Monday, September 26, 2011

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.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

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!

Monday, September 19, 2011

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! ;)

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

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.

Monday, September 12, 2011

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.

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

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.