October 21, 2005

When I first met Dr. Prada, I was at the bottom of the bottom. I had been used up by American dentists so much so they wouldn't even touch me any more since they had done as much damage as possible with failed procedure after procedure over eight years. And together, they collaborated that it was my fault that I had allowed them to eventually pull all my teeth while they shared my life's savings and left me desperate. Of course the U.S. doctors did not intentionally cause me harm, but they seemed so insensitive and uncaring about the outcome. It was business that went wrong, simply business.. .and I did not know what to do or know where to turn? I was completely lost since the doctors told me there was no longer any hope to fix me or stop the non-stop, almost unbearable pain from my mal-occlusion. There were no testimonials or directions to guide me - only one last desperate try for the miracle that could save a once very attractive woman who was in her mid 40's but looked ten years older without teeth. I was too violated, too, driven and too proud to give up, so I took one last chance and flew to Costa Rica on the red-eye from , San Francisco -- totally fearful aDdalone. .).

When I first met Dr. Prada, I felt like a wounded animal who trusted no one, yet somehow he seemed different -- like maybe he cared, like maybe it was not about the money, like maybe he really wanted to help me make my dream of getting a fixed, removable denture come true -- so I could eat again and just as importantly, so I could smile and laugh again. Some say it's easier to smile than frown, but for me it was the opposite because I could not open my mouth and expose the nightmare that haunted me. In Dr. Prada's eyes, I sensed sincere determination and passion to make me the perfect dentures. His hands were gentle, his touch was caring and his words were encouraging. And I soon learned his tools were stateof- the-art, his education was extensive and his experience was vast when it came to the challenging problem of how to create the functional dentures that could work with my very 'limited base of implants since there was no longer any chance of adding more bone.

It took three trips, but on the last two trips I was accompanied by his Patient Service Coordinator, Carolina. With her I truly felt safe and secure because Carolina was the same as Dr. Prada -- an expert in her trade to diligently take care of every detail-- from the airport to the hotel to the restaurants to Dr. Prada's office -- and even shopping and sight-seeing if I wanted. Carolina is truly a perfectionist who does so many extra things I could never begin to explain, but if! could in a few words: she makes me totally feel at home away from home in a country where I was lost without her. Carolina is the consummate professional who provides siricere devotion and caring friendship. And she possesses what I dreamed of the most -- a sweet, beautiful smile.

Finally, the day came: my dentures were ready -- so skillfully created only minor adjustments were necessary. My perfect dentures fit like a glove and my hope to have permanent, functional dentures was no longer an impossible dream, it was an improbable reality! How does one say thank$ for a dream come true? One can only explain the truth about what happened and say I now believe it could atso happen for you. Of course, the price was right, but what I gained was priceless. I can now do what I though I could never do - speak more clearly, eat solid food and smile, smile, smile! And I can now do my secret dream - to sing in my church choir.

This is my story and my testimonial about Dr. Prada and Carolina - one so personal and so involved I believed it could never be told, but I will tell you it is true and if you want to call me I will tell you more. Thank you Dr. Prada and Carolina for helping me as if you were helping your family. Thank you for doing something that many professionals have forgotten how or never knew how to do: CARE, really care that the job is done right and giving all you have to try to make it so. Do I believe in miracles? Maybe I do now, but I do know for sure I will always believe in both of you! My phone number is: 510-601-6211.