Probing attempt #2

Today was MUCH better than later Wed. I felt more comfortable and it didn't feel nearly as uncomfortable. I am still a ways away from perfect but that hike doesn't feel impossible today. I am glad that Katie was willing to help and let me know when I was pushing too hard. I know that I need to lightly my grip on the instrument and that will help with the feel and the attachment area.
I passed off my mirror and fulcrum today and I felt really good about that. I didn't really have to think about my positions-- I did have to about my tooth numbers which I am still working on, but not the positions themselves. I am progressing and I am happy about that, but like I said I still don't feel like I would be ready to have a patient. I am still quite nervous about that every time that I think about it.
Well, another day down and it was a good one!!!

Probing

To be very honest today was a hard day. I don't know why I struggled the way that I did. I was more nervous then I have been. I had even more trouble getting my angles and fulcrums then I did with my explorer, and I really hesitated and struggled with my direct vision. I felt like I was back at square one and I am now more nervous about having a real patient in a few weeks. I don't mean to be so negative... today was just a harder day. I know what I need to practice!!!!! I do hope that it will come together soon.
I am grateful for the TA's and their willingness to help and their understanding when I get a little frustrated. I was also grateful for an understanding partner whom I know that I hurt and I feel terrible.
Well, I will work on getting through this week and come in fresh on Monday afternoon-- I am sure that a lot of praying wouldn't hurt either.

Exploration

Well, where to begin... it seemed like a good day today. The use of the explorer on the Dexter was great. I seemed to be getting a hang of things except for the lingual portion of the pt's upper left. I struggled getting my hands to fulcrum in the correct way. When we moved to my pod partner, however... I guess that things still went well, but I was very nervous that I was going to hurt her. Prof Costley told me that my insertion angles were good. I do need to work on lifting my neck better in order to reach that col area. The hardest part of today for me was the indirect vision. It is very hard to work backward that way. I definately need to practice that.
My posture is getting better, I think. It is nice to be taking steps in the right direction even if they are small.

Good Day

We worked with the explorer today and practiced are fulcrums. I must say that I didn't realize there was so much involved in hygiene. I have been to the dentist soooooo many times throughout my life but it didn't ever dawn on me that there was a special way to hold the instrument, a special way to sit, to hold your head, your eyes... need I keep going. It all makes sense and I am grateful that we are learning all of this. I just don't want to forget anything for the benefit of my patient as well as myself.

I felt okay today, however, with the explorer and the positioning. The fulcrum for the right maxillary buccal was something to think about. I do need to practice. My husband is going to love me SOOOO much more by the time I am out of the program.

Intra-oral exams

Clinic today went okay. I do still feel a little awkard sitting in my chair while working on a patient. I have never been able to do the splits, and I am beginning to wonder if my body will ever be able to move that way. Last night I practiced doing the splits. I still need a lot more practice. The exam went well and I feel okay about everything that we are supose to be looking at. I do need to study my terms, however, so I recognize them by the name and not just the location. Angie was great and helped a lot.

September 10, 2008

I had a good clinic day even though I got off to a rough start. I think that I am going to get a parking ticket because I couldn't find my pass this morning. I think that it is crazy they can make the side of the road part of a W lot. Anyway, back to clinic... I was able to pass off the PE that I wanted today which is always nice. I also enjoyed having the extra-oral exam done this morning. It helped to calm me down from my parking issue. I thought the mirror PE was a good thing and I didn't realize that there was so much that a mirror was used for and technique to it. I will have to get used to that.
I also practiced my BP again today and it went much better. Julie sat with me and listened along to verify that what I was hearing was the right thing. I am so greatful for our TA's!!!! I still need to practice but I don't feel completely off base.

Here we are again

Monday clinic was good. I was able to pass off two PE's which is always a really nice feeling. I did struggle a little with the blood pressure. I have never taken a BP before and I was having a hard time hearing what I needed to hear (or thought that I needed to hear). I definately need to practice. I am greatful for pod partners that are understanding and willing to let me practice.

Week 2

Well, I did survive the first week, and it was extremely nice to have a long weekend. I feel like I was able to organize myself a little. I don't feel quite so overwhelmed, but I don't feel completely in control yet either. I am hoping that comes sooner then later. When it comes to school I can admit that I am very type A.
Clinic this week was good. I felt like I knew what was going on. I know that I don't completely understand and know everything yet and I have a bunch of questions all of the time, but I didn't feel as lost. I was also able to pass off two of my PE's-- PPE and the Equipment Maintenance. It always feels good to get those out of the way. I was also excited to have a chart. Everyday it feels like my dental hygiene experience is becoming more real. I talked about the program for a while and waited a year to get into the program, so it is exciting that it is all becoming reality. I can't see enough either that I really enjoy my lab TA's. They are so helpful and I am grateful to have them.