke. I had problems chewing, swallowing and even just getting my jaw in a comfortable position. After trying all that I could, I went back to my original dentist and told him that I was going to the Mayo Clinic. That is when I learned of the Dawson Center (The Dawson Academy). My dentist had taken a seminar with you personally and told me that you and the Dawson Center were the only place to go. Of course, at that point, I was skeptical to say the least. I had gone to some of the top people in New York City. I was either turned away with the comment, “I just don’t know what is wrong with you,” or offered a speculation of treatment that only concentrated on one aspect of the problem.
After much trepidation, a second call to my dentist in NYC to confirm that this definitely was the place to go and a call to Kelly asking about the Center’s credentials, I decided I would make a trip to St. Pete. In my wildest dreams, I could not have imagined the type of care that I received from you personally and the Dawson Center as a whole. I came to you a very frightened person feeling that this would be another false hope. If you remember in my letter to you, I said, “You are kind of my last chance.” I feel so blessed now that you were my best choice.
From the first day that I met with, Kathy, and your team, I knew, maybe not in my head, but in my heart that I was in the right place. It only took my head a couple more visits to catch up with my heart, as the chronic pain had played havoc with my psyche. You start to feel that there will be no conclusion to the pain.
I credit my improvement first to you Doctor. Your expertise, knowledge and assessment skills are extraordinary, that coupled with hands that were definitely kissed by God. Next, the holistic and comprehensive approach that you use at the Dawson Center. I have always felt that unless you can understand what the patient is truly expressing, you cannot assess the whole problem. You and your team had the patience and ability to listen to my questions and concerns. Although repetitive at times, due to my fear of treatment, they were never dismissed, but taken under consideration. I think, however, the biggest difference from my prior treatment, is that your goal is to continue to learn from each patient. I always had the sense that not only did you and your team have my best interest at heart, but also have an insatiable curiosity and desire to grow in your knowledge and expertise.
There is one other thought that I would be remiss if I didn’t mention. Concern, warmth and kindness go along way in the trust and healing process. These attributes abound in your center.
I hope that you know how much I admire the work that you and your staff do each and every day. It is also my hope that other people will find their way to you and the Dawson Center so they can avoid some of the ordeal that I had to go through over the last couple of years.
Once again, I would like to thank you for giving me back my smile and allowing me to return to a much happier life.
Sincerest regards,
Linda
