Last Day of Clinic

I am rushing to find my 1B patients today and I only have one more to go! I have to finish a class 2 pt and then hopefully move onto Liz for my 1B classification. I also finished my blood glucose test today and It went well. I am just glad to have it done and over with!!! I am happy that I got as many pe's done as I could and I think it will make next semester easier to get started on them to finish them.

Chels

clinic

So today in clinic, it is very fun because amanda brought her boyfriend to have his teeth cleaned and Liz brought her husband to have his teeth cleaned, which makes things more fun.

I am laughing right now watching Amanda because she is twittery.

My first pt was a returning class three and it went very well. I did a lot of anesthetic on him and it made the cleaning go by so much better. I am so glad that I had the opportunity to finish cleaning his teeth. He was a really great patient for the most part and I am glad to be closer towards my requirements for the end of clinic.

I had a little time left over, so I sharpened my instruments because they felt extremely dull.

clinic

Today I had a very difficult day, I am so tired and done with this day. My first pt wanted to get done today and so against my better judgment i didn't give him any anesthesia and told him if he needed it to just ask. Well I scaled the whole mouth and did terrible and I am very mad that I didn't just trust myself and work the best I could.

Anyway I learned that it is far better to anesthetize than to not!!!!

Clinic

Clinic went fairly well today I think. In the morning I saw a pt who I was able to see last semester, and he is really nice. He was 1quad class3 and 3 quads class2. The hardest part about that pt is trying to get on the root surfaces to instrument. He was a very good experience because I was able to do anesthesia and place arrestin. I was very happy to get more quads done also.

My next pt in the afternoon was a class 5 who is an excelent pt. She works really hard to keep her teeth clean. She asked about power toothbrushes and what is the best one to get. I was glad that I know at least a little about this subject and recommended the sonicare toothbrush. I think she is going to very much like it.

Overall today was a very good day and I felt somewhat productive which is a good feeling to have!!!

MOCK BOARD DAY!!!

So today we had mock boards and it was a very stressful day for almost everyone. I hardly slept last night, so I figured I might as well just come early and get it started so I can get it over with. I did a lot better than i thought I would. I think I was greatly blessed with a good pt who was compliant and easier to work with. I talked to Prof. Bossenberger about my pt afterward and she said for the board it would be better to have a pt who didn't bleed so much, because it made his teeth look like they didn't show as much improvement. I struggled cleaning him because he bled a lot and it made it very difficult to clean and work around. I can totally understand what she meant, presentation can have a huge impact on your outcome. It will be important to find a pt who is closer to this ideal for the real boards.

Gottsta go,
chels

clinic

This morning we had lab and learned about the saliva test, and the blood glucose testing, which was very fun to do by the way. We also had the opportunity to use the peizoelectric and the sonic. I hated the sonic because it made a loud high pitch screetching noise, and the water squirt everywhere and had no control. I did like the light on the peioz. but it wasn't very fun trying to adapt the tip to the appropriate surface. We also went over all of our external and modified fulcrums which seemed to come somewhat naturally, thank heavens.

This afternoon, I screened pts for the mockboard. I was so incredibly lucky to get someone who is going to work. I hope that at least my experience will be somewhat good. I really want to do a good job on this, or maybe it is good to fail, so that i learn a lot more.

Gottsta go,
chic

Clinic

So today I ended up seeing 4 pts. crazy, crazy day. So the first patient didn't come, he was a 1A, and mom said he had the chicken pox, which is good that she didn't bring him. I then decided to try and bring someone else in who I only got x-rays done on because she came so late and I had a person who was coming in for a screening at 10:00. I then found out that my screening pt was a class 2 with one quad of class 3, or the other way around, can't remember. So he is not going to work out.

Next I saw a returning pt who was 2 quads of a class 3 and I got to do an injection on her, which was awesome. I did the PSA and MSA, which was very very fun.

Last at the last minute a child needed to be worked into someones schedule, so I took him and got him done, so mom wouldn't have to bring him back, because big brother was getting done that day. It was nice to at least accomplish something, but I still don't have a mock board pt and I have no idea where I am going to find one.

I feel helpless,
Chels

Clinic

My first pt today was a class 2 returning pt. She was pretty much the most difficult pt I have had so far this semester. Her calculus was so tenatious, it was incredibly difficult to remove. My hand hurt so badly after working on her. It was all I could do to try and finish her up. My fulcrum finger is still numb after working on her today, and Im not sure what that is all about.

My next pt was a class 5 pt who I found out could only come in for one appointment, because they live in their RV and just travel around to everywhere. so whenever I find out I have to have them done in one day it makes me nervous. So I worked as fast as I could to get him done, and I did it. He was a great pt and I only missed one spot. I should have used him as my exam. lol
oh well.

Chelsea

9-23-08

So today I had a returning pt who I had to send home before due to a cold sore. So I worked really hard to get the probing etc done in time to scale him. He ended up being a class 2 pt in all 4 quads, so I declared him as an exam, figuring I would just get it done and over with (rip it off like a band-aid so to speak), it ended up being a very good decision. I worked really hard to watch my time and make sure I was staying within the limits. I went over by about 5 min. but I only missed 2 teeny weensy spots, so it was a good experience. My theory is that I would rather spend more time and miss less spots than the other way around.

My next pt didn't show up, so I looked to see a pt in the front lobby and got a pt who was 2 quads of a class 3 because she is missing teeth. So I ended up getting some PAs on her and just barely got to scaling and decided to wait till I could have more time.

clinic

This morning I had a pt who really wanted to be done by 10:30, and when a pt gives me a deadline, I always get very nervous. So I just worked as fast as I could to get every thing done at a decent time, her scaling wasn't too difficult. She was a class 5, and so I had to make sure that I got into all of her pockets to make sure it all got clean. I worked really hard and ended up getting her done at 10:15. It was really good to have everything go smoothly. I didn't even miss any spots.

My next pt was a returning class 2. I scaled one quad last time, and today I scaled the rest. She was very difficult to scale because her dentition was so distinct and refined. I couldn't tell somtimes the difference between calc and her normal dentition. It was also difficult because she bled a lot. I had a very hard time controling the bleeding. I am however very greatful that I saw her this year instead of last when all of the bleeding probably would have freaked me out. Alexander taught me some good techniques like using the slow suciton while polishing to keep saliva under control. She also worked with me to sit at a 12:00 position to reach some of the distal surfaces of posterior teeth in order to get that perfect angle.

Overall it was a good day.

3rd day clinic

So today for my 1st pt I had a 1A. It was a very good experience because he was a great pt. He worked really hard to stay open when I needed, and we only struggled w/ the x-rays using the size 2 film because he is only 11 yrs old. I really studied hard to be able to pass off the air poweder polish pe, but he only needed a touch up sealant on the lingual of #3, and so it felt like overkill to pull out all of that equipment just for that 1 spot. He had a hard time staying dry, but it turned out great in the end.

My second pt was spanish speaking which always proves to be a challange for me when I really can't speak spanish at all, so it slows things down quite a bit to be able to talk with the pt to portray what you need them to understand. She had a hard time with the x-rays so it helped to use the edgies and to set up the x-ray shot before placing the film, which I try to do anyway and end up changing it. She ended up being a class 2 pt which is good, but not a good candidate for the board and prof alexander said she is going to be very difficult to get the calc off. Lucky me! At first I thought it wouldn't be a good idea for an exam, but perhaps by then I might feel a little more able to scale properly and it might work out really well!

Gottsta go,
Chic

1st day still

So my pt cancelled for this afternoon, and so I found another pt to work on who ended up being great. I only got one quad of a class 2 done, but I am glad I got to get something done that is worthwhile. I hope I can find another pt that will be good to do my class 2 test on.

1st day clinic

I have already typed this all but here goes again.

I had a pt w/ a cold sore and had to rescedule him. so we will see what happens next time

So I brought my mom and did FMX on her.

1st day of 2nd year

Today was a long day. But we got to refresh our memories as to all that we need to do in clinic. I realized that I need to work on remembering all the paperwork there is to do. I feel like i can finally sharpen my instruments and feel very confident about it.

last day

Today is the last day and i had a class 1b pt which was really nice for a change. I really enjoy cleaning 1b pts. I am so glad that i am done with it all, I just hope i dont forget everything i have learned which i probably will. I am so glad that it wasn't a class 5 like it ususally is in my life. So glad I am done!!!

clinci w/ class 2 pt

So today I saw my class 2 pt and it was the exam. I tell you I have been more blessed than anyone I know and I can't believe that I might finally make it. I should be done w/ all my requirements :) we will see I guess.

This pt went better than I thought. I think the best thing I did was to start in the low linguals 1st and then go everywhere else. It was the best thing I have done yet!! I think it saved me a ton of time and anquish.

I didn't miss any spots!!!! but it took longer than I needed to. So we will see what happens!

gottsta go,
Chelsea B.

class 1 pt. went well today and I got 3 pes done and i feel pretty good.

Next time i need to use a more corse grit to get off plaque

first class 2 pt

Today I had my first class 2 pt and I am exhausted. It was a very difficult pt to have, and I really struggled trying to get her done and get a decent score, which I didn't. Her calculus was really difficult to get off, partially because it had been previously burnished on. I hope that I can do a lot better with my class 2 pt exam.

gottsta go
chelsea

class 2

Last clinic I finally found a class 2 pt, and I was so excited, only it is going to be difficult because I have to do my exam on that one pt. It will be hard, but I think/hope I can do it.

Chelsea B

CA Day

Today I had my second CA day, and it seemed to go just fine. I was frustrated b/c I feel like I should be in clinic working towards requirements, but it was somewhat nice to not have to worry about finding a monday pt, since my monday patients never show up, and it is a huge headache for me every wk. I guess only 3 more mondays left.

Gottsta go,
Chelsea B.

Another class 5

I cannot nor will I ever find a class 2 pt ever. I have no idea what to do in order to find one, and I am getting really burned out in trying to find one. I don't know what to do anymore, but I am starting to really hate clinic, and not want to even try anymore.

gotta go,
chelsea

Finish up PA's

Today I had a pt with a really hard really long HHx. It took me 1 3/4 of a page to get it all down, and I think she is only going to end up being a class 5. I am so mad, I don't know why I can't just find a class 2 to save myself. I wish I could at least find and get some done, b/c I have nothing. I really hope I find something by the end of school.

Gottsta go,
chelsea

Class 5 pt

Today I decided to do another exam, but on a class 5 pt for my other 1B exam. I thought this was a good idea at first, but after further evaluation, this was not the best idea. I just thought it would be a good idea to get it done so I would not have to worry about it, and I thought my patient would be fairly good to complete this on.

Well I got so involved in what I was doing, I forgot and should have told my instructor what my plans were. I should have told him exactly what I was doing and planning to do, and I failed to do this accuratly. I also got distracted b/c there is an entire exam missing from one of my records, but I luckly found it today, so hopfully it can get graded and be ok.

I also learned a better way to reach the straight lingual when trying to get off the calculus and I think it is going to work better. I also was told that I really should be starting on the lingual first in a class 1 pt, and not in the max region.

I'm exhausted!
Chelsea

class 5 pt

So Tiffany saved my butt today because I had a feeling that my pt wasn't going to show up and sure enough she didn't, but Tiff had an extra pt. So I owe her, at least I had a pt today is how I am feeling. I am so glad I had someone to work on. today I had a hard time with indirect vision, probably b/c my pt was up to high and needed to be lowered. but next time I know I can do better with it.

Monday Clinic

Today in clinic I had another pt cancel on me the day before, so I had to bring in Hank to be my pt. I was going to take a pano on him along with consider using him as my other 1B exam pt. However, Claire had a pt comeing in who she thought would be a class 3 in 2 quads and class 4 in the other quads. She asked Chelsea Y if she wanted that pt, and she declined. I asked her about the patient and asked if I could help, so we ended up trading pt's. I ended up thinking of using him as a class 3 pt for 2 quads, but Angie said he could be a hard class 3 in all 4 quads.
I tried to see if I could get that pt to do a nutrition analysis, but I was also worried about getting him back in. He has a weird work schedule so I told him to call me, and if I can get him in on Wed I will. I think he is going to be very difficult though, so good luck to me.

Chelsea

class 3, class 5 patient

Today I had my class 3, class 5 pt come in today to get all scaled and cleaned. I used the thicker ultrasonic tip first, and then went around each tooth with the explorer and a scaler to check any rough spots on each tooth. It was very difficult to tell if I got everything I needed to, b/c the cementum feels so rough in many spots it was difficult to distinguish b/t the actual calc spots.

I feel pretty good about getting at least 2 quads of class 3 done, and feel that I need to just work a little faster in getting everything done.

Gottsta go,
Chic

Connor as my pt

Today I had connor come in to be my pt because my other pt cancelled on me at the last minute. It was really fun to have him as my pt because he is so easy to work on and he is such a good kid. today I used him as a 1b test because i needed one done before march. I didn't get to pass off any pe's because I was rushe for time and did not get the instructor here when i needed, so i guess i will try to pass them off next time. hopefully she will let me do more than 2.

Well I think everything went pretty well, and i am exhausted for today.

gottsta go,
chelsea

FINALLY!!!

I finally for the 1st time have a pt other than a 1B, or Class 5. I had a pt today with 2quads of class 3 and 2quads of 1B. I feel slightly better about my situation, and yet I still have a long way to go. I hope that it will work out, cause people say it does.

Today i noticed somthing unusual that I haven't seen. In the max anteriors I noticed more fibrotic tissues, with dramatic stippling. I didn't think too much of it, just assuming that it was normal for this patient. Instructor Hemsley came to do and OD check and noticed the same and asked the pt if he breaths with his mouth open a lot, he said no, she asked if he breaths with his mouth open at night, and he said yes. I thought that was fascinating. I would have never thought to ask that question. She pointed out the change in saliva and the mucosa throughout the mouth compared to the max anteriors and there was a distinct difference. It all made sence. I don't know I thought that was a cool thing that I learned today, because I never would have noticed that on my own.

Lab Day

Today in clinic we talked about insurance coding, great fun!! We also talked about ultrasonic instrumenting and when to use it and when not to use it. Last we talked about the diagnodent and how to calibrate it etc. I feel pretty good about using the diagnodent because I have used it so much in the past. The insurance coding, as long as it is not on the board, I am not going to worry about it now, because I have too many other things to worry about, and I think that it is something that will be specific for each office you work in. The ultrasonic was fairly easy to understand, only I think I would be a lot faster if I could use that first on every pt just like you would in a normal office. But so far they say we have to ultrasonic only for 10 min. and only 1/2 of the mouth. I hope I can remember this and use it at the right time. I think I am getting faster, but its hard to tell, between making sure the x-rays are right and don't have to be redone along w/ everything else, I am still feeling like I am too slow. I wish so much I could go faster, because it would make my life so much easier and less stressful.

Well this is probably the most I have or will ever write because I had extra time today!

Gottsta go,
chelsea b

1B

I guess it will be tradition to state what classifiication I worked on for the day above. Today I finished a 1b in the appointment, which felt pretty good. I am just getting nervous to be able to complete all the quads and classifications I need in time.

I hopefully might have a class 3 next week, cross your fingers and hope, so it will work out ok

Chelsea B

Full mouth x-rays

Today my patient was late for clinic because of the snow storm, and we lost a half and hour of working time. I took BWX-rays on my patient and found that they were not very good, because she had some endentulous areas that made it difficult to get the horizontal plane equal, and still get the bone height we needed to see. Well they did not turn out very well, but I ended up getting at least all of the structures in except for 1 x-ray. Then the professor told me I should take full mouth x-rays on this patient because she would be a very good canditate be able to see all of the bone loss that is in her mouth. I tried to talk through another girl to explain this to my patient because she speaks spanish. I emphasized twice about the cost being more, and the lack of being able to get her finished and cleaned that day, and she agreed. Well come to find out she got a little irritated because I guess she misunderstood. She ended up needing to leave early, and so I was very rushed trying to get everything done. My biggest mistake was not printing out a treatment plan statement first in order to ensure w/out a doubt that everything was going to be great. I guess I totally learned my lesson on that one.

1A pt

This is for the 2-4-08 day of clinic

That day I saw a 1A patient, who I ended up doing an exam on. For some reason I thought that you werent allowed to use the polish until after the scale check. My pt had some staining on the lower lingual anteriors, and I worked really hard to get it off with the scaler, but I decided not to pursue it too much because I knew that the polish would be the easiest, most efficient way to make sure it all got off. So I didn't polish, and found out later that it is okay to polish before a scale check, and sure enough the stains came off really easily.

I wish I would have known this before, b/c it would make things a heck of a lot easier.

Completed 4 quads

Today I had my new pt cancel on me, so I had to scramble to ask a pt to come to finish getting their teeth cleaned today. I felt lucky just to get a pt that I could work on today. I am starting to feel more confident in my scaling, I just need to go a lot faster. My pt. had a lot of calc on the lower anterior teeth, and so it was hard for me to make sure I got it all off. I only missed 2 spots, so I feel really good about that, i just really need to focus on getting a lot faster. I think I went slower today because I passed off some pe's and did some extra stuff today. So I hope next time will be even better. Hopefully I can get better than a class 5 for once!

Gottsta go,
Chelsea B.

Clinic

Today in clinic I had a class 5 pt. again, and I am starting to get frustrated with being really close, but not quite there. I am just hoping I can find at least a class 2 soon, so that I don't feel so nervous. I passed off my explorer pe today. I need to remember how to do the extraoral fulcrum on the right side, in this case, you tuck your fingers under and reach the rest of the way. I did not remember this version, I thought you had to extend your fingers to cup the chin. I still feel like I am way too slow, and that I need to work on getting faster. I am trying really hard, I just can't quite make it all the way. I hope I can get something worthwhile done soon, so I can feel better about my situation in clinic.

gottsta go,
Chelsea b

clinic

Today I learned more about what a class 5 pt is, mainly because I had one. A class 5 pt is somone who has had perio disease in the past, but is now maintaining it, and doesn't have enough calc & biofilm to be a class 2 or 3.

I figured out that this is really good for the pt., but not so good for me, because then that means that that pt only counts as a 1B, which is frustrating.

Well better luck next time!

Chelsea

1st day 2nd semester clinic

ALWAYS CHECK TO SEE IF YOUR PT IS FROM FAR AWAY!!! Today my pt was from Idaho and failed to mention so until today. I had to work really hard to try to get done all in one day today, which was next to impossible considering what a newby I am. If it wasn't for Kim, I would not have gotten done. I just hate days like this because I get way to stressed out, and can't think clearly enough to get my pt done and have everything work out ok.

Well I am going to go home and take some Ibuprofen.

Chelsea

2-1 day

Today we learned how to use the gracey's and how they work in only certain areas. the 1/2 and 7/8 work on the anterior. the 13/14 work on the distal of posteriors. the 15/16 work on the mesial of posteriors. So thats the gist of how they work, fun huh!

Gottsta go,
chelsea