team talent
The Racing Dental Hygienist by Ronda Smith , RDH
The conversation usually begins with the patient asking , “ Hey Doc , is that your pretty blue Porsche outside ?” The doctor replies , “ Do I look like I would fit in that little car ?” After a few chuckles , the doctor continues , “ That ’ s Ronda ’ s Porsche . She is a race car driver .”
I ’ m the hygienist at a very friendly “ small town ” dental office in Red Oak , Texas . The dentist , Dr . Brad Schoonover , has a great sense of humor and is loved by all of his patients . I love my job and the people that I work with . I love working with and educating my patients . However , occasionally I look for something to do where I can let my hair down . That ’ s right , I am a race car driver !
About four times a year , a group of car enthusiasts meet out at the race track in Cresson , Texas to “ race ”. Now , what we are doing is not like NASCAR ; there is no rubbing , bumping , or contact . This is more like racing with manners . No one wants to damage their car , or anyone else ’ s for that matter . Driving at fast speeds , feeling the gravitational forces when going around turns , pushing yourself out of your comfort zone in order to beat your last lap is exhilarating and empowering . In this “ race ” you are really just racing yourself , not the other drivers . There ’ s no trophy for the “ winner ”, but that doesn ’ t matter . When I get out of my car at the end of my track session , I am excited . It ’ s quite a rush and I get a great sense of accomplishment out of it . Out here , we learn how to handle and control our cars in different situations , in a safe and controlled environment .
I often tell my kids , “ Fast driving has no place on the road , keep it on the track .” My family shares my passion . We are one of the few that make these events a family affair . My husband and son also drive on the track , and my daughters will be getting out there with us this year .
Many of my patients ask about the car and the race events . In fact , just this week , one of my patients asked , “ Where ’ s that pretty blue Porsche of yours ? I didn ’ t see it out front .” I told him , “ Oh , it ’ s getting ready for the its next race .”
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www . northtexasdentistry . com | NORTH TEXAS DENTISTRY 23