Today my morning was great. Another patient that my peer pal had given me came in today. She is one of the sweetest ladies I've worked on. I took new radiographs and finished her today. She speaks Spanish but she also speaks English very well! She was so grateful that I was able to get her in to have a cleaning. She takes great care of her teeth! She had very healthy tissues and very little plaque.
My afternoon is where it got crazy! I had three kids coming in. This was the first time I'd seen three patients in an afternoon and I was worried that I wouldn't be able to finish all of them. They were all siblings and some the most well behaved kids I know. This made the day go by a lot better.
I was able to take radiographs on all three of the kids, which was a bonus! I was planning on placing a some sealants on the youngest, but we used the diagnodent and unfortunately we weren't able to place the sealants due to decay.
Kids are easy and fast to clean. I did see orange stain for the first time which was kinda cool to see. It came off really easily with a scaler.
I was definitely exhausted after the day was over, there was a lot of running around, cleaning up, and setting back up today. On the plus side the afternoon went by way fast and I am officially done with all my minimum requirements for the year! :)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Cancellations
This morning my class IV patient came back, her husband was supposed to be Hailey's patient. But I got a call at 7:45 telling me that her daughter is sick and that her husband is going to stay home and won't be able to come in. I felt sick! It's one thing if my patient cancels but thi
My afternoon patient was supposed to be the daughter of one of my patients, I had called the day before to confirm and she said they were planning on it. Well 12:30 rolls around and no patient, 12:35, 12:40, 12:45 still no patient. This patient is usually really good at being on time, so I hoped that everything was okay. I called her and she was surprised that her daughter wasn't there. She told me to call her other daughter (the sister to my patient) to see if they were coming. When I did she tells me that they aren't coming because the daughter has school. Great! That would have been nice to know when I called yesterday to confirm! So to the resource list I go....
Luckily as I getting ready to call a patient off the resource list, my patient called me back and said that her other son could come in, which was a relief! I was able to take radiographs and still finish him. He was only a 1B so that was expected.
The feelings of having a patient cancel or no show are definitely the worst! But I'm glad it all worked out in the end.s was Hailey's patient! I felt so bad! I felt like I was responsible for it, I called a patient of mine to see if they could come, but they couldn't. Hailey said it was okay, and it's not my fault since it's not something I can control. We looked at the resource list and tried multiple numbers. She was able to find a patient that was able to come in that morning, which I am grateful for!
My afternoon patient was supposed to be the daughter of one of my patients, I had called the day before to confirm and she said they were planning on it. Well 12:30 rolls around and no patient, 12:35, 12:40, 12:45 still no patient. This patient is usually really good at being on time, so I hoped that everything was okay. I called her and she was surprised that her daughter wasn't there. She told me to call her other daughter (the sister to my patient) to see if they were coming. When I did she tells me that they aren't coming because the daughter has school. Great! That would have been nice to know when I called yesterday to confirm! So to the resource list I go....
Luckily as I getting ready to call a patient off the resource list, my patient called me back and said that her other son could come in, which was a relief! I was able to take radiographs and still finish him. He was only a 1B so that was expected.
The feelings of having a patient cancel or no show are definitely the worst! But I'm glad it all worked out in the end.s was Hailey's patient! I felt so bad! I felt like I was responsible for it, I called a patient of mine to see if they could come, but they couldn't. Hailey said it was okay, and it's not my fault since it's not something I can control. We looked at the resource list and tried multiple numbers. She was able to find a patient that was able to come in that morning, which I am grateful for!
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Mockboards
This was the day I have been dreading since I first started this program... MOCKBOARDS!!
Just the name is intimidating! I knew the first mockboard would probably be miserable and I would be frantic. Luckily I was in the morning and I was able to get it over with first.
I made sure I arrived earlier than normal in the morning, so that I would have plenty of time to set up and let out some nerves. All I had to worry about now was my patient showing up! I had confirmed and confirmed twice, but you still never know if patients will show up. That is probably the thing I hate most about the program. I hate having my grade depend on someone else. Luckily my patient did show up today and on time! Whew-- first step was clear.
Within an hour my patient was submitted and brought back to my chair. I administered my local anesthetic--which was my first time in the clinical setting! It went great and smoothly, plus she actually got numb!! My only fight now was against the clock and my patients calculus!
I'm glad that I had worked on her before so knew what type of calculus she had. The calculus removed easily and wasn't very tenacious! Thank goodness!! I took a break halfway through to relax my hands and take a breather. I then charted recession and probe depths. I was finished scaling and still had about thirty minutes left on my time. Saying "I'm done" and submitting my patient back to the examiner was the hardest part of the whole thing! I kept thinking what if I'm not really done and I fail completely!
When my patient was brought back from the examiners they told me what spots I missed. And I only missed....one spot!! I was amazed and happy! This means that I have a very high chance of passing my first mockboard. I had my instructor come help me find the missed spot and then checked my patient out.
I had made it through my first mockboard and it went better than I could have ever hoped for! They had told us that most people fail their mockboards and that we shouldn't let it affect us. So I'm very happy that I actually passed! It was definitely a blessing and I am very grateful for it!
Thursday, October 11, 2012
Perio day!
Today was very exhausting! It was filled with lots of perio. Which is a good thing because I need a lot of perio this year!
My morning patient was a lady I had seen before and I was just finishing up her remaining three quads. She has class III periodontal disease, and a lot of calculus. Luckily it comes off pretty good. She didn't have to be numb which surprised me, but she said it was fine and didn't hurt.
My afternoon patient was one that my peer pal gave me (thank you MeChel!). She saw her last semester and told me that my patient really wants to improve her health so she wanted me to have her come in. I saw that she had been diagnosed with class IV periodontal disease last semester and when I looked the x-rays I was amazed!! I hadn't ever seen so much bone loss! I wasn't even sure if it really existed! Every single tooth was mobile in her mouth. Her plaque free index was way high, so she has been doing a great job keeping it clean. She gums were very inflamed and there was a lot of bleeding. I was only able to probe the maxillary arch because she was very sensitive. I had my instructor numb a quad and then I went to work. I didn't even know how or where to start. But eventually I finished. I was only able to finish one quad because the calculus was very tenacious. I put her on CHX and hopefully I will see some improvement at the next appointment.
My morning patient was a lady I had seen before and I was just finishing up her remaining three quads. She has class III periodontal disease, and a lot of calculus. Luckily it comes off pretty good. She didn't have to be numb which surprised me, but she said it was fine and didn't hurt.
My afternoon patient was one that my peer pal gave me (thank you MeChel!). She saw her last semester and told me that my patient really wants to improve her health so she wanted me to have her come in. I saw that she had been diagnosed with class IV periodontal disease last semester and when I looked the x-rays I was amazed!! I hadn't ever seen so much bone loss! I wasn't even sure if it really existed! Every single tooth was mobile in her mouth. Her plaque free index was way high, so she has been doing a great job keeping it clean. She gums were very inflamed and there was a lot of bleeding. I was only able to probe the maxillary arch because she was very sensitive. I had my instructor numb a quad and then I went to work. I didn't even know how or where to start. But eventually I finished. I was only able to finish one quad because the calculus was very tenacious. I put her on CHX and hopefully I will see some improvement at the next appointment.
Thursday, October 4, 2012
Continuing Care
This morning I had my first patient of the year come back (the one I think I can use for mockboards) and I did a screening on her. When she was first in my chair and I found out I could use her fore mockboards I was so flustered because I wasn't thinking about it at all! I didn't know the protocol for mockboards and I wasn't even exactly sure of the qualifications. So this time I did my homework before. I read the candidate guide and knew what I needed to look for. I had to take some x-rays and then I started feeling for calculus. I then had my instructor check her, and she qualifies for mockboards!! I am so happy! It's such a relief that I don't have to worry about it anymore. I am also grateful that she is willing to be my mockboard patient.
In the afternoon I finished one of my patients who is a class II. She is a sweetheart and is very worried that she is going to lose all her teeth. I had to reassure her that if we keep her on a maintenance schedule that the chances of her losing all her teeth are very minimal. She was relieved to hear that!
Overall today was a good day! It couldn't have gone much better! :)
In the afternoon I finished one of my patients who is a class II. She is a sweetheart and is very worried that she is going to lose all her teeth. I had to reassure her that if we keep her on a maintenance schedule that the chances of her losing all her teeth are very minimal. She was relieved to hear that!
Overall today was a good day! It couldn't have gone much better! :)
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Half Day
Today I only saw one patient because we had a lab in the afternoon. My patient this morning was another referral from my dental office. He was the boyfriend of a lady that used to work for my dental office. She called me and said that her boyfriend hadn't had a cleaning in forever and that he has periodontal disease. So I was thinking "Perfect! Maybe he'll be a class III". But much to my disappointment he wasn't. He ended up being two quads of a II and two quads of a V. So I won't complain too much, and I still have plenty of time to find class III patients.
He was very nice to work on and I was able to finish him completely. He didn't need radiographs because he said that he'd had them a few months ago. (I was trying to figure out why his girlfriend told me it had been years since he'd been to the dental office, but he'd had x-rays that year?? I was confused, but oh well)
In the afternoon we had a lab and we had a refresher on taking blood glucose and using the diagnodent. We also went over the saliva check test--which I am not excited about having to perform on one of my patients! Shannon helped us with periodontal files and graceys. I am still so nervous to use my periodontal files, I don't want to gouge my patients tooth surface! Lastly we were able to try out different ultrasonic/sonic machines. I definitely like our magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and it could be that it's what I'm used to. But the sonic scaler was very heavy and bulky, I didn't like it at all.
He was very nice to work on and I was able to finish him completely. He didn't need radiographs because he said that he'd had them a few months ago. (I was trying to figure out why his girlfriend told me it had been years since he'd been to the dental office, but he'd had x-rays that year?? I was confused, but oh well)
In the afternoon we had a lab and we had a refresher on taking blood glucose and using the diagnodent. We also went over the saliva check test--which I am not excited about having to perform on one of my patients! Shannon helped us with periodontal files and graceys. I am still so nervous to use my periodontal files, I don't want to gouge my patients tooth surface! Lastly we were able to try out different ultrasonic/sonic machines. I definitely like our magnetostrictive ultrasonic, and it could be that it's what I'm used to. But the sonic scaler was very heavy and bulky, I didn't like it at all.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Signs of Improvement
One of my favorite things is to improve, and when I have actual physical signs of improvement it is even better!
Today I was able to see three patients at the VA! Okay I know this is really pathetic when compared to private practice, but it was a huge step for me in school. When we first started at the VA they told us that in a couple of weeks we would start to see two patients in the morning. I laughed inside and thought "Ya, right! Maybe at the end of the year I'll be able to see two patients in the morning". This was extremely overwhelming to me because I kept thinking back to last year and how I was barely able to finish a 1B in a single 3 hour appointment by the end of the year. But much to my surprise it happened today!!
Everything today just worked out perfectly for me. The stars were aligned, or something like that. My patients were easy, and I was able to finish them all fast. I like being able to see multiple patients in a day, it makes the day go by faster. This also gives me hope that by the end of the year I will be ready to start in a private practice and see 10+ patients a day! But for now I'll just continue taking baby steps...
Thursday, September 20, 2012
Appreciation
Today was a very emotional day for both my patients today. I learned today how the news of telling a patient they have periodontal disease can affect your patients. It's not easy to hear that you are loosing your bone and could eventually loose all of your teeth. Teeth are one of the first things anyone notices on a person. And if you don't have any teeth it can really have an impact on your self appearance.
My first patient was a class three and she had a lot of calculus. I was so surprised at how much she had! I hadn't seen calculus on the buccal, lingual and occlusal surfaces! While doing her health history I learned that she had lost her husband a year ago and that is when she stopped keeping up on her dental visits. She said her oral care really decrease as well. She was very emotional because when she lost her husband she lost her income and insurance. She is finally back on her feet, but it was a long journey. She was so nice and I was grateful to have the opportunity to clean her teeth. She really wanted to get healthy again. She said she could come at anytime and with any amount of notice!
My second patient was a class two and she was really worried that her teeth were going to fall out at any moment. She was told that she had periodontal disease and would need a deep cleaning or else she would loose all of her teeth. She was very emotional about it and wanted to be cleaned as soon as she could because she loves her teeth. She said she always gets compliments on them and she couldn't imagine being without them.
Today I learned that we need to be careful how we deliver the news to our patients that they have periodontal disease. It is not an easy thing to hear, and we need to make sure we explain everything about the procedure and the outcomes if they get treatment or decide not to.
My first patient was a class three and she had a lot of calculus. I was so surprised at how much she had! I hadn't seen calculus on the buccal, lingual and occlusal surfaces! While doing her health history I learned that she had lost her husband a year ago and that is when she stopped keeping up on her dental visits. She said her oral care really decrease as well. She was very emotional because when she lost her husband she lost her income and insurance. She is finally back on her feet, but it was a long journey. She was so nice and I was grateful to have the opportunity to clean her teeth. She really wanted to get healthy again. She said she could come at anytime and with any amount of notice!
My second patient was a class two and she was really worried that her teeth were going to fall out at any moment. She was told that she had periodontal disease and would need a deep cleaning or else she would loose all of her teeth. She was very emotional about it and wanted to be cleaned as soon as she could because she loves her teeth. She said she always gets compliments on them and she couldn't imagine being without them.
Today I learned that we need to be careful how we deliver the news to our patients that they have periodontal disease. It is not an easy thing to hear, and we need to make sure we explain everything about the procedure and the outcomes if they get treatment or decide not to.
Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Just Another Day
Today at the VA, it was just another normal day. I was able to get some x-rays! I took four bitewings and one panoramic on my afternoon patient. I am always happy to do that, because you can never have too many x-rays! I like the panoramic machine at the VA better than the one at WSU. It is like the one I have at my office, so I already know how to use it. Plus it is digital so you don't have to worry about loading film or the scan-x sheet.
I feel like I am so much better at the VA than at WSU. I am faster and I don't feel as stressed. Even though we still have a lot of protocols at the VA, it's still so different from WSU clinic. I still am getting used to the computer system, it is different than at Weber. But over time I know it will become easy to me.
They are starting to schedule three patients a week at the VA now! I am excited about this! Hopefully I will be able to get fast enough so that I can start to see two patients in the morning!
I feel like I am so much better at the VA than at WSU. I am faster and I don't feel as stressed. Even though we still have a lot of protocols at the VA, it's still so different from WSU clinic. I still am getting used to the computer system, it is different than at Weber. But over time I know it will become easy to me.
They are starting to schedule three patients a week at the VA now! I am excited about this! Hopefully I will be able to get fast enough so that I can start to see two patients in the morning!
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
The Good Ole' Vets
I love the VA! I was very worried at first, wondering if I would like it or not, but it is so great! The only downside to it is the drive in the mornings. Plus I thought it would be a good idea to take a class at the University of Utah while I was down there since my best friend just started grad school and we wanted to take one together. So I stay down in Salt Lake after clinic and go to the class, which makes for a long day. But I am glad I took the class, and the patients at the VA make up for the drive. :)
Today my patient at the VA was so funny! I think everyone that knows me is a little worried I won't ever get married. (I remind them all the time that I am only 22 and I have plenty of time) But my patient today was asking about schooling and when I graduate. I told him I'll be done in April and then I'll be ready to start working. He then talked about how he knew a dentist in Arizona (where he was from) that would hire anyone hygienist that graduated in Utah and pay well. Then he added that he has a son that he could give my number too that lives in Arizona also! Ha ha! I thought it was great! I must look pretty old or something for a dad to offer to set me up with his son when all he knows about me is that I am hygienist! It made me laugh!
But on another note, the man was very nice just like the rest of the veterans. I am so grateful for their service and sacrifice to our country! I am grateful I have the opportunity to serve them.
Today my patient at the VA was so funny! I think everyone that knows me is a little worried I won't ever get married. (I remind them all the time that I am only 22 and I have plenty of time) But my patient today was asking about schooling and when I graduate. I told him I'll be done in April and then I'll be ready to start working. He then talked about how he knew a dentist in Arizona (where he was from) that would hire anyone hygienist that graduated in Utah and pay well. Then he added that he has a son that he could give my number too that lives in Arizona also! Ha ha! I thought it was great! I must look pretty old or something for a dad to offer to set me up with his son when all he knows about me is that I am hygienist! It made me laugh!
But on another note, the man was very nice just like the rest of the veterans. I am so grateful for their service and sacrifice to our country! I am grateful I have the opportunity to serve them.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Back in the Swing of Things
Today was my first day back and seeing patients at Weber State Dental Hygiene Clinic. I had already seen a patient on Tuesday at the VA, but I was still nervous to see patients again! I kept questioning myself if I still knew all the protocols at WSU (because let's be honest, some of them are a little ridiculous!). But it ended up being better than I had anticipated.
My patient in the morning was a lady that my dental office had referred to me. I knew she would be perio because my office told me she needs the "deeper cleaning" ie. root debridement. I was excited to see a good patient for my first one this year. She hadn't been to the dentist for years, and while my instructor was checking her, he said she would be a good mockboard patient!! I was so flustered at this! I was not expecting to find my mockboard patient on the first day of clinic! I didn't even know for sure what I was supposed to do. So I just cleaned one quad and scheduled her back so that I could take more radiographs and do a full on screening. But I am so glad that I have a possible mockboard patient. I couldn't have asked for a better first clinic day.
In the end the day was good, and I am back full swing in the same old routine. I just hope this year goes by fast because I am ready to graduate! :)
My patient in the morning was a lady that my dental office had referred to me. I knew she would be perio because my office told me she needs the "deeper cleaning" ie. root debridement. I was excited to see a good patient for my first one this year. She hadn't been to the dentist for years, and while my instructor was checking her, he said she would be a good mockboard patient!! I was so flustered at this! I was not expecting to find my mockboard patient on the first day of clinic! I didn't even know for sure what I was supposed to do. So I just cleaned one quad and scheduled her back so that I could take more radiographs and do a full on screening. But I am so glad that I have a possible mockboard patient. I couldn't have asked for a better first clinic day.
In the end the day was good, and I am back full swing in the same old routine. I just hope this year goes by fast because I am ready to graduate! :)
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
Fini, Final, Finito, Finished
Done, done done! I am done and finished with first year clinic!! I can't believe I made it and how fast it went by! I remember when I first started I thought it would never end! But before I knew it I was finishing up my last person for three months!
I owe a lot of thanks to my classmates, especially those in my pod! They are awesome! They helped me out by sharing patients with me and dealing with me all year! I wouldn't have finished my requirements if it wasn't for them.
Also my peer pal, MeChel, is amazing!! She was my first and last patient, plus a big help throughout the year with any question I had. She showed my some tricks today to help with cleaning a lingual bar. Plus she brought in her night guard so I could pass off that PE, and she let me prick her finger for a blood glucose PE. She really is awesome! She made clinic today fun and easy. It was really relaxed because I had already OD'ed her so I knew we had a lot of time to spare.
I have learned so much this year! Hopefully I don't forget everything over the summer! I have enjoyed my experiences here and I can't wait for more! :)
I owe a lot of thanks to my classmates, especially those in my pod! They are awesome! They helped me out by sharing patients with me and dealing with me all year! I wouldn't have finished my requirements if it wasn't for them.
Also my peer pal, MeChel, is amazing!! She was my first and last patient, plus a big help throughout the year with any question I had. She showed my some tricks today to help with cleaning a lingual bar. Plus she brought in her night guard so I could pass off that PE, and she let me prick her finger for a blood glucose PE. She really is awesome! She made clinic today fun and easy. It was really relaxed because I had already OD'ed her so I knew we had a lot of time to spare.
I have learned so much this year! Hopefully I don't forget everything over the summer! I have enjoyed my experiences here and I can't wait for more! :)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Family to the Rescue.... Again!
I don't think anyone goes through the dental hygiene program without the help of their family. I know I would have failed multiple patient experiences if it wasn't for my family! I am so grateful for them and love them so much.
Today it was my Grandpa that came to the rescue. I had a hard time trying to find a patient for today so I called my Grandma and she said they would love to come in. I was so grateful! It has been a few years (5 years to be exact) since my Grandpa had been to the dentist. So I was hoping that he would possibly qualify as a class III.
I was able to do x-rays (both BWX and PA) and I got one quad of a class III. I was really grateful for this because the rest of his mouth was a class V! So only one more quad of a class III left to do and I am in the clear for my requirements! I was talking to Sierra today and she is cleaning a patient on Monday that has one quad of a class III, and she doesn't need it so she is going to let me clean that quad! Which will be fantastic and I will be finished with my requirements!!
Today it was my Grandpa that came to the rescue. I had a hard time trying to find a patient for today so I called my Grandma and she said they would love to come in. I was so grateful! It has been a few years (5 years to be exact) since my Grandpa had been to the dentist. So I was hoping that he would possibly qualify as a class III.
I was able to do x-rays (both BWX and PA) and I got one quad of a class III. I was really grateful for this because the rest of his mouth was a class V! So only one more quad of a class III left to do and I am in the clear for my requirements! I was talking to Sierra today and she is cleaning a patient on Monday that has one quad of a class III, and she doesn't need it so she is going to let me clean that quad! Which will be fantastic and I will be finished with my requirements!!
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
A Blessing in Disguise
Sometimes a patient cancelling at 5 am feels like a mini heart attack--sometimes it's a blessing in disguise.
The same patient that cancelled at 5 am last time did it again! What I don't get is why is he up that early and not able to make it to the appointment? He never even gives an excuse it's just, "Sorry, I can't come today". Oh well it turned out to be better that he didn't come.
My last brother got the opportunity to get his teeth cleaned. It's good that it was my morning clinic since my brother has soccer in the afternoon so it wouldn't have worked out as well. It was also a great day because I got soo much done!!
I took 4 BWX's and 4 PA's, scaled all 4 quads, and placed a sealant. Plus I didn't miss any spots! It was great! Today was a good confidence builder for me as well. I realized I know what I am doing and I am getting better and faster!
The same patient that cancelled at 5 am last time did it again! What I don't get is why is he up that early and not able to make it to the appointment? He never even gives an excuse it's just, "Sorry, I can't come today". Oh well it turned out to be better that he didn't come.
My last brother got the opportunity to get his teeth cleaned. It's good that it was my morning clinic since my brother has soccer in the afternoon so it wouldn't have worked out as well. It was also a great day because I got soo much done!!
I took 4 BWX's and 4 PA's, scaled all 4 quads, and placed a sealant. Plus I didn't miss any spots! It was great! Today was a good confidence builder for me as well. I realized I know what I am doing and I am getting better and faster!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Class V in One
Well I did it! I finished a patient in one appointment! It was the best feeling! My patient didn't want to have x-rays so that helped out a little, but still I finished him!
I got this patient from the resource list and I had a hard time getting a hold of him at first. I had the wrong number so I wasn't able to schedule him for an appointment. But I eventually did get a hold of him and I was able to find an appointment for him. He was a very nice man as well, and he had just gotten back from California. His wife is a painter so she goes and paints out in California for the winter.
He was a class V patient and I knew this coming into it. I was a little stressed that I wouldn't be able to schedule him back for another appointment since I'm getting down to the wire, so it was definitely a blessing to be able to finish him in one appointment. Plus it's four quads that will add to my total!
I got this patient from the resource list and I had a hard time getting a hold of him at first. I had the wrong number so I wasn't able to schedule him for an appointment. But I eventually did get a hold of him and I was able to find an appointment for him. He was a very nice man as well, and he had just gotten back from California. His wife is a painter so she goes and paints out in California for the winter.
He was a class V patient and I knew this coming into it. I was a little stressed that I wouldn't be able to schedule him back for another appointment since I'm getting down to the wire, so it was definitely a blessing to be able to finish him in one appointment. Plus it's four quads that will add to my total!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Check it off
Well I finished another patient today! This patient is probably one of my favorites! She is the nicest person and so sweet. I have really enjoyed getting to know her. This is definitely one of the benefits of clinic-- I get to meet new people and I really start to care for them and their oral health.
I just had to finish two quads so I knew it would be more of a relaxed day. I was able to take it easy and pass off a few PE's. It's nice to have a day where I don't have to be so stressed about getting through an OD, taking x-rays, and hoping I can do it fast enough so I can get to a few quads.
I can't believe how fast this semester is going by! I only have about a month left! It is so crazy! I have learned so much this year and made lot's of new friends. I am so excited for the future and for the experiences I will continue to have in the program!
I just had to finish two quads so I knew it would be more of a relaxed day. I was able to take it easy and pass off a few PE's. It's nice to have a day where I don't have to be so stressed about getting through an OD, taking x-rays, and hoping I can do it fast enough so I can get to a few quads.
I can't believe how fast this semester is going by! I only have about a month left! It is so crazy! I have learned so much this year and made lot's of new friends. I am so excited for the future and for the experiences I will continue to have in the program!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Just Another Day in Clinic
Well like the title says, it was just another day in clinic today. I was a little nervous at first that my patient wouldn't show. This is the patient that texted me at 5 in the morning saying he couldn't come. So all morning I had my cellphone clutched in my hands just waiting and praying that I wouldn't get that text. And I didn't, and he showed up!
I was able to get x-ray 4 BWX and 4 PA's done! I was given a brilliant tip on how to get my PA's. Ashlee told me that I should suggest to my patients that we do PA's of the front teeth to check for cavities. Most people don't question it and they are beneficial since we usually don't radiograph the anterior teeth. It's genius!! Now I don't have to stress about getting my PA's done!
I will have to schedule my patient again because I wasn't able to finish. I am still waiting for that day when I don't have to schedule two appointments for 1B's! It will come and it's my goal to get it done this semester!
I was able to get x-ray 4 BWX and 4 PA's done! I was given a brilliant tip on how to get my PA's. Ashlee told me that I should suggest to my patients that we do PA's of the front teeth to check for cavities. Most people don't question it and they are beneficial since we usually don't radiograph the anterior teeth. It's genius!! Now I don't have to stress about getting my PA's done!
I will have to schedule my patient again because I wasn't able to finish. I am still waiting for that day when I don't have to schedule two appointments for 1B's! It will come and it's my goal to get it done this semester!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Car Troubles = No patient!
The thing I hate most about clinic is that no matter how many times you call a patient to confirm you still have zero control over whether or not they really show up! My grade is dependent on whether or not my patient feels like coming, is healthy enough to come, runs into problems or just forgets! I don't like not being in control of my own grade!
My patient today ran into some car troubles. And I try to give my patients the benefit of the doubt and believe what they tell me but sometimes it is hard. They have not shown up before because they had car troubles (about 3 weeks ago) and Sierra had just talked to the mom about 2 hours before and she had mentioned that her son was getting a ride with a friend. So when I called her about 15 mins after her son was supposed to be at the clinic she told me he won't be coming because of the car problems. So who knows what it really was but I'll be kind and hope they can get their car fixed.
My brother ended up being my patient today. I was really unsure whether I would be able to finish him or not because he got there about 45 mins late. I didn't have to do x-rays so that was nice and gave me some extra time. I just told myself to probe like I've never probed before!
I was able to finish him and it was great! But I learned today that sometimes family can be the worst patients! He was kinda funny to watch but a little frustrating to work on! But I finished and got four quads of a 1B so I can't complain too much!
My patient today ran into some car troubles. And I try to give my patients the benefit of the doubt and believe what they tell me but sometimes it is hard. They have not shown up before because they had car troubles (about 3 weeks ago) and Sierra had just talked to the mom about 2 hours before and she had mentioned that her son was getting a ride with a friend. So when I called her about 15 mins after her son was supposed to be at the clinic she told me he won't be coming because of the car problems. So who knows what it really was but I'll be kind and hope they can get their car fixed.
My brother ended up being my patient today. I was really unsure whether I would be able to finish him or not because he got there about 45 mins late. I didn't have to do x-rays so that was nice and gave me some extra time. I just told myself to probe like I've never probed before!
I was able to finish him and it was great! But I learned today that sometimes family can be the worst patients! He was kinda funny to watch but a little frustrating to work on! But I finished and got four quads of a 1B so I can't complain too much!
Monday, February 13, 2012
Smoking--No Bueno!
Today I had a patient that I didn't know. Sierra was kind enough to give me a patient since she knew I didn't have one scheduled for today. It was the brother of her patient. I was planning on him being a class 1B, but that didn't happen. The appointment turned out different than what I had planned--which was a good thing!
So my patient was a smoker... my first smoking patient. And can I just say I do not like working on smokers. I felt like I smelt like I had been smoking for days after! I knew smokers breath was strong I just didn't know it would last so long.
There is some good news in this story! I was able to take full mouth! Which was a miracle since I have been stressing about my x-rays. That means I got 14 PA's!! It felt so good to be able to cross off all of them! I was able to also get one quad scaled which I thought was an accomplishment since the x-rays took awhile to do.
I'm looking forward to Wednesday because we have a lab and I don't have to worry about a patient! It definitely will be a nice break!
So my patient was a smoker... my first smoking patient. And can I just say I do not like working on smokers. I felt like I smelt like I had been smoking for days after! I knew smokers breath was strong I just didn't know it would last so long.
There is some good news in this story! I was able to take full mouth! Which was a miracle since I have been stressing about my x-rays. That means I got 14 PA's!! It felt so good to be able to cross off all of them! I was able to also get one quad scaled which I thought was an accomplishment since the x-rays took awhile to do.
I'm looking forward to Wednesday because we have a lab and I don't have to worry about a patient! It definitely will be a nice break!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Crazy good!
Today I had my sister come in again to finish her. I only had two quads to finish so I knew it would be easier do. But I also had a patient coming in later in the morning so I could take a PANO on her. I was a little stressed and worried that I wouldn't be done with my sister in enough time and the other lady would have to wait. I'm pretty sure I had nightmares about it for a couple of nights! But luckily it wasn't horrible at all!
It started out that my sister was a little late.. I was starting to freak out but no too much because I knew she was for sure coming. So I decided to use that extra time and pass of a PE. This turned out to be great! I passed off instrument sharpening, which made my instruments nice and sharp for my sister. When she got there I knew it would go pretty fast. I used my ultrasonic for the first time on a 1B and it was great for the lower linguals! It made my appointment go so much faster, plus it was more comfortable for my sister.
My nightmare didn't happen because I was able to finish my sister in plenty of time. I had time to chart and clean up the unit before the lady arrived. And the PANO was a piece of cake! I take them all the time at my dental office so it was easy smeasy for me! :)
It started out that my sister was a little late.. I was starting to freak out but no too much because I knew she was for sure coming. So I decided to use that extra time and pass of a PE. This turned out to be great! I passed off instrument sharpening, which made my instruments nice and sharp for my sister. When she got there I knew it would go pretty fast. I used my ultrasonic for the first time on a 1B and it was great for the lower linguals! It made my appointment go so much faster, plus it was more comfortable for my sister.
My nightmare didn't happen because I was able to finish my sister in plenty of time. I had time to chart and clean up the unit before the lady arrived. And the PANO was a piece of cake! I take them all the time at my dental office so it was easy smeasy for me! :)
Monday, February 6, 2012
Little brothers
Once again I can be grateful for little brothers and a mom that is willing to pull my brothers out of school! My patient cancelled this morning while I was at work! I'm pretty sure the feeling I have when a patient cancels is comparable to a heart attack! I start to freak out! But my mom was very kind and she took my little brother out of school so I could clean his teeth.
I was able to get two bitewing x-rays taken and I also did four sealants! He was such a good sport! That is a long time for a little boy to sit in a chair but he was so cooperative!
I feel like I am starting to realize that most class 1 patients (both 1A and 1B) don't have much calculus! I don't have to scrape and scrape each tooth over and over trying to find something that isn't there. If they don't have calculus that's great! It's less time for me!
I was able to get two bitewing x-rays taken and I also did four sealants! He was such a good sport! That is a long time for a little boy to sit in a chair but he was so cooperative!
I feel like I am starting to realize that most class 1 patients (both 1A and 1B) don't have much calculus! I don't have to scrape and scrape each tooth over and over trying to find something that isn't there. If they don't have calculus that's great! It's less time for me!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Benefits of Working
Today I saw a patient that my work gave to me. If there are any benefits to working while in the program this will definitely be one of them! This patient was seen at our office and was told he needed a SRP (scaling and root planing) but they didn't want to pay for it so they referred him to me. And I am so grateful they did because he is a class II patient!
I got my raidographs from my office and it was crazy how much calculus he has! There is radiographic calculus on every interproximal surface! So he will definitely be a fun but challenging patient. I was able to get one quad scaled today and he is scheduled back again so I can finish him.
He was such a great patient! He had a lot of patience and responded well to what I had to tell him. But it definitely took a lot of time to get off the calculus just because there was so much! It was fun I was able to use my ultrasonic and I really like it! It definitely is a time saver!
I got my raidographs from my office and it was crazy how much calculus he has! There is radiographic calculus on every interproximal surface! So he will definitely be a fun but challenging patient. I was able to get one quad scaled today and he is scheduled back again so I can finish him.
He was such a great patient! He had a lot of patience and responded well to what I had to tell him. But it definitely took a lot of time to get off the calculus just because there was so much! It was fun I was able to use my ultrasonic and I really like it! It definitely is a time saver!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Thank Goodness for Family!
That seems to be the theme for this week! Both my patients cancelled this week, and I quickly realized that that is the most stressful thing ever! If I ever have a heart attack it will be because my patient cancelled on me!
My Monday patient at least cancelled on Saturday and she had a legit reason. So I frantically called another patient and they couldn't come in, so my last resort was my sister. And I owe her! I am so glad that she agreed to come in, because I know it is a lot of time to take off work. She was great though. I was able to get another set of BWX's and I scaled two quads! She has healthy gums and not much calculus so it wasn't too bad. She might tell you otherwise though. I think she realized after laying back for three hours how much I really do owe her! But she did agree to come in so I can finish so that's good right!
Wednesday was a completely different story! I had called and confirmed my patients appointment on Monday, and he was totally okay with coming in and grateful that he was able to get an appointment. But on Wednesday morning at 5:30 AM I received a text saying, "I can't come. Sorry". I was like great, what am I supposed to do now! I couldn't call anyone since it was so early! So I resorted to my little brother. Who was surprisingly very happy to come in! He was mostly just glad that he was able to miss school! So he got the privilege of being the next trooper. And he definitely was! Three hours is along time for a little boy to sit in the same spot. I was able to get a set of BWX's and do six sealants! Which I can't complain about since that crosses off three more requirements!
All I have to say is that I am so grateful for my family and their willingness to help me out!! I love them so much!
My Monday patient at least cancelled on Saturday and she had a legit reason. So I frantically called another patient and they couldn't come in, so my last resort was my sister. And I owe her! I am so glad that she agreed to come in, because I know it is a lot of time to take off work. She was great though. I was able to get another set of BWX's and I scaled two quads! She has healthy gums and not much calculus so it wasn't too bad. She might tell you otherwise though. I think she realized after laying back for three hours how much I really do owe her! But she did agree to come in so I can finish so that's good right!
Wednesday was a completely different story! I had called and confirmed my patients appointment on Monday, and he was totally okay with coming in and grateful that he was able to get an appointment. But on Wednesday morning at 5:30 AM I received a text saying, "I can't come. Sorry". I was like great, what am I supposed to do now! I couldn't call anyone since it was so early! So I resorted to my little brother. Who was surprisingly very happy to come in! He was mostly just glad that he was able to miss school! So he got the privilege of being the next trooper. And he definitely was! Three hours is along time for a little boy to sit in the same spot. I was able to get a set of BWX's and do six sealants! Which I can't complain about since that crosses off three more requirements!
All I have to say is that I am so grateful for my family and their willingness to help me out!! I love them so much!
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| My Family! :) |
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
First Finished Patient!
I finished my first patient today! It definitely feels good to finish a whole patient and I realized I love return appointments! They are so much better than the initial appointment. I was able to bring my patient back and just start scaling away! No waiting for x-rays, no waiting for an OD check, I can just jump right in and go to town!
I saw what sheet calculus is like for the first time today. My patient didn't have a ton and it wasn't too tenacious, but I learned that you can use the toe of a curet to get the sheet calculus off. Plus another thing I learned is what orthodontic cement looks like on the tooth. It is very tricky and I don't like it! It looks like calculus and even goes chalky white when you dry it, but it is almost impossible to scrape off!! You can tell a difference because ortho cement goes kinda grayish when you scale it, while calculus doesn't. I was scaling this one tooth for like twenty minutes and it wouldn't come off. I asked my instructor about it because I didn't want it to count against me, and she told me that it was ortho cement and the ways to tell the difference.
I also passed off two PE's today, I kinda forgot about PE's last week and didn't pass any off. I wish I could totally forget about PE's! Actually the PE's this semester aren't as bad. Our instructor pretty much just watches how we are scaling and we don't have to worry about memorizing the PE's word for word like last semester. And most of the PE's are just repeats so we've done them once already.
I saw what sheet calculus is like for the first time today. My patient didn't have a ton and it wasn't too tenacious, but I learned that you can use the toe of a curet to get the sheet calculus off. Plus another thing I learned is what orthodontic cement looks like on the tooth. It is very tricky and I don't like it! It looks like calculus and even goes chalky white when you dry it, but it is almost impossible to scrape off!! You can tell a difference because ortho cement goes kinda grayish when you scale it, while calculus doesn't. I was scaling this one tooth for like twenty minutes and it wouldn't come off. I asked my instructor about it because I didn't want it to count against me, and she told me that it was ortho cement and the ways to tell the difference.
I also passed off two PE's today, I kinda forgot about PE's last week and didn't pass any off. I wish I could totally forget about PE's! Actually the PE's this semester aren't as bad. Our instructor pretty much just watches how we are scaling and we don't have to worry about memorizing the PE's word for word like last semester. And most of the PE's are just repeats so we've done them once already.
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day two down, however many more to go
Well I found a patient for today! My peer pal came through for me! She is amazing. I was talking to her on Tuesday about a patient and she said that she had a lady that likes to come in on Wednesday mornings. So I called her and she could! She was so sweet too! When I called to ask if she wanted to come in she became so excited and started thanking me! It had been a few years since she had been in so she really wanted to get in.
I was able to get another set of BWX's plus one PA! I was feeling pretty good! Every little bit helps towards my requirements. Plus she is two quads of a class two and two quads of a 1B. It would've been nice if she was all four quads of a class II, but I'll take what I can get.
She is probably one of my favorite patients. She was so nice and very grateful for everything. She has been through a lot in her life with one of her little boys, but she is still so strong and I am amazed at how she keeps on going. She was also very attentive to what I had to say and was really worried when I told her she had periodontal disease. She is determined to keep up on her oral health and to make sure she see's the dentist every six months.
I wasn't able to scale any quads today but that's okay because I felt like I was really able to talk to her and help her make some changes in her life. I look forward to being able to treat her again.
I was able to get another set of BWX's plus one PA! I was feeling pretty good! Every little bit helps towards my requirements. Plus she is two quads of a class two and two quads of a 1B. It would've been nice if she was all four quads of a class II, but I'll take what I can get.
She is probably one of my favorite patients. She was so nice and very grateful for everything. She has been through a lot in her life with one of her little boys, but she is still so strong and I am amazed at how she keeps on going. She was also very attentive to what I had to say and was really worried when I told her she had periodontal disease. She is determined to keep up on her oral health and to make sure she see's the dentist every six months.
I wasn't able to scale any quads today but that's okay because I felt like I was really able to talk to her and help her make some changes in her life. I look forward to being able to treat her again.
Monday, January 9, 2012
The Beginning...
Well it came, whether I was ready or not! I saw my first real patient today . I wanted to start out easy so my first patient was someone I knew and she was only a 1B. I was extremely nervous because it has been over a month since I have held a scaler and actually been in someones mouth, I was worried I wouldn't remember a thing! But surprisingly it came back and it felt almost like I never left!
Today was a good way to start out a new semester of clinic especially my first semester of patient treatment. My patient was cooperative and helped calm my nerves. I was able to check off a set of bitewing x-rays since I was able to take 4 films on my patient! I felt good about that because now I only have nine sets to take! No big deal right? :/ And I was very proud because I also scaled one quad!
I saw some new things today. My patient had a tongue thrust device on her two maxillary central incisors. I haven't ever seen one on an actual person. And I thought it was weird that she still had one on since she is in her late twenties. She said it has been there forever and they are mostly just annoying now. She doesn't tongue thrust anymore and I guess she's never had them removed. They did make it a little more difficult to scale around and to probe around, but for the most part they were okay.
Well today went smoothly and it's over now, so now all I have to worry about is finding a patient for Wednesday! :/ Anyone have any options?
Today was a good way to start out a new semester of clinic especially my first semester of patient treatment. My patient was cooperative and helped calm my nerves. I was able to check off a set of bitewing x-rays since I was able to take 4 films on my patient! I felt good about that because now I only have nine sets to take! No big deal right? :/ And I was very proud because I also scaled one quad!
I saw some new things today. My patient had a tongue thrust device on her two maxillary central incisors. I haven't ever seen one on an actual person. And I thought it was weird that she still had one on since she is in her late twenties. She said it has been there forever and they are mostly just annoying now. She doesn't tongue thrust anymore and I guess she's never had them removed. They did make it a little more difficult to scale around and to probe around, but for the most part they were okay.
Well today went smoothly and it's over now, so now all I have to worry about is finding a patient for Wednesday! :/ Anyone have any options?
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