Calculus Smalculus

Today was my second competency for scalers! I honestly think that I know the instruments but I still had a hard time with the manakin. I felt more confident this time, however I don't think I passed because of the 9/10. I was told I went interproximal with this instrument, and I may have, but I know that it's only for buccal and lingual only. I know where and what it's suppossed to do. I think maybe it may have appeared that way but I think the whole akwardness of the manakin tied into it somehow. The manakin did not bother me last time but today it did.
I feel like I'm ready to take on some calculus. I really like using the Gracey 1/2 and the jacquette. I don't really like the 9/10 because I feel I would rather use a area specific Gracey instead.
On another note relating to my knowledge thus far on the scalers, I was not able to show that through the theory test. I thought that a lot of the questions could have more than one answer. The last questions relating to which instrument I would choose in which area was the same instrument. Well, by the data provided I figured the area specific Gracey could be used for both answers. I have a hunch that can't possibly be what was intended.
I think that once I get a patient with something to scale all the pieces will come together. It's strange that I'm excited to get a patient will calculus! When as Dental Hygienist in the making, we want our patients to be healthy and free of plaque.

Competent vs Confidence

After passing my first competency I am feeling a little more confident. Having confidence in what I am capable of doing is what everyone was telling me over and over again all week. I just didn't feel comfortable. To tell you the truth I still don't! I guess I am trying to take so much in and be perfect at these instruments because I care about it so much. I want to be good at this and I also don't want to hurt any patients. After me stressing out about the competency all week and hearing the same response from many people, I realized I was lacking the confidence I needed. Faculty, my husband, and even my mother were all telling me " You need a little confidence Tiffany". I decided that maybe I did.
So on the day of the competency test I did my very best and gave it all that I had. I passed and I was honestly not expecting to. In fact, I am still having the battle with myself again about my confidence and do I feel competent?
What I hope is that time will come and I will be a great hygienist! I wish I could fast forward this stuff and already know everything! I envy the faculty when they demonstrate everything with such ease! They make it look so easy and smooth. I look like a person going in blindfolded. Actually the funny thing is that's how I feel about indirect vision. My poor patients and student partners! This will all be second nature one day. That is something to look forward to. I am enjoying learning the instruments and it is definitely a challenge!
I think that having confidence helped me pass the competency. I might not have been so lucky if I was second guessing myself and fumbling around. So this is another lesson learned among the many to come!