In Dentist’s Defense

Like most people, I abhor going to the dentist. No matter what I am there for, I always say these last words to the doctor: “Doc, I don’t have a masochistic bone in my body, so please take it easy.”

I do not recall ever having said this to Dr. Andrew D. Maxwell or, for that matter, to any of his assistants when I visited his office at the Veterans Administration building in Mission Valley. The reason was that, with Dr. Maxwell, I felt so at ease. He had that kind of manner--rare, I might add, among other VA practitioners.

Moreover, Dr. Maxwell was the very epitome of professionalism. None of his work required redoing. He fitted me with an upper denture that has served me perfectly for five years. The young woman who served as Dr. Maxwell’s dental assistant cleaned my teeth and served the doctor with competence.

Because of the outstanding association I’ve had with Dr. Maxwell, it came as a shock, an unpleasant surprise, when I read in The Times that he is engaged in a “bitter battle” with the VA (“Bitter Battle Far From Over in VA Dentist’s Bias Claim,” May 14). After reading your article, I must conclude that the case against Dr. Maxwell must be prejudicial.

Dr. Maxwell, my dentist, is black. I am white and his patient, so what difference does that make? Dr. Maxwell, in my opinion, is a very fine dentist and a helluva nice guy.

EDWIN O. LEARNARD

San Diego