Pinky Problems

So I've complained before about feeling awkward doing things and today definitely surpassed all the rest. Today we learned all about ergonomics, instrument grasp, and fulcruming (yes, I just made up that word). When they explained it all to us and showed us the how to's it seemed fairly simple until I tried it myself. I would be focusing on my grasp on the instrument then all of sudden my neck would be craned, my back slumped, and my pinky flaring out to who knows where. I was quite the sight to say the least. After a little bit of practice though I started to kind of get the hang out of it, I still felt slightly awkward but with more practice I better get the hang of it. Fulcruming (yes, I'm going to use my made up word again) was kind of hard for me- Not only does my pinky have a mind of it's own but my ring finger didn't want to cooperate too well either. I might need to do a few exercises to strengthen him up, he's a bit weak. But once again, my patient was a gem. He didn't utter one word of complaint even though I poked him and stretched his cheeks out far too many times. He's a gem. Actually, I like him so much I brought him home with me and a few instruments and if he'll stay open for me I think we will be having a date this weekend! I can't wait :) Oh and I also passed off my exposure control and set up PE so that's nice to have out of the way. Now I just need to master the exposure control post-appointment and equipment maintenance PE,  the patient/operator positioning, and the instrument grasp and fulcrum process evaluations then I'll be good- That is until we get another one! Well I think that's about it for today and although I've considered chopping my pinky off today was good and I started feeling a little more comfortable with a little time. We don't have clinic for a week so I better study up! And guess what? I'm still smiling :)

Information Overload

So I've come to the conclusion that they went kind of easy on us the first week. Don't get me wrong, the first week was still challenging, mostly just getting used to everything and trying to organize myself, but this week was a bit more intense. I guess I better get used to it because I have a feeling this is how it is going to be from here on out, if not worse. I might be being slightly dramatic when I say information overload but we did learn a lot of new things today.

We started out in radiology learning about bitewings and tips of how to properly take them. I'm slowly realizing I have done things wrong ever since I've been working in the dental field but at least I'm now learning the proper way to do things. We learned all about horizontal placement and angulation as well as vertical. And when I say learned I definitely haven't mastered it yet but I have been taught the information I need to know, I just need a bit more practice and I need to study. We took eight bitewings today- four horizontals and four verticals. I don't have much practice with bitewings but I have a little and I have never taken a vertical one. Mine turned out alright. We had to go through and critique them and I wouldn't go as far to say any of mine are "sexy" (in the words of Instructor Vining) but some of them aren't too bad. I need to work on the placement of the PID- But I'm not too worried, it will come with time and practice and I feel better because I at least now how to diagnose my problems and fix them now.

In clinic we learned how to set up, clean up, and maintain our pods. That was the information overload of the day. It's nothing hard, it's just a lot to remember. But I'll get it down- What I need to remember is barrier EVERYTHING!!!! It seems a bit excessive but it really is good protection for us, our patients, and of course our loved ones. I passed off my PPE PE today and I did great according to Professor Costley (and I would say that's quite the accomplishment) until she noticed I was wearing two bands on my right ring finger, we are only supposed to wear one. Rookie mistake! I guess I'll need to decide what is more important to me: Choosing the Right or Love. I guess it might just depend on the day. Oh and we also got to practice using the A/W syringe, suctions, and the blue boa on each other. Misty was my patient and I was her's- It was great! We gave each other a few showers, suctioned each other's cheeks, and laughed a ton but all together it was fun.

I'm looking forward to when I can do all these things and not look and feel awkward. It will come with time and practice so I'm not too worried. All these things that are so abstract to me now will be second nature by the time I finish the program and go out into the real world- I can't wait! I still can't believe I'm in the program- It's been two weeks since I found out and it still seems so surreal. But I'm so happy and just can't help but smile :)

My First "Patient"

Today I got the opportunity to meet my first patient. He is going to have to suffer through my learning and awkwardness for the next little while. He consists of lips (that are extremely stretchy I might add) and a full mouth of teeth including: wisdom teeth, plaque, and a couple loose ones. He does not have a name yet but he definitely deserves one so I will come up with one and more formally introduce you to him at a later date. He was an excellent patient for me today, he didn't whine, moan, or groan as I dislocated his jaw, jerked him around, showered him with water, suctioned his cheek, and practically drowned him with water. I'm pretty lucky to have him and hopefully he'll eventually be feel lucky to have me

We learned a few new things today. One of them was how to use the Blue Boa. The inventor and creator of this nifty device personally came and showed us how to use it. It is made for suctioning while using the ultrasonic so I won't have much experience with it for a little while but I know the basics of using it. I got to experiment with the different shaped suctions, using them, placing them, and bending them in a way that is most beneficial to me and the patient. I really liked this device and could see myself using it in my career.

Another thing we got the low down on is Personal Protective Equipment used in clinic. Quick summary: wash your hands a billion times, cover yourself completely, clean everything, and don't conserve (aka use as many gloves, masks, and towels as you want). Although we can all make fun of the tediousness of it, it really is for our benefit, our patients, and of course, our loved ones. As health care workers we have the responsibility to not only care for and protect our patients but also ourselves and the ones we are close to so these precautions, as funny as they may seem truly are steps we all need to always take in the health care world.

I also passed off my first PE today! It was the Eagle Soft one. It wasn't hard and a lot less intimidating than I thought it would be. I'm glad we are starting out with easier things so I can gain the confidence to do the harder things in the future. Now, I just need to work on my PPE PE (it's quite the title!). But that's about it for today, it was a good one. I'm still smiling :)

The First Day...

Well it came whether I was ready or not and surprisingly I was actually a little more prepared than I had thought. The first day didn't entail of much, however, it was good to calm my nerves and become even more excited about the program. We were familiarized with the radiology lab and clinic, I will admit I was a little intimidated about today but my nerves were calmed by my instructors and classmates. It's nice to know that there are 29 other people in the exact same position I am- slightly lost and confused but ready to get going. The people in my class seem great and I can't wait to work with them for the nex two years. I am glad today is over (well in 10 minutes). I was so nervous today mostly because I didn't know what to expect. But I learned first and for most I'm not here alone, I have classmates, professors, and instructors who want me to succeed. And also, that this is going to be a hard but fun two years. I can't wait!

It's Here

After two days of anticipation it is here- I'm starting the Dental Hygiene Program! I can't believe it. I'm full of emotions- excitement, nervousness, overwhelmness (I don't know if that's a word), and so many more! But it's here whether I'm ready or not! I can't wait!