I have been a lifelong member of the "clutch the armrests of the dentist's chair like a lifeline" club until yesterday when I navigated the treacherous waters of the dentist's office, Integrity Endodontics in Newport Beach, armed with nothing but my determination to preserve my dignity because one of my front teeth threatened to destroy my smile. Encountering the first of many psychologists posing as dental assistants, my heart dropped from the sound of a drum to a slower thumping. All I can remember is her beautiful smile of welcome and personal care over what I expected, a masked dental ninja clad in a crisp white coat. Unlike the professional and insincere "How are we doing today?" greeting, she spoke with empathy you can reach out and touch. As I sat in the dreaded dental chair, I expected to fight its need to recline, placing me in an utterly defensive position for the dreaded Dracula Dentist's entrance. Instead of the imposed shoulder and back misalignment caused by the tactical patient chair, the dental chair was padded with supporting memory foam that immediately relieved my stress. And in walked Dr Otis - doctor Drill Baby Drill - the Dentist! And what a surprise. To begin with, Dr Otis is a surfer. Now, I ask you, when you conjure up a picture of a dentist, do you see him riding inside a hollowed-out wave face? Instead of bombarding me with professional knowledge that goes way over my head, Dr. Otis spoke in English at a level I comprehended. Expecting exaggerated gasps, moans, and declarations of impending doom, Dr. Otis never wagged his finger in my face, lectured, or scolded me with more reasons to make me feel worse. Dr. Otis provided solutions and promised a positive emotional outcome. And he delivered. Expecting a symphony of anxiety accompanied by the whirring and buzzing of dental instruments, the experience was, dare I say it? Pleasant. I felt secure and confident that I would look my best, resulting in a better tomorrow. And he delivered. Today, I look great and feel 100% better. Would I have preferred an all-expense paid trip to Paris? Who wouldn't? But should you need an endodontist who provides a higher level of experience and expertise in diseases of the dental pulp and supporting structures and/or diagnoses facial pain and related problems, you will find the required expertise and so much more at Integrity Endodontics and my recommendation, Dr. Otis and his psychologists (dental assistants).