AP Whoopie!

I finished my AP comp and I am so relieved! I felt very apprehensive about even attempting this comp because I honestly do not feel comfortable with instrumentation. This is due to the lack of patient interaction that I have had. I feel as if knew the instruments better last semester. I was nervous about this comp though because of my lack of experience with actually performing an AP. I had always missed calculus in the past and I knew I could only have four pieces. I also had a difficult time determining the calculus from plaque and possible restoration margins. I did pass this comp on my first attempt! That is quite amazing to pass and to think this whole time I was worried most about this one than any other one. It is possible to those who haven't attempted it yet. I know alot of us are kind of worried about this one and if your like me I was saving it for last. I only left one piece of calculus on the teeth!

Piezo Please

I used the Piezo a few weeks ago and I loved it. The small amount of water made so much of a difference when using indirect vision for a beginner. I have used the ultrasonic since then and I even feel it has helped me with the use of that instrument as well. The ultrasonic is working much better as well because I have finally been able to use it since last semester! My first experience with it was kinda like I was guessing where it was supposed to be. The Piezo, I have found, is not as awkward and heavy. The Piezo tip that i like to use was the probe tip. It looks just like the probe and is helpful to see how far you are getting into the pockets. It also helps you get into the pockets better because of the probe shape. It is easier to use the modified pen grasp because the Piezo is light weight. I can definitely tell a difference in that all sides are not active and it only has lateral action. That may be the disadvantage to the Piezo versus the Ultrasonic. Although it may give me more control, but I haven't quite figured that out yet.

GPG

Today was my last GPG rotation and it was the best one I have had. I actually got to do hygiene related stuff! I did a whole AP and the dental student actually assisted me with suctioning when I used the cavitron. I enjoyed it because I got to focus on the patient and not worry about comps so much. I got to practice with the cavitron and now I can attempt that comp as soon as I get a patient that qualifies. The patient didn't have too many teeth but it was nice to see the difference in the plaque reduction. The faculty over at GPG said I did a good job and I also pointed out two leisons that I found in my IOE. The patient had nicotine stomatitis and had inflamed mucous glands on the palate. He also had a white leison on his buccal mucosa that I was surprised I had to point out to the dental student. She did a filling right next to it and I was staring at it the whole time. The faculty was happy that I was noticing things like that. I guess it all goes with the extensive training we all got on EOE/IOE.

day in nursing home

On March 16, 2010 I spent 2 hours at Morning Side assisted living facility providing oral health education. The population at this facility consists of the elderly approximately 60+ years old. Culturally there were elderly Caucasians, African-Americans, and one Mexican woman; an equal ratio of men to women. The purpose of the project was to educate people on the importance of oral health, and to teach people that oral health factors in to overall well being. I also educated them on the proper method for brushing, flossing, and denture care. I prepared for this experience by reviewing all of my information regarding denture care; and my clinical and course hours and MCV prepared me.
The residents were very interested in learning about dental health. They asked several questions, and shared their experiences regarding their own dental health. This was a rewarding experience, I did not find it challenging. The best experience was providing teaching to people that were truly interested. I could tell that the residents truly enjoyed us spending time with them, as they were very eager to participate in conversation.
This service was important to these people, because they wanted to learn. Sometimes, it seems that the elderly are forgotten about. They still have the ability to learn, and should be given opportunities. This experience was applicable to all of my dental studies. I was an educator during this experience, and I also taught people proper techniques for maintaining optimal oral health. This experience was very rewarding. I understand I have a duty to provide care to people of all ages, and this gave me an opportunity to talk with the elderly population; to better understand their specific concerns.

MOM s' project

On March 13, 2010 I worked with the Mission of Mercy Organization for 9 hours providing dental care. The Mission of Mercy is composed of Dentists, Dental Hygienists, dental students, and dental hygiene students that provide free dental services to the public. The organization provided help to a variety of age groups, approximately ages 30-60 years old; and ethnic groups such as: Caucasians, African- Americans, Hispanics, Asians,and Arabs . Care was given to individuals that have not been able to access a dentist, on a routine basis.
The purpose of the MOM project was to provide free dental care to those in need, and to educate patients regarding dental health. The patients had a variety of dental complaints, and they all were in need of teeth cleaning. My role as a dental hygiene student was to provide adequate teeth cleaning, to remove calculus, and provide instructions on gaining and maintaining a healthy oral cavity.
My preparation for this experience was all of my clinical hours at MCV, and time studying dental health. I had limited time to spend with each client, approximately 20 minutes. I had to provide my best care in a very limited amount of time. Initially, I found this to be very challenging, with my first 2 patients; however, as the day progressed it became easier and I became more comfortable. I am satisfied with the care that I provided, and I can't think of anything that I would change. This day encompassed all that I have been studying in school from my instrument techniques, to patient education.
The worst experience of the day was caring for an elderly lady that had severe pruxisim, and erosion. She was experiencing hypersensitivity, to treat this I provided her with topical anesthesia. I provided her information on purchasing a “mouth guard” to wear nightly to prevent her from grinding her teeth. I taught her to avoid acidic beverages and foods, to decrease erosion.
This was a phenomenal learning experience for me. I consider this to be the most rewarding event of my dental hygiene education so far. I felt incredibly rewarded, by donating my time and service to people in need. Providing education, to people in desperate need of it, made me believe that it is possible for one person to make a change in the lives of many. I had no idea that I would feel this satisfied in my ability to help others. I know that I have grown a lot professionally, due to this experience. My role as a future Dental Hygienist is far bigger than simply cleaning teeth. My role as an educator is substantial to the people I care for. I look forward to more experiences like the MOM project. I recommend this experience to every classmate.

Cross Contaminated

Today I attempted my first competency on Prosthetic care. I actually went over the procedure over and over again in my head the night before. I didn't pass it because I made a few mistakes and that I had never done it before. I put the partial in the Ziploc bag and then took it to the ultrasonic cleaner and opened the cabinet to get a marker. Well, I had my gloves on the whole time so I cross contaminated. I was so mad at that moment because I knew I failed it. At that point I lost my train of thought and forgot to put the cleaner in the bag as well. I really wanted to get one comp done because I have not had an opportunity to do any! It is a lot of pressure to do something you have never done before and expect to be competent in that. Also I still am not sure how I am supposed to transfer the bag to the ultrasonic cleaner. Gloves or no gloves? I would think gloves. Then I would have to set the bag down somewhere to take off the gloves and open the cabinet to get the marker! This is a glitch that threw off my whole competency! I always think about cross contamination, don't get me wrong, so I get it. My suggestion for anyone doing this comp in the future is to write the name of the patient on the bag before they even get there so you don't have to open any cabinets. Also hope that a FAM person is there so you can have them grab the cleaner? This seems more complicated than it has to be.

Focus

So far in the beginning month of my second semester I am feeling behind. I have no patients scheduled and am not in clinic until February. I feel as if I am going to have to learn the clinical stuff all over. This semester I am worried more about the clinical aspect thatn the books. Axuim is another stressor since I have not had the opportunity to use it yet. I am hoping by the time I get a patient I will have some help from a fellow classmate who may be available. I am very excited yet nervous to be getting to clinic. I hope I can remember the things that I am stressing such as positioning and correct useage of instruments. Meanwhile I am on rotations and they just make me love hygiene so much more! I am lucky to have a chance at this. Even If I feel incredibly imcompetent now, I pray I will be great by the end of this semester!