Since I am the Vice President of the Junior class, I was given the opportunity to be the Floor Assistant for WREB (western regional examination board) over spring break when they were going to have boards given at Weber State University. At first, I had no idea what an experience this would be. As time went on and the news set in I realized what I great opportunity this is!
First I was able to be a Local Anesthesia board patient thursday for my peer-pal (the Senior student one class ahead of me). I did this and was able to experience what it was like, then I had Floor Assistant orientation. I learned what was expected which I already knew reading through the Floor Assistant manuel. I had to get the clinic ready for the candidates for the boards in the morning. I barriered 12 chairs for the candidates and 4 chairs for the examiners. I didn't eat lunch that day becasue I didn't think I would've been there that long.... I was wrong. I was so hungry adn orny but I made it through.
Friday morning, I arrived at 7 am to start the first group of examinations. I was running with my head cut off at times and then at other times sitting around doing nothing. This went on for the remaining days of the boards which were from Friday through Sunday.
I took good notes and I am going to post them on my blog so I don't lose them (On the back of my anatomy notes from my 3rd exam didn't seem like a good place for them permanently)
-Patient and Candidate go right downstairs at the beginning of the exam and after the exam to avoid coming in contact with the examiners. The exam needs to remain objective and this is how they do it.
-Chief Examiner or Floor Assistant will notify the Candidates and patients of the time to come into the clinic to start the exam.
-There is 45 minutes from the start time to submission time (check-in with the examiners).
-Once set-up with examination forms and tray for the examiners, go to the sign-in sheet and write in candidate #, if you have a back-up patient, and what the time is. This is located in the instructor pod.
-The Chief Examiner will then come over to your unit and check the Health History, Process of Care form (what the patient needs to do after the board exam i.e. continue care and OHI), Submission form(both sides filled out), x-rays (BWX and PAX), anesthesia form (purple form notifying you that you passed L.A.).
-If a DDS/RDH is administering for you, you need to have their license (shows L.A.), proof of malpractice insurance, and consent form.
-There are 2 stickers with your candidate # on them at your unit. These are to be placed on your patient's clean bib before check-in and on a new bib before check-out.
-For Check-in, Have HHx form, X-rays, submission form (1st and 2nd submission filled out), Tray (barriered) w/ mirror, probe, explorer, gauze, safety glasses (not regular glasses shield cover).
- If first submission isn't accepted automatic -4 points.
-If you are late for check-in, 3 minutes will be docked for every 1 minute late. (no points associated)
-While waiting for patient to return, set up unit/tray on paper barrier, instruments, ultrasonic ($45 rental), anesthetic, disposables, and any other things needed. This takes a long time, so it is beneficial to be the first one to submit (unless you are administering L.A.). This means less stress waiting.
-Biohazard bags are in the island at each pod, and the biohazard bin will be made available.
-When your patient is done with the examiners, they will walk back into the clinic with the tray for the examiners, Blue acceptance form (has teeth marked, areas to mark probing and recession, and start and end time), and HHx form.
-The x-rays submitted remain with the examiners. You must print a copy if you want one for yourself.
-Set the examiner's tray aside while instrumenting.
-You have 2 hours for instrumenting, marking probing and recession, and getting your patient to the front desk for check-out with appropriate examiner items.
-For Check-out, Blue form (marked with probing and recession) in clear plastic sleeve, HHx form, and Tray (mirror, probe, explorer, gauze, safety glasses).
-If you are late for check-out, 1 point will be docked for every 1 minute you are late.
-While patient is being checked-out, clean up area, unit, and instruments.
-Ultrasonic remains at the unit for the Floor Assistant to pick up. If the ultrasonic came in a bin return it to the bin and leave it at the unit.
-Instruments do not have to be sterilized but must be in a sealed instrument bag. If you want them sterilized, put your candidate # on them and bag them yourself. The Floor Assistant will sterilize them and return them in the room downstairs where you and your patient were seated originally before the examination started.
-As a time saver and advice, run your instruments through the ultrasonic first, then clean up your area, and before you walk out of the clinic with all your items, bag your instruments to be processed through the autoclave. This is especially important for the morning group as the afternoon group will be minutes behind you.
-Barrier and dispose the chair exactly the way it looked before you arrived before you leave the clinic.
-Before you leave the clinic with all your items, submit your white packet before. This contains a carbon copy of the process of care, badge, and a carbon copy of ITC form if applicable) The ITC form notifies the Chief Examiner and Candidate of 2nd submission acceptance or late check-in/check-out. In other words, you'll know if you have one of these.
-Go directly downstairs to wait for the examiners who are with your patient AFTER the exam is complete. The patient will be sent down with everything on the tray in a sealed bag. You will not get the tray back since it remains in the clinic
-The Floor Assistant will deliver the sterile instruments into that same room once they are complete. This generally takes about 20 minutes once they are bagged since the sterilizer is to be run constantly regardless of fullness.
-The left-handed chair was designated for left-handed candidates, but don't count on it. I don't know if this was because the Chief Examiner was nice or if it is standard.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
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!
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!
11th Patient
Goal: Complete 4 quads Class IB, 1 set of BWXActual: 4 quads Class IB, 4 BWX and 2 PAX, Blood Glucose PE
My dear friend came in to let me clean her teeth to meet my requirements. I have been so fortunate to have such great friends and family to support me through this program. I was able to get so much accomplished and serve her as well. I was able to pass off my Blood Glucose PE which I was nervous about because no one likes to be stuck for fun, but Kim didn't bat an eye when I asked her. I was able to complete everythign within the alloted time which made her happy as well. This was such a good experience and a confidence booster. Kim had such great teeth and oral hygiene! There really wasn't anything to nag about which made it so nice! :)
My dear friend came in to let me clean her teeth to meet my requirements. I have been so fortunate to have such great friends and family to support me through this program. I was able to get so much accomplished and serve her as well. I was able to pass off my Blood Glucose PE which I was nervous about because no one likes to be stuck for fun, but Kim didn't bat an eye when I asked her. I was able to complete everythign within the alloted time which made her happy as well. This was such a good experience and a confidence booster. Kim had such great teeth and oral hygiene! There really wasn't anything to nag about which made it so nice! :)
Monday, March 5, 2012
10th Patient
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.
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.
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! :)
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