Dental World

Author's Note: While on vacation in Florida, we drove past a dental practice by the name of "Dental World". Of course, with a name like that, an ironic theme park with the same name was forming in our heads, with new additions constantly popping up. Throughout the whole vacation, Dental World went from a small dental office, to an expansive theme park with roller coasters, water rides, and a food court. Only a few of the many attractions are featured in this short story.

Stepping out of the car, I already know this will be the best day of my life. Finally, after months of planning and waiting, the time has come. The long 23 hour non-stop car ride was worth it now that I have arrived. Dental World, here I come!

The parking lot here is quite small, so I make it to the front entrance in no time. I purchase my ticket from the mascot in the tooth suit standing out front. I step through the door into a world of magic. Disappointed, I find myself standing in the waiting room. Just as I am about to turn around, unimpressed by the reality of Dental World, I spot it. Over in the corner, a sign with an arrow points to a door stating, "Dental World this way!". Suddenly, my hopes are restored. I walk over to the door and turn the knob, hoping for the best, yet prepared for the worst.

The sun shines through the clouds, marking the path I must take to reach the land of wonder of which I have so furiously imagined all the months leading up to this moment. I walk along the path until I come to a fork in the road. The sign in front of me indicates that if I choose the left path, I will come to the Molar Coaster and the Flo-Ride. However, if I choose the right path, I might come to the Fillings Food Court. Not feeling hungry yet, I choose the left path and continue on my way.

Moments later I come to the Molar Coaster. I grab a seat in the front row of the small train taking me up to the top of a massive incline. From the top, I can see all the way from the Fillings Food Court to the parking lot where my car is parked. The train, having no way to go but down, makes a sharp turn, followed immediately by a steep descent back to the station where we started just moments ago.

The temperature clearly must be reaching around 23,000 degrees right now, even though the thermometer posted just a mere foot away from me reads 82 degrees. With the Flo-Ride in sight, I sprint over, and jump into the brush shaped raft. The attendant starts the ride and I am off. What I assume to be water splashes in my face. Up and down, the raft floats along, continuing to cool me off. As the end of the ride approches, I feel much better.

I get off the Flo-Ride and, feeling starved, I head over to the Fillings Food Court. However, Dental World has a very strict rule of waiting an hour after you ride the Flo-Ride to enjoy the wonderful, high quality, 5 star chef prepared cuisine from the Fillings Food Court. The best day ever has suddenly turned into the worst day ever as I wait out my 1 hour penalty on a bench made out of giant toothpaste tubes. Unable to sit still, I wander around pointlessly.

Finally, the wait is up and I practically sprint to the stand where I receive a stick of sugar-free gum. The peppermint flavor is unbelievably appetizing after the long wait that I have endured. I return to the bench I was previously sitting on and chew my gum in peace, reflecting on the wonderful day that I have enjoyed here at Dental World.

Unfortunately, the park is closing and I am forced to leave. This day has come to an end, yet it has been everything I dreamed of and more.