Radiology free time

Since I did not have a patient in clinic this past week, I was pulled into the radiology clinic for some additional practice. In the past I have taken PAs and PANs. So the experience of radiology is there, it just needs some refining. Having the chance to work in the new radiology clinic on the 1st floor was wonderful. I might add that the clinic is beautiful and has really nice equipment. The part of the session that benefited me most was actually taking the FMX and critiquing each image. Timing ourselves to make sure we could complete all films within the time allotted in clinic was a good test for us. Looking at each image and seeing where we had made our mistakes also helped me understand what I needed to pay attention to while taking the images. As we discussed problems and questions with taking x-rays in clinic, we agreed that we wish we had received an orientation of the radiology clinic upon beginning the program. There was confusion about what needs to be brought, what information is needed, and where to even go once in the clinic. Perhaps just a walk through and having students fill out the forms in the first semester would help alleviate some of the uncertainty. All of the questions and discussions were very helpful.  A day that would have been spent standing around the clinic turned into a motivating day learning ways to perfect my radiology skills.

Rally Day

Both the junior and senior classes were able to take part in rally day at the state capitol. This day was a chance for dental hygiene students to meet with representatives in the Richmond region to discuss DH bills and encourage them to support higher education bills as well. The experience was wonderful, meeting the representatives, learning how legislation works in the capitol, and even receiving a tour of the historic building. While I enjoyed the day, I felt that I was unprepared for the events. Some of the juniors as well as myself did not know what the day's events consisted of. I was also somewhat disappointed that there was no time to meet the other DH students who had travelled from Roanoke or NOVA to be there. It would be beneficial if next year they provided a guide to the events occuring during rally day and even discuss in class before that day the bills that are a concern for us. It would be nice to also have a breakfast time prior to the meeting to speak with other DH students. Overall, I felt that rally day was a great learning experience and will enjoy taking part in the event next year.