quick note re new year's resolution

I haven't been following my New Year's resolution at all. I'm already half through with the semester and nothing has changed except for keeping TV to a minimum. And that's only because I don't have time to watch TV anymore.

I'm not gaining weight, I'm not weaning my baby by summertime (currently bid AM and PM), and I'm not exercising either.

I did initially gain some weight but then lost it again. :( Still trying though!

Spring Break

Yes, I'm done with class right now! I can't believe this semester is already half over. School is so crazy; I don't even know how to explain it. I can't believe I'm just going in the mouth with tools and doing my thing. It's like I can't believe I'm actually doing this and knowing what I'm doing!
This semester, I already completed two patients in two appointments each and still have one patient pending who I should have finished in two appointments (I'll finish in the third appt). It's rare to complete patients in two appointments at my level (usually three, sometimes four), but I just feel very confident, maybe sometimes too confident for my own good.
After break, there will be eight more patient care days before I hit summer and go into summer school. I can't believe it... it's getting pretty intense. I will start seeing two patients a day, one day per week during the summer.

Almost there, about one year left and then I'm done!

Fridays are grueling

I used to look forward to Fridays only because it was the last day of school before the weekend hit. But now, I don't look forward to it much. I get out late and I'm nervous for half of the morning before I start my shift.
I wouldn't be surprised if I have a few ulcers at this age; it's probably all that stomach pain I've experienced while in clinic. Which oddly, seems to go away when my shift is done.
I feel like I need some anti-anxiety meds as well as something for a slight ADHD.

I'm just glad that today has come to an end.

instruments

These are the instruments I know how to use thus far.
From left to right:

probe
anterior explorer/Shepard's hook for cavity detection
posterior explorer

anterior area-specific curet
posterior area-specific curet for mesial surfaces
posterior area-specific curet for distal surfaces

posterior sickle scaler
anterior sickle scaler

mirror



Here's a closeup.

updates

• School starts on Jan 22; I'm not looking forward to it.
• I'm searching for a new phone. My current one always cuts out after 15 min.
• My New Year's Resolutions:
• Exercise on Thursdays
• Gain weight (preferably 112 lbs.) - I will do this by eating lots of Turkey sandwiches and yogurt in between meals. Any healthy but easy suggestions are welcome!
• Wean my baby by summertime.
• Keep TV to a minimum, only two shows per week (Lost and Moonlight). I will stop watching Lost if it becomes a totally different show.
  

Amazing!

I had a chance this past week to watch some of the second year students perform on patients who have advanced periodontal disease. I can't believe that from one year from now, I'll be doing exactly what they are doing. It was amazing to see them use the ultrasonic tool as well as the other manual tools. Well, I was more amazed to see lots of blood gushing out and splattering everywhere (and don't worry, they don't feel a thing because local anesthesia is given). I just wasn't expecting so much blood because I have never experienced that while working on any of my peers. I felt unprotected with just my mask and glasses because these students were wearing face shields over their masks and goggles (my teacher didn't warn us about how much splatter there was going to be).
I wasn't really bothered by the blood at all, but just shocked at how much these people bleed. What I am bothered by is giving anesthesia. I did not get a chance to see any of the students performing an injection. I hate needles and am scared of them. I don't know when I'll be taking this course either, but I will to get it over with.

other updates

The past week I had a bad allergic reaction on the border of my tongue. I couldn't talk or eat much. I don't know what caused it but my instructor said it looked like an allergic reaction caused by switching too many products at one time (I had switched toothpastes, mouthwash, floss, and toothbrushes all at one time.) She said that I was probably getting a little overzealous from what I was learning in class, so eliminate mouthwash for now, and just use a fluoride toothpaste without whitening and without tartar control.

And guess what? It worked!

First child pt

Today was our first child patient day. I can't believe it's over with! It was much easier than I thought. I'll be seeing this patient again at the end of the next month. She was cooperative but shy, nervous, and didn't talk much. I think her nervousness was making me really nervous even though I knew what I was doing. I had everything under control but I felt uneasy when she was ready to get out of the chair when I was not done yet.

I think she was really upset when I put the disclosant on her teeth. Disclosant shows up red in the areas where there's plaque. And then I had to show her a new brushing technique to get rid of the red and yeah, she didn't seem too happy.

I would say my first experience wasn't bad at all though. And I was delighted to hear that she wants to be a dentist when she grows up.

Well well well... I made it through the day and I'm done for today! *phew!

first time as clinician

Today was the first time we looked into each other's mouth! We took patient vitals, did the cancer exam and examined inside the mouth for anything out of the ordinary. And it didn't seem like a lot to do, but it took more than three hours.

I think I have to practice while I'm sleeping.

first patient!

Yes, we see our first patient on October 30th! I'm excited but I don't see how we are going to do everything since the teachers are behind. We won't be cleaning on the first time though, we have to assess their health and teach them how to "brush" properly. I can't believe there are so many methods out there and some of the stuff I would have thought was OK is not!

Yes busy busy busy. Gotta go now.