Goal: Complete IB in one appointment, possible sealant experience, 4 BWX
Actual: Completed IB in one appointment with time left over :), 4BWX and 1 PAX, and 4 Sealants placed!
I was a little nervous for today because this was my first patient I actually wanted to finish in one appointment. I was nervous for the actual patient because it seems like family/friends have a harder time with me than other people (I'm pretty sure I already explained why before this post). I was able to complete 4 BWX and 1 PAX without any retakes which was such a relief and good on time. My patient was very jumpy during the probing and scaling. She had gingivitis so I explained to her why is hurts. I think she understood after that and got motivated to control her oral health. Today was a good self-esteem booster. I was able to meet my goal and do a little more. I want to be able to continue to increase my time, so I can see 2 IB in one appointment.
Monday, March 5, 2012
7th patient Final appointment
Goal: Complete Class II quads (3), PEs Anterior #2, Ultrasonic #2
Actual: Completed Class II (3), PEs Anterior #2, Ultrasonic #2
Today was such a good day! I came prepared to get my patient completed today and ready to pass off a couple PEs. My patient had a really hard time holding still in the chair as I was scaling because she was really sensitive to the ultrasonic and hand scalers. I tried to be kind, and because of this, I missed a lot of the anterior maxillary calculus. Professor Costley was my instructor for today. She noticed 11 missed areas. She asked Karen (a TA) to come over and help me get the calculus removed. This was the highlight of my total dental hygiene experience! I loved having her right there with me. Since I am left-handed and she is right we were able to sit in the right positions and not move. We passed instruments back and forth and was able to get all the calculus off! I was so impressed with this experience! It made my whole week! I know my patient had a sore mouth, but I made sure she knew how great of a cleaning she got and told her how thankful I was that she allowed me to do this. I think by the end and after a few days she appreciated the cleaning and knew what a great value she received. I wish I could express how excited I was able this experience. I really felt what calculus feels like and was taught a few tricks to get it the first few times.
Actual: Completed Class II (3), PEs Anterior #2, Ultrasonic #2
Today was such a good day! I came prepared to get my patient completed today and ready to pass off a couple PEs. My patient had a really hard time holding still in the chair as I was scaling because she was really sensitive to the ultrasonic and hand scalers. I tried to be kind, and because of this, I missed a lot of the anterior maxillary calculus. Professor Costley was my instructor for today. She noticed 11 missed areas. She asked Karen (a TA) to come over and help me get the calculus removed. This was the highlight of my total dental hygiene experience! I loved having her right there with me. Since I am left-handed and she is right we were able to sit in the right positions and not move. We passed instruments back and forth and was able to get all the calculus off! I was so impressed with this experience! It made my whole week! I know my patient had a sore mouth, but I made sure she knew how great of a cleaning she got and told her how thankful I was that she allowed me to do this. I think by the end and after a few days she appreciated the cleaning and knew what a great value she received. I wish I could express how excited I was able this experience. I really felt what calculus feels like and was taught a few tricks to get it the first few times.
Monday, February 27, 2012
8th and 9th Patient day
Goal: Complete 2 IA, 2 sets of BWX, and sealants
Actual: 2 IA, 2 sets of BWX, and sealants on 1 of my patients
I was a little bit nervous for today to come because I was planning to attempt to see 2 patients in one day. I only had one chair to use because the overflow was taken, so that added extra stress to get done in time. I saw my first patient and everything went well... well kinda. We had a few kinks in the x-ray room with the electronics and Shick was difficult to get for my patient and his tiny mouth. I was able to get 4 sealants done today on this patient, but I had to wait 20 minutes for the dentist to check. I had completed the whole appointment waiting on him. Sheesh! Otherthan that it went great!
My second patient was so great! I was worried he was going to be difficult because he is little and jittery, but he actually did very very well! The x-rays went really well and so did the cleaning. I was able to complete him very quickly without any problems. I got done with clinic early and was able to clean up and turn in my chart on time today! What a great day!
Actual: 2 IA, 2 sets of BWX, and sealants on 1 of my patients
I was a little bit nervous for today to come because I was planning to attempt to see 2 patients in one day. I only had one chair to use because the overflow was taken, so that added extra stress to get done in time. I saw my first patient and everything went well... well kinda. We had a few kinks in the x-ray room with the electronics and Shick was difficult to get for my patient and his tiny mouth. I was able to get 4 sealants done today on this patient, but I had to wait 20 minutes for the dentist to check. I had completed the whole appointment waiting on him. Sheesh! Otherthan that it went great!
My second patient was so great! I was worried he was going to be difficult because he is little and jittery, but he actually did very very well! The x-rays went really well and so did the cleaning. I was able to complete him very quickly without any problems. I got done with clinic early and was able to clean up and turn in my chart on time today! What a great day!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
7th Patient 1st appointment 2/22/2012
Goal: Complete IB, 4 BWX, 4 PAX, and 2 PEs in one clinic session
Actual: 1 quad Class II, 4 BWX, 4 PAX, 2 PEs- Diagnodent, and Explorer #2
Today was making me nervous because I had created such a challenging goal but thought it was fair for how well I had been doing in clinic. I started off my appointment with x-rays. I needed to complete another Shick experience but had a tough time getting it to fit in her mouth and get a good x-ray. I was able to get good BWX, but I needed help getting the maxillary anterior teeth. I kept cutting off the apex. When I was taking the x-rays I noticed radiographic calculus which made me super excited. I mentioned what I saw in the films to my patient (which let's be honest, meant nothing to her) and told her I hoped she was a Class II. I wasn't confident in my findings, so I told her my instructor would let me know. My patient was so great and very patient with me and this experience. I finally completed this and moved on to the OD process. When I was taking probe readings, my heart sank. I thought she was a IB and really wished she was a Class II. I still had the radiographic calculus in the back of my mind and wasn't sure about bone loss. When my instructor came over, she noted bone loss on the mandibular arch. I immediately was so excited and couldn't contain myself! (Thank goodness my patient was another family member) My instructor helped me get the anterior PAX, so she asked to see them and verified 2 more quads of a Class II! I was so excited I could feel my heart racing! I wanted to do a little dance but luckily I was able to contain that :) There was quite a bit of calculus and my instructor reminded me I only had 15 minutes until the first scale check. I was only able to complete 1 quad and missed 4 areas of calculus, 2 of which I knew I missed because I couldn't get it... to be honest my insturctor struggled to get it herself!
Although my goal wasn't met, I was so glad to have such a great clinic day! I am thankful for such great reliable patients that are so willing to help and support me! I was so tired after that but so relieved! I couldn't go home I had CA that day which was another success! :)
Actual: 1 quad Class II, 4 BWX, 4 PAX, 2 PEs- Diagnodent, and Explorer #2
Today was making me nervous because I had created such a challenging goal but thought it was fair for how well I had been doing in clinic. I started off my appointment with x-rays. I needed to complete another Shick experience but had a tough time getting it to fit in her mouth and get a good x-ray. I was able to get good BWX, but I needed help getting the maxillary anterior teeth. I kept cutting off the apex. When I was taking the x-rays I noticed radiographic calculus which made me super excited. I mentioned what I saw in the films to my patient (which let's be honest, meant nothing to her) and told her I hoped she was a Class II. I wasn't confident in my findings, so I told her my instructor would let me know. My patient was so great and very patient with me and this experience. I finally completed this and moved on to the OD process. When I was taking probe readings, my heart sank. I thought she was a IB and really wished she was a Class II. I still had the radiographic calculus in the back of my mind and wasn't sure about bone loss. When my instructor came over, she noted bone loss on the mandibular arch. I immediately was so excited and couldn't contain myself! (Thank goodness my patient was another family member) My instructor helped me get the anterior PAX, so she asked to see them and verified 2 more quads of a Class II! I was so excited I could feel my heart racing! I wanted to do a little dance but luckily I was able to contain that :) There was quite a bit of calculus and my instructor reminded me I only had 15 minutes until the first scale check. I was only able to complete 1 quad and missed 4 areas of calculus, 2 of which I knew I missed because I couldn't get it... to be honest my insturctor struggled to get it herself!
Although my goal wasn't met, I was so glad to have such a great clinic day! I am thankful for such great reliable patients that are so willing to help and support me! I was so tired after that but so relieved! I couldn't go home I had CA that day which was another success! :)
6th Patient Day 2/13/2012
Goal: Class IA, 2 BWX, and Sealant PE
Actual: Class IA, 2 BWX, PEs- Sealant and Air Powder polish
I had my day planned out so I would see 2 children. My first patient's mother text me over the weekend saying her child got sick and didn't think it would be a good idea to have her daughter seen that day. I agreed and told her I would let Sierra know and see if she could see her another day. I will follow up with her next month to see if she had been seen.
I was still able to see one child that day. She happens to be in my family which made me nervous since family usually acts up when another family member is providing a service for them. I realized this when doing hair and I've noticed a little when watching other peers seeing family in the clinic. It makes sense though. Family are more relaxed to whimper or make you feel nervous not to make you feel bad but to tease and play. Either way I wasa little nervous.
When she came back I asked her if she was ready to take x-rays. She was such a good sport about it. I was able to get Shick x-rays with the first shot and she did great! I was so proud of her. I relaxed a little and knew she would be great for the rest of the appointment. I was able to get her cleaned in one appointment and was able to place sealants and use my air powder polish on her teeth to prep them for the sealant! She was so great! I got so much accomplished and I was able to pass on the sealant experience to one of my friends as well.
This day went really well for me! I had a little boost of confidence. This was such a good experience for her and for me.
Actual: Class IA, 2 BWX, PEs- Sealant and Air Powder polish
I had my day planned out so I would see 2 children. My first patient's mother text me over the weekend saying her child got sick and didn't think it would be a good idea to have her daughter seen that day. I agreed and told her I would let Sierra know and see if she could see her another day. I will follow up with her next month to see if she had been seen.
I was still able to see one child that day. She happens to be in my family which made me nervous since family usually acts up when another family member is providing a service for them. I realized this when doing hair and I've noticed a little when watching other peers seeing family in the clinic. It makes sense though. Family are more relaxed to whimper or make you feel nervous not to make you feel bad but to tease and play. Either way I wasa little nervous.
When she came back I asked her if she was ready to take x-rays. She was such a good sport about it. I was able to get Shick x-rays with the first shot and she did great! I was so proud of her. I relaxed a little and knew she would be great for the rest of the appointment. I was able to get her cleaned in one appointment and was able to place sealants and use my air powder polish on her teeth to prep them for the sealant! She was so great! I got so much accomplished and I was able to pass on the sealant experience to one of my friends as well.
This day went really well for me! I had a little boost of confidence. This was such a good experience for her and for me.
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
5th Patient Final appointment
Goal: 2 Quads Class V, 1 PE- Intraoral
Actual: 2 Quads Class V, 1 PE- Intraoral
Today went very smooth. I was able to finish my patient in 1 hour and 15 minutes. I finished her left side, selective polish, and Fluoride Varnish. I had to wait a little bit for my instructor for the first scale check because someone was passing off a PE, so I was able to complete all my charting during that time. I only missed 2 areas of calculus. I was able to feel what she felt with an explorer but had a difficult time feeling what I felt with a scaler. I have a feeling this will be what I struggle with. I need to learn to get deeper inside the pocket and adapt a little better to access what I'm trying to get. I am thankful for my experiences of missing calculus (even though it hurts my grade) because I am able to feel where calculus lies on each tooth and in different areas. I felt like my biggest battle at the beginning of the semester was tackling the paperwork. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on what is expected for the paperwork, and I'm getting faster and more efficient at writing it down because I've memorized the way they have it organized. Overall I feel good about the way today went. I hope I continue to get better, faster, and more efficient!
Actual: 2 Quads Class V, 1 PE- Intraoral
Today went very smooth. I was able to finish my patient in 1 hour and 15 minutes. I finished her left side, selective polish, and Fluoride Varnish. I had to wait a little bit for my instructor for the first scale check because someone was passing off a PE, so I was able to complete all my charting during that time. I only missed 2 areas of calculus. I was able to feel what she felt with an explorer but had a difficult time feeling what I felt with a scaler. I have a feeling this will be what I struggle with. I need to learn to get deeper inside the pocket and adapt a little better to access what I'm trying to get. I am thankful for my experiences of missing calculus (even though it hurts my grade) because I am able to feel where calculus lies on each tooth and in different areas. I felt like my biggest battle at the beginning of the semester was tackling the paperwork. I feel like I have a pretty good grasp on what is expected for the paperwork, and I'm getting faster and more efficient at writing it down because I've memorized the way they have it organized. Overall I feel good about the way today went. I hope I continue to get better, faster, and more efficient!
Monday, February 6, 2012
5th Patient first appointment
Goal: 2 Quads Class II, 4 BWX, 4 PAX, 2 PEs
Actual: 2 Quads Class V, 4 BWX, 4 PAX
I received this patient from my peer pal. She was screening for board patients and came across her. She said she was a Class II, but wasn't a good board patient so she referred her to me. I was so excited to finally see a Class II. This patient was super cooperative with scheduling and confirming. I felt really good about this because I have had a bad experience with flaky patients. My patient showed up right on time and mentioned she only had $32 for today. I was able to explain the importance of x-rays since it had been a while since she had been seen by a dentist. She agreed t o4 BWX and 4 PAX. She did so well in the x-ray room with a small mouth using Shick. I was so glad to have this opportunity. I also noted the slight loss of lamina dura and got excited. She may actually be a Class II! I took her back to my chair and started the OD process (extra/intra oral exam for cancer, dent eval for caries, and perio statement). I was finding deeper pockets and felt good about all of it other than she didn't have much calculus supragingivally. I got a little nervous about it. Sure enough, my instructor comes over, bursts my bubble, and tells me this patient is a Class V. :( Sad day for me. This will make 3 Class V patients I've seen. Hopefully, this will count for something. I feel like I'm getting farther and farther behind. I was hoping to pass off PEs and get ahead of the game.... She was a great patient and super sweet though! I guess I can't be too picky, right?
Actual: 2 Quads Class V, 4 BWX, 4 PAX
I received this patient from my peer pal. She was screening for board patients and came across her. She said she was a Class II, but wasn't a good board patient so she referred her to me. I was so excited to finally see a Class II. This patient was super cooperative with scheduling and confirming. I felt really good about this because I have had a bad experience with flaky patients. My patient showed up right on time and mentioned she only had $32 for today. I was able to explain the importance of x-rays since it had been a while since she had been seen by a dentist. She agreed t o4 BWX and 4 PAX. She did so well in the x-ray room with a small mouth using Shick. I was so glad to have this opportunity. I also noted the slight loss of lamina dura and got excited. She may actually be a Class II! I took her back to my chair and started the OD process (extra/intra oral exam for cancer, dent eval for caries, and perio statement). I was finding deeper pockets and felt good about all of it other than she didn't have much calculus supragingivally. I got a little nervous about it. Sure enough, my instructor comes over, bursts my bubble, and tells me this patient is a Class V. :( Sad day for me. This will make 3 Class V patients I've seen. Hopefully, this will count for something. I feel like I'm getting farther and farther behind. I was hoping to pass off PEs and get ahead of the game.... She was a great patient and super sweet though! I guess I can't be too picky, right?
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