LINCOLN — Daniel Kreis thought the Dental SHARING Clinic started at 5 a.m. on Nov. 11, so he rode his beat-up mountain bike nearly five miles from downtown Lincoln to the UNMC College of Dentistry about an hour before sunrise.
He was 12 hours early.
Kreis was back at the clinic half a day later, seeking relief from the same dull ache that had him on his bike before dawn.
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Daniel Kreis rode his mountain bike five miles from downtown Lincoln to the UNMC Dental SHARING Clinic two separate times on Nov. 11. On his last trip, he had two molars removed and got a ride home from College of Dentistry Dean John Reinhardt, D.D.S. (Peggy Cain, College of Dentistry) |
His mouth was a mess of plaque, cavities and nearly abscessed teeth.
The two cracked molars had to be pulled, which left gaping holes in the back of his mouth that third-year dental student Natalie Fendrick gingerly filled with gauze before Kreis was released.
Just after Kreis’ teeth were extracted, College of Dentistry Dean John Reinhardt, D.D.S., and a few other dentists chatted at the front of the clinic.
Someone mentioned that one of the patients had come that morning by bike to the clinic. It was Kreis, another replied.
“Is that how he’s getting home?” someone asked. Eyebrows raised in concern.
“Oh no!” Dr. Reinhardt replied. “We can’t let his heart rate get up.”
Out in the parking lot of the SHARING Clinic a little after 9 p.m., a cold rain started to fall as Dr. Reinhardt loaded the beat up mountain bike into the back of his grey SUV. Kreis — minus the dull ache in his mouth — sat in the dean’s front seat, awaiting his ride home.
Thank you, Dr. Reinhardt, for going that extra step!! I am sure Daniel Kreis greatly appreciated your gratitude.
Random acts of kindness truly are the best! Thank you Dr. Reinhardt for your grace and mercy. I am certain the University of Nebraska has a new fan in Kreis! God Bless!
Fran Neff
This story tugged on my heart strings and brought tears to my eyes.
A motivating reminder of what medicine is all about. Thank you Dr. Reinhardt.
Thank you, Dr. Reinhardt, for offering patient centered care to the community. The demonstrated respect for your patient is valued.
Blessed is a man that helps another in a time of need. It was wonderful to read about unconditional act of kindness. Dr, Reinhardt, thanks for letting your light shine.
A class act by a class act!
This act of care and kindness is just one of thousands of examples of how UNMC and its faculty, staff and students are vital to the health of Nebraska. Great work by the college and Dr. Reinhardt.
The best doctors/dentists/health professionals are the caring ones, like Dr. Reinhart
What a warm story of clinicians who do what is right for all people, thank you.