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.

Bad Breath iphone app.

Maryland Bridge

I found two sites describing Maryland bridges and variations to the metal alloy wings.

Fibers used in bullet proof vests used in dental composites

Variants of MD bridges

New Perio Treatment (Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pw7HeW5Z84w

I'm wondering how effective this would be...

Summary of Clinic Experience

      Although we've had plenty of practice working on one another, clinic was very different with patients. I found the first day of clinic to be very challenging. Trying to navigate Axium and remember every step to complete proved to be daunting tasks. My partner and I completed all portions of the appointment except AP and fluoride treatment. We finished our first patient on the second appointment, feeling very satisfied with the service we provided.
       Our second clinic session was somewhat easier, although our patient had a few other medical conditions. I'm now much more appreciative of the cases we have reviewed in class since it prepared me for clinic patients. I actually knew how to alter the treatment plan based on the medical status of the patient! Due to the lengthy medication list and medical history, we did not accomplish as much as we did in the previous clinic session.
       The second appointment with this patient was very frustrating and made me doubt myself. Our patient had a very bad gag reflex and we had to take BWXs on her. After several failed attempts at placing the film, one of the radiology technicians came over to take them for us. It was amazing to see how fast she could take the BWXs! Once we returned to clinic I realized that I had no idea how to create the treatment plan on Axium. A faculty member had created it for the last patient and I missed how she brought it up. Realizing that I was unaware of how to create a major portion of the appointment made me doubt how much I actually knew.
        Althought the second appoint did not go as smoothly as anticipated, I did learn a lot from it. Due to heavy calculus deposits, we had to complete the patient's AP in a third visit. I was excited to try out the cavitron and was amazed at how well it worked. I can't wait to use it more next semester.
     
   The clinic sessions this semester were building blocks from which I hope to add to next semester. I'm somewhat nervous to work alone next semester, but know that with time it will become second nature.

DH Distinguished Alumnae

    The luncheon with the four DH alumnae was wonderful. The fact that the women took time out of their busy schedules to come talk to us was much appreciated. It truly was inspirational to hear about their journeys and how vital dental hygiene was to their lives. While only one or two of the alumnae still practice as hygienists, they all still utilize certain things that they gained from the DH program. One thing I could not imagine is coming to clinic or class wearing white nursing dresses. Since we always wear loose fitting scrubs, it seems impossible to work effectively in a dress.
       It would have been fun to see pictures of them while they were in the program. I also would find it interesting to see picture of the clinic or where they took classes. I'm sure the school has greatly changed since they were here. Just thinking about how different MCV will be twenty years after we graduate is perplexing. Will some of my classmates be teaching here? One thing is certain about the visit, it made me think more so upon the future and where I will be in twenty years time.