Mrs. B

When you first met Mrs B, what you saw and what you remembered most was her smile: genuine, constant, and HUGE. Good thing she was in the smile business—orthodontics. The remarkable thing is that she was a part of this wonderful profession for 67 years, and all of it is in the same office! Can you top that?

Mrs B began her orthodontic journey on January 3, 1943, before many of us were even born. She said that “work is her hobby,” and that hobby has become now a lifelong career of both commitment and passion. Clyde Wells, DDS, (the only orthodontist in the state of South Carolina at the time) hired Frances Borders (known as Mrs B to all) because he needed an orthodontic assistant and her background in general dentistry was just what he was looking for. For the next 67 years, she worked in the very same office in Greenville, SC, at Orthodontic Associates for Richard Hewitt, DDS, MSD; Karen Rogers, DMD, MS; and Lucius Cline, DMD. Seeing three generations of patients was an outstanding achievement, and the patients she saw in her last years were astonished that she was still there.

When I first met Mrs B in her office a few years ago, I asked her if she planned to retire. Her answer has not only stuck with me, but is one I have shared around the world in my lectures when I talk about commitment from employees and love for what we do for patients. Mrs B politely looked up at me (and I do mean up at me, as she is only 4 feet 11 inches tall) and said with her infectious smile, “Rosemary, If I had retired by now, I never would have met you.” Well, that said it all.

“I Need to Grow Taller”

In her job review for the year 1989, one of Mrs B’s employers said, “After all these years, who has a better knowledge of how to run an orthodontic office than you?”

In her job review done in 1991, one of the questions posed to her was, “What does the employee need to do to improve?” Her reply was simply, “I need to grow taller so I won’t bump into you so much!” That sense of humor and positive attitude are what kept her in the profession for so long and made each day a joy as she continued to perform the duties of receptionist and financial coordinator.

Among the many offices she held, Mrs B was president of the Greenville County Dental Assistants Society and the South Carolina Dental Assistants Association, editor of the Journal of the South Carolina Dental Assistants Association, and a delegate to the American Dental Assistants Association several times. That fact that Mrs B got up early in the morning before work and made homemade biscuits for the team was only an added benefit to her staying on for so long.

Mrs. B in 1956 (left) and in 2009.

An Interview with Mrs B

Since the writing of this article, I am deeply saddened to report the passing of Mrs B due to a stroke. She would have been most proud to know how much she was admired, respected, and saluted by many. Before she passed away, I had a chance to do a short e-mail interview with her. Here are a few answers to questions I sent to her.

Rosemary Bray: Mrs B, when did you begin your ortho career, and what made you enter this profession?

Mrs B: I got a call from Dr Wells right before Christmas in 1942. He needed an assistant, and the general dentist I had been with told him I just moved to Greenville and gave him my number. I went for an interview and got accepted!

Bray: How long have you been at your practice, and why have you stayed there so many years?

Mrs B: I started in January of 1943, and I am still here after 67 years! I told Dr Wells in the first week here that I was where I belonged, and I still feel the same! This practice is a part of me and always will be even if I retire!

Bray: You must have seen so many changes over the years, in treatment and technology. What are the most significant changes you have witnessed in your career?

Mrs B: I have seen bands [change] to brackets, appointment books become computers … No more typewriters, bookkeeping done on the computer, and payroll done by a bank. I saw an automatic air conditioner instead of my ceiling fan and sterilized instruments instead of boiling them like I used to!

Bray: Tell us about the award you received from the city that you so proudly display at your office.

Mrs B: Dr Hewitt nominated me for the award from the state of South Carolina to recognize my 60 years of employment, saying I had “continuous, dedicated service” to his practice and patients. I was given the award in May of 2003.

Bray: You must have been a part of so many patients’ lives. Are there any who really stick out in your memory as special?

Mrs B: Yes, Karen Rogers was a patient of ours when she was in high school. She worked with me after school. And now she is my boss, Dr Karen Rogers! There are so many other patients and mothers who have become dear friends; I couldn’t name them all.

Bray: What roles have you had at the practice over your many years of service? Any favorites?

Mrs B: I have held every office and done everything. I even typed the Dr’s thesis for his master’s degree. Reception is my favorite because I am the first one to greet every patient!

Bray: What advice would you give to a young person who is thinking about beginning a career as an orthodontic team member?

Mrs B: Be sure you like working with people. Have a happy, pleasant disposition, and always smile when you greet a patient. The traits of character, loyalty, devotion, dependability, and professionalism come first—always! You represent the practice wherever you go, so be all of these.

Bray: If you could begin your working career all over again, would you do anything differently?

Mrs B: I can’t think of anything I would change. God placed me where He knew I should be, and every morning I am thankful for the privilege of going to work.

Bray: What would you like the orthodontic world to remember about you when you are no longer with us?

Mrs B: That I have been blessed to work in a profession that I have enjoyed and was able to be with so many wonderful people, to work with and to serve.

Bray: What are a few of your fondest memories throughout your many years in orthodontics?

Mrs B: I have special memories of most of the people I have worked with—we are like a family. Dr Wells was like a dad to me. I went to all of his children’s weddings. All of the doctors have been so nice to me. Our newest partner, Dr Cline, and my own two children are related, as his dad and my children are first cousins!

A Little Woman with a Big Legacy

She may have been tiny in the world (at less than 5 feet tall and 100 pounds), but in the world of orthodontics Mrs B has been a giant. We should use her as an example of the commitment that we want and need in our ortho team members, and also as an example of how joy can be brought to a practice and the patients lucky enough to be treated there.

Mrs B made her mark on my world and the orthodontic world as well. Near the end of her life, she considered retirement but said, “I love staying busy.” We should all be lucky enough to keep busy for as long as she did.

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Rosemary Bray is a speaker, trainer, and consultant to the dental and orthodontic professions. She can be reached at