Plaque and Probing

Well Mondays patient was fun he was such a tease, but it was good. It is harder to probe I found when you have to get rid of the plaque first to see what the measurement is. I think next time Ill just brush it off and show him a demo first maybe. Well at least I know now what I taught him is working so it should be better next time. That will be cool to see. It was interesting to see and feel what caries was also. Well ta ta for now!

That made my day!

Today I got to clinic and my unit was all clean and set up. Thanks to whoever did that. So that was nice to start out with. I was nervous because I had to scale my first class II pt. today. It was nice to have that done and out of the way. Treatment went really good today. I got some tips from Professor Costley and others which helped make things easier. I like it when they come over to see how you are doing. Just the smallest thing makes all the difference! I was thrilled to death cause I only missed like three spots and finished all of scaling today! It was awesome! I think I am getting better at feeling what calculus feels like. Its neat. Well that was great and I am going to see her again in the fall so yipee for another patient! Anyway I think I love this way too much. ;) My patient from Monday called to tell me thanks for helping him brush better its been working, and the girl today said the mouthwash I gave her really helped. I think that is going to be another cool part of this career is seeing improvements in people. I think OHI is so imperative. I think a lot of people miss out on that. Just take an extra minute to really help the patient. Its great. Anyway I feel like someone is definitely watching out for me no doubt. I am so greatful for that. Somehow if you just try it all works out in the end.

Class II yipee!

Today I had my first patient I didn't know. It was a girl from an e-mail. I was nervous, but she was nice so it made it work out well. I was expecting her to be a 1b but she ended up being a class II so I was glad, but sad for her. I hope we can get her in better shape with what we went over . It was good I really have a passion for this! I look forward to seeing changes in people for the better! That will be awesome! I am realizing more the importance of good OHI. I really dont think people get that enough. Sure we tell them what to do and how to do it but having them show you is so much better! I dont remember anyone ever doing that for me until I got into the program. Sometimes I think we just rush too much and don't take time out for the most important stuff. It was good to see and feel more of what abnormal tissue is like, and I was happy because my x-rays were good and I didn't have to do any retakes! Well I just keep learning so much. This has been a great experience, even though its stressful at times.

Were Back

Today was my second official patient and first patient of the semester. I think it went okay I missed some things on my OD it was good to see what some abnormal things look like so I know what to look for next time. Mostly I was just thrilled to have a patient. That has been my biggest worry. I am so greatful for good friends! During the appointment I had a moment where it just dawned on me, "hey I'm actually doing this! wow!" I guess Ive just seen hygienists work for years and now it hits wow I am doing what they are, crazy! Its neat I hope someday I can be at least as good as them too!

Looking Back and Moving Forward

This semester was amazing I learned so much! It has been great to learn about something I love and to get to know so many great people! I really feel blessed! I am a bit nervous for next semester, mostly trying to find patients and having my requirements done. Talking to my peer pal Camille has helped. She gave me some tips and calmed my fears. I know we will all make it if we work together so it'll be okay. The unknown is just a bit scary sometimes.

First Real Patient Day!!!

Today before clinic I was a bit nervous. This is something I have been wanting to do for like five years and now I actually get to start treating actual patients. Not to mix religion with school but I really felt like I had some help today. So many nice people were praying for me. I was so greatful to have such a nice patient patient. He was great! I just took it slow and tried not to panic. I was able to finish the OD. The next thing I would have done was to disclose. It wasnt a ton but having him write the probe depths for me helped. For the radiology portion of the day I had to take one bitewing over again cause it wasnt distal enough. I totally forgot to give him his x-ray and to do a BFI but I think that was it. ( I hope ) I am glad everyone was so willing to help it was great! This makes me feel so much better about spring clinic now I at least know more of what is to come. It was a good experience overall. Thanks for all of your help whoever reads this!

Sit back and relax

It was so nice to get patient treatment overwith so I could just be the patient Wednesday. I liked it a lot. It was a good learning experience for me. Its a great review of what happened Monday and its good to feel what you will be doing to someone so you can empathize with them. I think me being a patient to will help me others feel better when they are in my chair. I know how it feels and know a little more about things that make it not as uncomfortable as it could be. She did a great job by the way, it was just good to experience being a pt for myself.