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 :)