Self reflection: My first semester began with learning the fundamentals of taking vitals, learning infection control, and learning about instrumentation. It was a challenge training my fingers to adapt to the modified pen grasp but once I overcame that challenge, there were new challenges to work on. This included finger flexing, adaptation, and not crossing the line of occlusion. As I progressed into second semester, the focus was more on patient care. With that came medical and periodontal assessments, providing treatment, and managing time efficiently. It hasn't always been easy but I have remained enthusiastic about my continued educational journey.
Continuing on into senior year there has been more opportunity to scale teeth and be exposed to a variety of diverse periodontal conditions. While my clinical techniques are continuously improving, I am also focusing on clinically and radiographically assessing pathology, periodontal conditions, local/systemic factors, anatomical considerations, and TMD. In addition, I have been fortunate enough to attend community service events with my classmates to screen patients and educate them on the importance of oral health. Looking back on my experiences, I can see my growth over the last year and a half and I can't wait to see what the upcoming semester has in store for me.
Fall 2021 Clinic Evaluations
This evaluation provided feedback regarding my need for continued practice during probing. Initially, maintaining a modified pen grasp didn't come as easy as it does now.
My instructor during this clinic session advised me not to cross the line of occlusion while working on the palatal surfaces. This was something I had to continue reminding myself as one of the major components of proper instrumentation.
With continued practice throughout the fall semester and during my last two weeks of the first semester, I successfully completed 2nd check-in with ease.
Spring 2022 Clinic Evaluations
A thorough review of medical history was presented in a concise manner and scaling was completed on the remaining three quadrants. This was an improvement in time management as prior to this day, I had only scaled one quadrant (on the same patient).
During this clinic rotation at Venice, I saw my first real light product patient and was able to provide excellent patient management and assessment while demonstrating proficiency.
My patient expressed sensitivity in certain areas, especially while I was placing a sealant on tooth #2. During this appointment, I demonstrated good patient management to ensure patient comfort while managing areas of sensitivity with care.
Fall 2022 Clinic Evaluations
On my first week back in clinic during the fall semester, I competently demonstrated a thorough medical assessment, good patient management, and good application of fluoride varnish. The feedback from my instructor regarding my instrumentation suggested that I adjust and utilize a proper fulcrum when there is missing teeth. This is something I continue to practice and improve on as I see more patients with diverse periodontal conditions.
Being back in clinic felt like home. I enjoy working with patients and providing them with oral hygiene care. Continued practice with clinic requirements allow me to build the confidence in the care I am providing and I believe this led to a good, comfortable, and trusting patient experience.
With new cases, come new experiences and new adjustments to learn. During this clinic experience I had to quickly learn to adjust to scaling teeth that have begun rotating. This meant adjusting operator position, instrument angulation, and instrument selection. This field requires continuing education because no two cases will ever be the same.
Spring 2023 Clinic Evaluations
This evaluation demonstrates good work and successful completion after performing scaling and root planing on the upper right quadrant using a combination of hand scaling and ultrasonic.
This case involved scaling and root planing with hand scaling instrumentation only. In addition, pathology was noted on the maxillary mucobuccal fold. This case involved the use of local anesthesia and curettage on the lingual surface of #19. It was a great overall case to learn from.
This patient was partially edentulous and I was able to use alternative instrumentation techniques when necessary, especially in areas with crowding or mesial drifting. I adapted to the challenges and completed all plaque and calculus removal within the appropriate time frame.
.
Create Your Own Website With Webador