Why We Love Hermey, the Elf who Became a Dentist

Perhaps the most famous dentist around (at least during the Christmas season) is Hermey the Elf, who was one of the lead characters (alongside Rudolph) of the classic 1964 claymation movie Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. If you somehow managed to miss this movie growing up, you can view it here to get yourself in the spirit.

The movie is ultimately about using the gifts you have to step up and help other people – finding your place in the world, even though at times it can seem like you don’t have one.

Rather than making toys and gifts like all of the other elves, Hermey has a driving ambition to become a dentist (any dentists out there who can relate?)

Just becoming a dentist takes many years of hard work, dedication, and a desire to help others. It is those qualities that Hermey demonstrates time and time again over the course of the movie.

Passion and Determination

Hermey faces many challenges en route to becoming a dentist, including opposition from his boss. But he is focused on the end goal. He knows what he wants and does not buckle to peer pressure. Not that it doesn’t affect him, otherwise he probably wouldn’t have left with Rudolph to begin with. But in the end, Hermey does what he knows he wants to do, and this is what makes him happy and helps others.

As dentists, we know that it takes passion and determination – not to mention compassion – to work with people through the dental issues they are struggling with. It’s not ever as easy as just pulling all the teeth from a Bumble – a moment of the movie that does cast a bit of a shadow over Hermey’s career. But it was the 60’s after all.

Commitment to Help

Helping other people is an excellent trait and one that a dentist must aspire to. Despite all the challenges, Hermey stands side-by-side with Rudolf throughout the movie. However difficult the situation, Rudolph knows that Hermey has his back, which is something we hope that each of our patients can say when it comes to their oral health.

Passion for Learning

Hermey is like a sponge, always desperate to learn and improve his dental knowledge. Technology in dentistry is always changing, improving, and developing. As a dentist, you must keep abreast of new developments in order to be the greatest benefit to those you serve. Hermey is an excellent example for us all – not just dentists – in this regard.

For these reasons and more, Hermey will always have a soft spot in our heart. Who’s your favorite character from Rudolph?