First screening experience (March 9, 2012)

I have never screened for patients to meet my requirements before, so this was a good experience to learn for the time when I really need to know how!  I wasn't planning on screening with the rest of the class this day because so many people were interested.  I had my mid semester counseling with Prof. Costley who mentioned the screenings.  I, then, learned how important the screenings were.  Yes, they are good to find patients and meet requirements, but what about if I don't find patients who suits my needs?  At least I tried!  I figured this would be my only saving grace at end of semester conferences if I didn't meet my requirements.  I caught on to her lead very quickly.  It was that day that I realized I needed to find 3 patients to screen and be there the whole time.  Prof. Costley was giving of her time for this opportunity, and I needed to take advantage of it.. for the experience and what I mentioned above.  As the time grew closer, more and more people decided they didn't want to do the screenings because it's hard to find patients who are willing to come in and it's hard to tell them why we're doing it.  Either way it didn't matter how "hard" it was going to be, I had to put forth an effort and get as many people to schedule as possible. 

I was able to do it!  I got 3 patients scheduled in my chair for the time frame of 8-11.  That gave me 1 hour per patient to get the x-rays needed taken, probe readings measured, an accurate perio description done, and had Prof. Costley to check and verify what I did was good.

The morning of the screening, my nerves took full force.  I wasn't sure what I was doing because I wasn't well informed, so I decided to just try and go with it for my first patient.  Sure enough, it went fine!  I was able to get everything completed in enough time to see my next patient.  My second patient was full of questions and things he thought he knew.  This would've been more than fine during a regular cleaning period but not really during a screenign since there is such a short amount time time given.  I did the best I could, and I think I made him happy.  My 3rd patient arrived early so a girl who's patient no-showed went ahead and took him back for me.  She got started, and when I was done with my patient, I was able to go help finish him up.  All in all, this experience went really well!  I was so proud of myself for having a full schedule and getting all that I needed to get done completed.  I was able to classify 3 patients as Class II and help one girl in the program to meet that requirement.  While I had arleady seen my Class II patient and was screening for my Class III, I felt really good about this day and knew I worked hard and did the best I could!