scaling away!

Today we looked at all of our scalers. We classified them and learned what each one is meant for. We bagged and sterilized them all which means......we get to use them soon!!! hooray! School is going by so fast! this semester is almost half over! I passed off my probing PE and probably looked like a fool, because I was unaware that I was passing it off and when I finally figured out that I was passing it off I started sweating bullets! I get sooooo nervous and I don't know why! I'm sure I will get over it though. Here's to another week of clinic down!! More fun to come, can't wait!

time to explore!!

Today we learned how to use explorers.  First, we practiced on our typodonts. Then we had a race to set up our units and Michelle won! I like when Michelle wins, because she shares her prizes with me :) Then, we got to explore each others teeth. Michelle made me bleed..but it didn't hurt! It was funny to watch how upset she got when I bled, even though it wasn't her fault (mostly). She will be an awesome hygienist! I passed off two more PE's today, keeping ahead of the game!! (it feels good to be ahead!). Now for passing off the probing PE.....

PROBE

Today we learned how to probe. I was paired up with Julie and she did AMAZING!! I barely felt a thing! Professor Costley probed on me to let me feel what it should feel like, and it felt the same when Julie did it. I am afraid to probe too deeply. I don't want to hurt anyone. I feel like I have a hard time determining when the probe is all the way down, but I will get the hang of it. The very back teeth are also very hard to probe! Luckily, I have friends at work that can help me practice!!

Prayers for Kim.

So much is happening! My dear boss, Kim Iverson, was recently diagnosed with ovarian cancer. This was such a hard thing to hear, because she is such an amazing person and would do absolutely anything for anyone. It is hard to understand how terrible things can happen to such great people. She is having lots of tests done and meeting with specialists to figure out the best attack plan to fight the cancer. She is a fighter and a strong person and there is no doubt in my mind that she will beat this. I want to help her as much as I can! Kim, if you read this, let me know if there is ANYTHING I can do! Keep her in your prayers. We love you Kim!

Over the weekend Michelle and I attended and volunteered at the Utah Dental Hygienist Association meeting. We went to the exhibit and got fitted for loops, which I cannot afford since they are $1,300.00! We attended classes and a student forum. Best part, FREE LUNCH!! yummy! I also took Professor Costley's first test! I totally psyched myself out for it! I did pretty well, which is a huge relief! Super glad to have the first test down, it's always the worst.

Today, we learned how to do intraoral exams and intraoral fulcrums and I found something out....I CAN NOT FULCRUM!!! I need some serious help! Luckily, I work with some amazing hygienists that can give me some pointers! I passed off the DREADED health history PE today and guess what?? It wasn't that bad!! and it feels sooooooooo good to have it over with. Now, I have four more to pass off, hopefully I can knock some out on Wednesday. I have 3 tests and a quiz tomorrow, so it is time to study, study, study! WISH ME LUCK!

extraoral exam

At the women's health connection we performed extroral exams on patients. The second year students showed us what to do. Today we learned more about extraoral exams and the reasoning behind why we perform them.  It almost feels like a massage sometimes, which is wonderful! We also learned how to use our dental mirrors to use indirect vision.  Indirect vision is very challenging for me. I am so used to just turning my head in uncomfortable positions to be able to see what I want to see.  I definitely need to practice using my mirror. I can't wait until it is like second nature to me. My mirrow will be my best friend!

Busy, busy, busy

I had a radiology exam last thursday, a DH practice test today, a DH, Anatomy, Radiology, and Statistics test next week. We also get to go to the Utah Dental Hygienist's Association meeting this Thursday and Friday. We have been SO busy! My weekend is going to be crazy! We are learning how to take health histories, and it seems a little overwhelming, but when you sit down and actually do one, it's not too bad. I passed off instrument positioning PE today and next time I am going to try and pass of two more PE's. Instrunctor Chaffey went into labor three months early. Her baby is only 12 oz. I will definitely keep her in my thoughts and prayers. I hope everything turns out ok. I can't imagine how scary that would be!

PURPLE CIRCLE OF DEATH..

Clinics are getting more involved every week, which is so exciting!! We took x-rays on two quadrants (1/2) of teeth today using two different techniques with conventional film. After that we learned how to use the digital x-ray system. I don't like it as much as I like the one at my office, but it's still better than film! In clinic, we took each other's blood pressure and went over health history forms. It's all coming together now, and getting less confusing! I got a "PUPLE CIRCLE OF DEATH" from Instructor Hafen for forgetting to put my patient's name on the form....uh oh. Tomorrow I have a radiology test and I am volunteering at the Women's connection clinic as well as on Friday. There is also a practice exam open for Professor Costley's class that I need to take to prepare me for the test next week. I would also like to run for a presidency position, so I am excited about that.I have a LOT of studying to do and a LOT of fun to have!! What a busy, amazing couple of weeks this has been. I am so excited to see what else is in store!!

fun in clinic!

Put your hands on..

I love clinic days! We learned so much today. We took x-rays using film in radiology class today. We don't get to use ORA rings (an aid to make sure that you don't miss the x-ray shot) while taking bitewings like we do at the office I work at, so it was a challenge for me! My x-rays actually turned out pretty good though! I forgot how much longer it takes to use film than it does to use digital. I am spoiled at work! (thank you Dr. Iverson) While practicing my PE check off with Michelle, I kept telling her that I was going to put my hands on instead of saying that I was going to put my gloves on, duh...I can tell my brain is on overload. In clinic we learned the different position that we need to sit in while working on different areas of patients' mouths. I think we all caught on very quickly! It already feels comfortable to me, so I am so excited. I can't wait to learn more!