Retiring Dental Assistant Surprised With $20k As A ‘Thank You’ For Her 20 Years Of Work

Sophia Teel, a dental assistant in Beaumont, Texas, is finally retiring after 20 long years at the same practice.

Orthodontists Mike Nelson and Ron Risinger appreciate Teel’s hard-work and dedication, so they wanted to do something special for her.

To show their appreciation for their colleague, Nelson and Risinger decided to surprise Teel with $1,000 for each year she’s worked there, which totals $20,000.

“We try to do something fun for our anniversary gifts,” Nelson told GMA. “Sophia is our first 20-year anniversary and so I reached out to Mike and said ‘what do you think about giving Sophia $1,000 for each year worked?’”

The video of the heartwarming surprise went viral all over social media, which you can watch below.

In the video below, you’ll see Teel receiving the check and being overcome with emotion after she was truly in shock.

“I was thinking, ‘Good grief, I got a month left before 20 years. I know I’m not getting fired,'” she told Good Morning America.

“I was humbled that day, but I am grateful,” Teel continued. “It is an awesome feeling to be appreciated in such a manner and the whole world knows that you’re appreciated.”

Teel began working as an intern at Risinger & Nelson Orthodontic Specialists in May 2002. After her internship, she was quickly offered a job there, which she would work for the next two decades.

Teel absolutely loved her job, so her retirement is very bittersweet for her.

“To us it’s a small reflection of the greatness that they give back to us, as well as the rest of the patients here in the office,” Risinger told GMA.

Watch the touching surprise in the video below:

Provide Mammograms

Support those fighting Breast Cancer at The Breast Cancer Site for free! →