Val McCullough: It’s not easy to be a decent human being

My September calendar tells me I have an upcoming dental appointment.

I cringe at upcoming dental appointments because dentists not only see our teeth, but they also get a peek who we really are.

They get a glimpse at our eating habits. They know if we flossed or not.

Dental visits play a leading role in my family’s story.

When my dad was in his early 20s, he chose low-budget dentistry.

Once, in 1925, Dad asked a friend to extract his aching tooth using pliers, a piece of string and some whiskey.

By 1948, my dad had upgraded to visiting a licensed dentist but still wanted to save a little cash.

Whenever he saw a dentist for the first time, he dressed as if he were on the verge of being penniless. He hoped to get a low rate on his dental care.

When Dad finally had all his teeth remo