I'd made the appointment 2 months ago and was no longer sure what it was for, but like a character out of Kafka, I heeded the summons and boarded a #5 bus at 7 am. The few other passengers appeared in grim spirits and I guessed they were on their ways to detestable jobs. The mood lifted when a laughing woman having a conversation with herself got on and danced to the back of the bus. Probably'd been up all night and still had energy to spare. I got off and walked a block to the clinic. I was on time but they made me wait. This was my orientation--new plan, new dentist. They took some x-rays and poked around... and that was that. I asked if I could at least get a cleaning because I didn't want to have to wait 2 more months for next appointment. Oh, they assured me, it wouldn't take that long. Luckily, someone no-showed and I got in for a quick but intense once-over. I got a refresher course in flossing and learned that as I approach 40 I've spent a lifetime brushing wrong. Oh well, it's never too late to start. They gave me a "free" toothbrush and my co-pay was $50. I scheduled a follow-up visit--it's in 2 months and a day.