LA for the first time

It is a great feeling that you can really practice injections for the first time... well it went ok for the first time.  Thankfully Jen was there telling every single step to do, b/c I went brain dead.  It is hard practicing on your skull at home b/c they don't have tissue, but you get the general idea where the solution is being deposited.  I did review before-hand, but I forget these things doing the first time.  However, look professional, and keep reviewing and practicing.  That is my next goal... to review LA before going to clinic. 

Going the next step

I notice that I get done so early in clinic that I have so much time to spare.  It great helping other girls clean up, but today I challenged myself.  I saw two class 5 pts in the morning.  (lee was my inspiration... if she could sch 2 class 3 to finish up thier mouths.. why couldn't I see 2 pts as well)  These pt were a cute old couple that needed x-rays, od, and cleaning... and you know what... I did just that!  With no spots missed.  It is one of those proud moments that you want to shout all over b/c I accomplished something I did not before.  It is pretty exciting that instrumentation is going smoother and faster.  Don't be afraid to try something like this!  Just imagine how many quads you can get done within the semester.  I'm looking forward to next semester when my skills will improve and I can double schedule class 3 in my chair.  This is my goal... and hopefully I will accomplish this soon this semester!

Mockboard!

Wow... that should be a 9-letter bad word... it only creates stress and anxiety!  So my original pt and backup could not come in the last minute.. but with miracles and great classmates... kayla and I called my backup every hour until we finally texted her.  She replied.  So note to everyone, if the pt is the younger generation or technology sound... you can text weeks ahead or the day of if calling does not work.  I did pretty well.  I was able to do x-rays in the morning and able to finish the one quad before everyone got done.  Fortunately I missed only one spot; her canine did not fall into the occlusion and therefore gets more food impaction ( which equals cal).  Be aware of that.  So my next goal is to look at the occlusion and any teeth that seem to go out of line.  Calculus is there probably!

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.