Class 2

I finally got to see a class 2.  Class 5 are great, but I want that calculus.  My afternoon pt was a sad story... she has an upper denture and only the anteriors left which are causing her great pain.  I got a few Pa's, and there was decay on every single tooth.  The only thing I could do at the point was to strongly refer her to a dentist b/c I couldn't use my instrument quite yet with all that decay.  I notice lately that pt in the same senario as her have an upper denture.  I learned from Prof Alexander that it is common.  Since the maxillary teeth are 3 rooted compared to the 2 rooted mandibular molars, they are more risk area of decay and tooth loss.  Also, stuff pools around the ant mandibulars.. which means F and all that good minerals.  Keep on a look for that when you do oral cancer screenings!  It is quite amazing!  This situation has inspired me to get articles for these types of pt and see if any possible pamplets so I can be an evidence-based hygienist.  My next goal is just do that... amazing what these little events can do.

Wow... a Class 4!!!

My goodness... I had once again one of those mornings... but my eyes just popped when I looked inside the mouth of my afternoon patient.  I felt bad for this lady... she has not been to a hygienist before and she has a couple of wiggly teeth at the age of 41.  Boy, did those x-rays look pretty though... bone loss, furcations, and calculus on every tooth.  Not to mention her pocket depths.  I have never felt my hand get so tired trying to scrape that calculus off.  I had to get dr hanson to teach me a couple of instrumentation tricks.  Next goal to self... don't be afraid to use the ultrasonic a couple or few times on a pt.  It is quite bennificial... also the sharpening stone is your friend... use it!

Wow! What a day

So, my morning pt had a knee joint replacement within the last four months, and she had no idea that she needs to pre-med and get a phy consult.  So, what did I get to do all morning... yup... calling, faxing as such... by the time I got the order from the doctor, it was time for her to leave.  Poor Prof Alexander saw me go through this mess, but she really liked how professional I was in handling the situation.  Note to all of you... even though you may have a bad day like this... become an professional actor.  I saw another 1A again... I guess I don't need my cousins anymore... so Ill give it to someone who needs 1A's.  My next goal is to get some sleep... school plus stress is not being very helpful in this area.

Starting off with easy patients

Well... I did not want to work on a class 3 quite yet... b/c i wanted my fingers to remember how to adapt and detect that calculus.  I saw my cousin who is 13, but he still is retaining several baby teeth, but his permant teeth are coming in.  I was excited that he counted as a 1A and not a 1B.  It seems like my VA patients are 1B's... which is good for them, but not for me.  I performed quite well with sealant, areas of clean surfaces, etc.  I guess my next goal would be to improve my communication.  My other patient was my fabulous roommate.  B/c she lives with me, she gets forced to floss... after all we are bathroom mates in all.

First day of pt

I was unfortunate to get class 1B in my chair... now my !B are finished.  At least I got a pano and a set of BWXs in.  I couldn't believe how relaxing clinic was today.  I really didn't like clinic last year, but this year is going great.  I did my best not rescaling teeth... I just used my explorer.  My next goal is to print my tx plan before scaling:)  It is amazing how much you forget.

VA for the first time

First of all, I nearly slept during morning orientation b/c the room was absolutly cold.  Note... my arms get cold, but not the rest of my body.  I saw my first pt today, and I couldn't believe how fast my skills came back.  He was a 1B, but I got a pano, a set of BWXs, and FMS.  I do not like digital x-rays, but it is good to get some practice on a little bit of everything.  My goal is not to rescale teeth; I should be confident in what I do.

First day of clinic!

Well, I got sleep last night.  It was a relaxing day.  I get re-aquainted with the diagnodent, first-aid, and the x-rays.  The videos were somewhat entertaining, but it is good to get reminded to practice patient privacy.  So my goals this year is to pass clinic with an A.  Well, I will see about that.