Page 5 - Bulletin Vol 26 No 2 - May - Aug. 2021 - Final

Message from Donald Hills, DDS

Editorial - The Water Glass

is Placed at One O’clock

A few years ago, my wife and I were dining in a five-star restaurant with some
friends. The service was superb. I don’t remember what I had to eat, but I
certainly remember the remarkable attention to detail provided by the waiters
and attendants that night. There was a water guy.

Impeccably dressed, he stood strait and proud, a white towel draped over one
arm, a smooth linen apron firmly tied at the waist and crisp to his knee. He was
responsible for six or so tables in the room and his only job was the water. My friend was a bit parched
that evening and certainly surprised the water steward by downing his entire glass as soon as we settled
into our seats. Truly apologetic, the water guy filled my friend’s glass and I saw just the slightest bead of
perspiration on his brow. Clearly at no time should a diner’s glass at Lahaina Grill be completely void of its
contents. His attention to our water was, nonetheless, world class.

In A Gentleman in Moscow, by Amor Towles, Andre the Maître d’ of the Boyarsky at the Hotel Metropol
indignantly demonstrates to new hires the proper way a table is to be set. As the water glass is the main
event here, I shall spare the reader the intricacies of complete silverware and plate presentation and
simply point out, the water glass should be placed at one o’clock. Not twelve o’clock, not two o’clock, but
one o’clock.

Our meal proceeded and between courses I excused myself to go to the men’s room. I expected my napkin
to be folded and near the plate upon my return, but just to see how attentive our water server truly was, I
purposely, yet discreetly, nudged my water glass way over to the three o’clock position. True to form,
when I rejoined my friends, my napkin was nicely folded, the water glass was filled and poignantly
repositioned to one o’clock.

And it made me think, delight in one’s work and attention to detail matters.
As Dentists, we too should take pride in the care we provide to our patients. Providing excellent treatment
is a given, considering the little details that may be overlooked can make the patient experience truly
memorable.

What defines an exceptional dental experience? To some; empathy, punctuality, impeccable cleanliness
and a warm friendly environment is the definition of excellence. To others; 21st century digital tech and
cutting edge equipment stands out as special.

However you present yourself, remember the water guy and his laser focused attention to his assignment.
Bring that commitment to the office each day.
Be a great dentist. Remember the small things, set the table (so to speak) for great treatment and take
pride in all you do. Go ahead, make the water guy proud.
Don

Editor-in-Chief
Nassau County Dental Society ⬧ (516) 227-1112 | 5