Real Pt. Day! :)

Yesterday in clinic we saw our first REAL patient. As I woke up yesterday morning I had SO many mixed emotions...excitement, nervousness, doubtfulness, fear - you name it, I was feeling it! ;) I made sure to get to clinic extra early to give myself PLENTY of time to get set-up and collect myself before I seated my patient.

I asked my Mom to be my first patient. I wanted to have someone come in that I felt comfortable with so that I did not create any more stress for myself and my Mom definitely fit that description!

All in all, things went very smoothly. Our requirements for this semester were to get through HHx and OD. But I was able to get through OHI as well. I was proud of myself as I got my OD check to find that I had probed and filled out my charts correctly. It was very reassuring for me to know that I was actually developing correct skills! I was able to re-schedule my Mom as my first patient for next semester. Hopefully, since I can go right into scaling, I can get 4 quads done in an appointment - that would be a GREAT way to start off spring semester!

It was SO MUCH fun treating a real patient! I am so grateful that I am able to be in a program that I LOVE. It's official... I LOVE CLEANING TEETH! HOORAY!! :)

Hooray for today....real patient's on Monday! :/

It is Friday night and I am blogging about Monday morning already...I know, pure madness right? I should be enjoying my weekend - it JUST started! BUT, Austin is out of town and I am home alone and the house is quiet which gives me PLENTY of time to sit and THINK. Great, just what I need! ;) And all I can think about is REAL PATIENT MONDAY - Yikes! Last week after mach patient day I was feeling really confident and excited for real patient day. But now that it is almost here I am starting to feel the butterflies.

As the semester is almost over, I have been reflecting back on my experiences within the program so far. It is somewhat strange - for so long, being in the dental hygiene program and ultimately becoming a dental hygienist was always just a distance dream. But now it is REAL... I am actually doing this! In a year and a half I will be taking my board exams and be a RDH. It has been a long process, but it has definitely been worth it.

I know that I am nervous now and at times feel doubtful. But I know that as the year goes on and I get more experience in the clinical setting that I will continue to become more and more confident. I just have to remember that I was hand-picked to be in this program. My instructors saw something in me and were confident I could be successful. Now I just have to believe in myself and the abilities I have!

"Today...you are the patient!"

Today in clinic, it was my turn to be the patient. My appointment was with McKinlei and she did a great job! It was a great learning experience to be on the other side of the spectrum. It was very beneficial to be able to experience what the patient will actually be feeling when I am providing patient treatment.

Last week, being the hygienist, I was able to go through the complete process of an appointment. Going through this process helped me to understand the correct orders of the steps taken within each appointment. Today, being the patient, I was able to go through the same process from a completely different perspective. Consequently, these keys steps and concepts were further solidified - which will only further help me to provide more efficient patient treatment.

Although this might be a "no brainer"... I also learned the significance of adaptation. Being the patient, I experienced the ramifications of insufficient adaptation - pain! ;) I quickly learned how Important it is that I am not only consistent in my instrumentation but proficient! All in all, today was a great day and a lot was learned!

Scale 3 Quads, Selective Polish, Floss, and Fluoride... DONE! :)

How time flies when you are having fun! :) Clinic was great today. It is so rewarding being able to go to school and be completely satisfied with what you are doing.

As clinic started today, I was a little bit nervous about being able to complete my pt. treatment on time. I separated my left shoulder during my last soccer game so my left hand movement has been pretty limited. Monday it felt OK during clinic, but I sure felt the effects later that night. So, it has been sore. But, I knew that I just needed to push through today and then I could rest all weekend. :) On Monday I did HHx, HHx/Rx, OD, OHI, and scaled the LR quad. Today, in order to complete my pt. treatment, I needed to scale the UR, UL, and LL quads, sel pol, df, and apply fluoride. I was proud of myself because I was able to finish pt. treatment and still had time to pass of my sealant PE.

I was surprised with how much more comfortable I felt with instrumentation (especially scaling) after Monday clinic. I felt confident in the treatment I was providing and felt like I was able to get into a great rhythm... how relieving! :) I had Prof. Hafen do my final scale check. It was kind of nerve racking watching her check all 3 quads for areas I had missed. But it was well worth the wait - she assured me I had done a great job and that I had no missed areas. YAY! I know that I am going to appointments where I do miss areas of calculus. But it was very reassuring knowing that I was off to a good start, performing efficient treatment, and understanding the concepts for correct instrumentation.

I am so grateful for the opportunity I have to be in this program. It has truly been a blessing - what a great start to an even greater future! :)

11/07 - Monday Clinic... LOVE being a hygienist! :)

Monday clinic ran a little long for me because I had to catch up on a couple PEs that I missed from being out of town for soccer. So, as I was working on my post for today's clinic (Wed. 11/09), I conveniently remembered I still hadn't published my post from Monday. Long story short... they will be 2 posts published today BUT one is from Monday clinic - comprende? ;)

Here it is:

Clinic today was... well, I don't know quite how to 'label' it because I had so many emotions overcome me throughout the 3 hours I was there! :/ Today was the first day of "Mach Patient Day" and, at first, I was terrified. We had spent the whole semester up until this point learning different skills that make up an appointment. But, we had never actually put ALL of them together from start to finish - hence the need for "Mach Patient Day". I was very excited for the experience because I knew that it would help solidify the process and help me to be more successful for real pt. treatment - but it didn't make it any less stressful, scary, nerve racking, etc.

All in all, it ended up being a great day. McKinlei was my patient and she was very helpful. She gave me lots of great feedback - which I was very appreciative of. I thought it was great that she could be so open and honest with me so that I could further my skills and knowledge base, helping me become a better hygienist.

Today gave me a much needed confidence boost! :) I was apprehensive going in to today, worried about how much I had forgotten or how rusty my skills had become. But, to my surprise, things ran rather smoothly. My skills were "up-to-date" and I passed both my OD and scale check. Things are on the "up and up"... can't wait for Wednesday!

Sealants - Yay! :)

Today in clinic we learned the correct procedure for placing sealants. In my experience as an assistant, I have only assisted the hygienist placing the sealant. So, today I was really excited to actually have the opportunity of performing the procedure myself. :)

We first practiced on models which I felt was extremely helpful. I practiced on a "giant" tooth - this exercise really helped me understand the concept fully as well as help me visualize where to properly place the sealant material. The sealant I placed on the model had a couple of little air bubbles that I had to fix. But I was glad I made the mistake because I now know what air bubbles feel/look like as well as how to correctly fix them!

After practicing on the models, we got to practice on each other. Marcy was my partner and, as always, she was great. She was really patient with me and provided me with great feedback to help me improve upon my skills. I found two premolars that needed sealants (#28,29) and had them approved by the Dentist. The procedure went very smoothly - it was a lot of fun! I was able to place the sealants correctly - without air bubbles. Instructor Demmings checked the sealants for me and assured me a job well done. I surprised myself with how well I did and how comfortable I was administering treatment. It's been great to reflect upon previous clinic days and see how much more comfortable I have become - it definitely helps boost up my confidence... I am really doing this! :)

Polish, more polish...how 'bout some fluoride?

In clinic today I had some mixed feelings. Either a cold sore or an outbreak of impetigo developed underneath my nose, which means no time in the pt. chair until it clears up (that's the sad part). BUT, we had the opportunity of learning some more skills - taking us one step closer to being ready to treat a REAL pt. (that's the happy part)!

All in all, clinic was very successful. It's been really fun learning new skills lately. I have definitely noticed a change in my approach to learning/attempting these new skills. At first, I would get really frustrated with myself if I did not understand the concept right away or if I could not perform the task perfectly within minutes of just learning it. Crazy, I know. But now, I am starting to notice how much more comfortable I am in my chair. Even though the new skills we are taught seem akward/foreign, I am a LOT more confident in myself and my ability to learn and perform the the skill efficiently. I think this has made all the difference and has helped me to grow not only as a clinician but as an individual.

Monday Post.... 10/24/2011

Well, once I again, I forgot to publish my post! So maybe I'm a LITTLE stressed... give me a break ;) Here it is:

This morning I was really stressed before clinic. I had missed last Wed. clinic because I was out of town for soccer and I was worried about being able to get caught back up - not to mention passing of PEs! :/

We first met in the instructor pod and discussed instrumentation strategies and treatment planning. I really LOVE the reference we were given for instrumentation strategies in Nield. Module 19 has TONS of great information regarding problem identification and difficulties in instrumentation (it's nice to know I'm not the only one out there with problems)! Anyways, Module 19 will become a great quick reference to trouble shoot any problems I encounter in the future during pt. tx - ultimately helping me to solidify good habits and provide efficient pt. care. :)

After learning about this great reference in Nield, we moved on to pt. tx. Today turned out to be GREAT. We went over how to enter treatment plans into Eaglesoft and then we were given the rest of clinic to practice. This was MUSIC TO MY EARS! I was able to get all caught up and stay on task -- Life is Good. ;)

Remember the ORDER... it's important!

Today in clinic we worked with the intra-oral camera. In addition to learning how to properly use the intra-oral camera, we did a mach pt. appointment from beginning until OHI. It was kind of nerve racking at first because, up until this point, we have never put everything together into one "appointment". It's a very good thing we practiced... I learned an importance lesson! I had just finished probing and I asked Prof. Would for an "OD check". She came over to do it and everything was going great - well, except for one thing. I had done EVERYTHING out of order. I had already disclosed my pt. and done OHI BEFORE Prof. Would did the "OD check" - making it PRETTY hard for her to properly do so. OOPS! :/

I guess, unfortunately, sometimes the BEST way to learn is by mistake...because I will NEVER forget the order of an appointment again - you can count on it! :)

Dental Screening 101...

So... I just remembered that I never finished my post from clinic so I am doing it now. Better late than never right?! ;)

Anyways, Wednesday's clinic was really fun! We learned the importance of performing and properly executing/recording a dental screening. First, we broke up into our pod groups and we were all given a different chart. We each reviewed our charts and then explained the dental findings to the other members of our group. It was a great exercise to learn (and see) the different identifications used to chart specific dental findings. Because no two patient's are alike, we were able to see a lot of different examples to help solidify how to chart each patient we encounter.

Next, we practiced on each other... let the FUN begin! :) Kayla was my pod partner and we had a BLAST - we were both in a silly mood and were finding ways to joke about everything... literally!

Even though everyday isn't always a day where I am laughing my head off, being in the program has always been fun - since day one. It has been very rewarding working so hard to get into the program and then being able to enjoy it. It's very comforting knowing I truly LOVE this field - I feel very lucky to be able to do something I love each and every day. Sure, there are moments of frustration, fear, and much stress. But all in all...there is nowhere else I'd rather be! :)

OHI and Disclosing...Yikes! ;)

Today in clinic we played with disclosing agents. It was fun but also scary- and very shocking/enlightening to see where I 'really' brush. Through use of the disclosing agents, we learned the Plaque Free Index (PFI) as well as OHI. Through practicing both of these tasks today, I truly learned the importance of patient education. It is one of the MOST significant keys to our success as hygienists. If we cannot properly educate our patients, we are doing them a great disservice.

Marie was my partner today. It was great to be able to work with someone in a different pod and get some different views/ideas/critiques. She was great and helped me pass off my anterior instrumentation PE as well and my adaptation, angulation, activation PE. I am feeling more and more comfortable/confident with instrumentation everyday. It's been SO much fun. Thanks Marie! :)

Oh yes... Curets!

News flash...Curets are FUN! :) Today we learned how to use one of our universal curets - the Barnhart. At first, I totally thought I had the hang of it. Unfortunately, Karen came to watch me and had to bring me back to the real world - I wasn't so efficient! But, I am glad she came to my rescue to correct me of any and all of the bad habits I was creating for myself.

Kayla was my partner again today...what a trooper! I always, without fail, make her bleed (not a lot, but still). The day I don't poke her in the gums MIGHT be the day pigs fly - just sayin'! ;) Anyways, she has been very patient with me and has given me a lot of constructive criticism. One of the most important things I learned today was that I need to keep a LIGHTER grasp when scaling - using an exploratory grasp when feeling for plaque then a more firm grasp if I feel plaque that needs to be removed. This will be significant in patient treatment to make sure that I am not only efficient in finding and removing plaque, but also in keeping my patient's comfortable.

Probing + Exploring + Scaling = F.U.N. :)

Today in clinic we learned how to use the Nebraska and SH 6/7 anterior scalers. We also went over adaptation, angulation, and activation and their SIGNIFICANT importance in mastering the skills of scaling. After learning exploring last week, it didn't take too long for me to get the hang of it - yay!

Kayla was my pod partner and she was AWESOME! She helped me pass of my probe and exploring PEs - which was a HUGE relief because I was quite stressed about them. Even though I stressed over being able to pass my probing/explorer PEs off, I did a lot better than I thought. Doing well on my PEs gave me a boost of confidence that was much needed! I actually feel confident in my abilities and am starting to trust that I can REALLY do this.

Today was a good day :)

Exploring with my explorer!

Clinic was fun today! We learned explorer instrumentation and it was a lot easier for me to understand/perform than was probe instrumentation - I don't whether it is the explorer itself or just the action being performed with the explorer that makes it easier. Either way... I like the explorer! :)

We also became acquainted with the terms angulation, adaptation, and activation. Through learning explorer instrumentation, I was able to apply these terms which further helped me to solidify their correct meanings.

Through explorer instrumentation, I learned the significance of maintaining a LIGHT grasp on the instrument. I noticed times when I became tense and my grasp on my instrument tightened. It wasn't until I loosed my grip that I noticed the immense amount of tactile sensitivity that was lost specifically from keeping a tight grip. Through this experience, I have become more conscientious of my instrumentation grasp as it will directly effect the quality of care I provide to every patient.

PROBING.... Help! :/

Well.... I was really excited today to try probing - until I actually had to do it! Olivia was my partner, bless her heart. She was awesome and provided me with a lot of good feedback; feedback that I was definitely in desperate need of! :)

Probing was harder than I thought it would be. The line angles are tricky and it took a minute for me to really grasp the concept. BUT, I think I finally got it with the help of one of our fabulous TA's - Karli. Also, our instructor's told us how gentle we needed to be but I really didn't understand how lightly the action of probing was until I poked Olivia (and I thought I was being SOFT). I am sure with much more practice, and patience, I will become a natural. But, until then, I will just take one day at a time!

Intra-Oral Exams!

Today we practiced inta-oral examinations. Olivia was my pod partner so I got to practice on her. She was very helpful and very critical - which was SO good because it helped push me to make certain I performed a thorough examination.

There are a lot of terms associated with intra-oral examinations. For instance, if you find an abnormality you have to distinguish it by size, shape, color, etc. Naming the lesions is what "stumps" me the most... I will have to start memorizing them! It will be nice when I get the hang of it and can spit them out left and right! ;)

Free Massages?!

What a relaxing day! :) Today in clinic we learned to do an extra-oral exam... a.k.a. a "mini massage." Little did I know I would be getting free massages when I came to school this morning - what a GREAT surprise!

Prof. Caldwell demonstrated how to give a proper/thorough extra-oral exam. It was very helpful to observe how she performed the exam and she what methods worked best for her to help me determine methods which seemed most comfortable for me.

It has been very beneficial to learn this information. I can now understand the importance of providing an extra-oral exam for each patient. However, I have noticed that some of the procedures I have learned so far are not practiced by a large majority of dental hygienists within the private practice. With their extreme time limitations, many methods have to be altered. I hope that I can utilize what I have learned about proper pt. care and find a way to continue to corporate it into my everyday routine once I finish the program. I think if I make my primary goal - providing the best treatment for each patient - this can be achieved.

Vital Signs...

Today in clinic we learned how to take vital signs and the atmosphere seemed quite relaxed - probably because the skills we learned weren't foreign to me like in past clinics! :) Having Exercise Prescription, a required class for my other degree, really helped me to feel confident in successfully taking patient blood pressure, pulse, and respiration. It was rewarding to see how my previous schooling and dental hygiene can be incorporated to help me provide optimal care for each and every patient.

I took Kayla and Olivia's B/P, P, and R. It was pretty easy to get their vital signs; they both had a strong pulse which helped a lot! But, I know I need to keep practicing because I am sure I will have patient's who do not have a strong pulse.

I liked that we learned to take vitals and that we incorporate this crucial step into the patient's health history. I now understand the significance of taking correct vitals to ensure the best patient treatment.

Health History Fun :)

Today we learned how to do the HHx and HHx/Rx of the treatment record. It was a LOT of information but I think I am getting the hang of it. It was great to learn the process of recording and its importance in providing proper treatment to the patient. I am learning to appreciate the steps taken to ensure patient care on a more significant level.

Position, position, position!

Today we learned the patient, operator, and light positioning PE. We also learned the different uses of the mirror and how to hold the instruments to enable secure and effective use. It was so much fun being able to actually handle instruments and orient myself to the patient!

I am struggling the most with how to hold my instruments...but, the more I practiced today in clinic the more comfortable I became. So, there is hope! :) It was very interesting to learn about the ergonomics of dental hygiene. I did not realize how straining the practice of dental hygiene can be on your body when correct posture is not practiced. Professor Hafen told us a personal experience she had with bad postural habits and the severe effects it had on her both physically and mentally. Her story had a significant effect on me and motivated me to strive for perfect posture every single time I am practicing. I know that if I form good habits now it will pay off years down the road; allowing me to help patients for as long as I possibly can.

Exposure Control Overload!!

Today in clinic we learned the proper procedures for exposure control set-up and post-appointment as well as equipment maintenance. It was great to learn proper procedures for exposure control. It made me realize how many private offices practice without using correct procedures. Well, at least the majority of the offices I have seen.

We also had the opportunity to practice using the Blue Boa, A/W syringe, and syliva ejector tip. We were assigned partners within our pod to be our patient. It was fun to get to practice on a person instead of the typodont, we really got to see how efficiently the Blue Boa works! Marcy was my partner and she was great. She gave me valuable feedback to help me become more successful at using the Blue Boa and syliva ejector tip. I really appreciated her honesty and the "judgement free zone." :)

The BlueBoa... my new best friend!

Today we were introduced to the inventor/creator of the BlueBoa, Ann. She graduated from the Dental Hygiene program here at Weber State in the '90s and has been so successful in making an impact within the field. It was inspiring to have the opportunity to meet her and get personal advice on how to use her product efficiently.

The BlueBoa is awesome - what an amazing idea! After playing around with this product, I am so excited to start scaling and really put it to use...fun days ahead. :)

First Day of Clinic :)

First day of school... first day of clinic... HOORAY! Today has been so much fun. I was pretty nervous to start the program but now I am just more excited than ever! I met everyone in my "pod" today and I can't wait to get to know them better. I would even go as far as saying we have the BEST "pod" in clinic! ;)

Today we learned how to use Patterson EagleSoft and familiarized ourselves with the clinic. I can't wait to get started. It's going to be crazy but I just need to remember to take it one day at a time!

Hooray for Orientation!

I am now officially a "blogger"... Wahoo! :)