Goal 3:

In semester 3, the third objective is to show the different populations and their statistics. Doing this showed me categories of my strengths, and where I can improve. For example, one of my strengths was able to do a variety of calculus classifications. On the other hand, one of my areas that needs to improve would for me to see more patients of ethnicity. This will help me to understand more cultural backgrounds and how to professionally proved the care they need. 

1. Graph of Genders of Patients

2. Graph of Ages of Patients

3. Graph of Ethnicity of Patients

4. Graph of Quadrant Calculus Classifications that I Completed

Goal 4: 

Literature reviews are a great way to learn about a subject. This helps broaden my education so that way I can apply it to clinically. This also shows that I am willing to learn new concepts that will help my patients.  In one Literature review, on Host Modulation Therapy, I specifically wrote on three different types of HMT. I found it fascinating how HMT works, by modifying the host inflammatory response system. The main HMT that we use in dentistry is Doxycycline, and it's the only one that is approved by the FDA. It's used in small doses, called the Sabantimicrobial dose. It was fun learning how HMT works, how we use it in dentistry, and how it positively affects the patient who have periodontal disease. 

1. Host Modulation in Dentistry

2. Stem Cell Research in Dentistry

3.  Luminous Silhouettes of Marie Curie

Goal 5:

I chose to present my process of learning to place amalgam fillings. Amalgam fillings are technical and have certain criteria that must be met to be functional and aesthetic for the patient.  In the first set of pictures, I have simplified the instructions on how to place a filling. In the second set of pictures, they displays my progression throughout the semester. I included the feedback from my instructors which I took and applied. 

1. Pictures 1-5: Steps of Placing Amalgam Fillings

2. Pictures 1-6: Pictures of my progression throughout the Semester

3. Picture of my last Amalgam which showed only minimal critic. 

Goal 6: OHI Competency

In this goal, I have my Toothbrush Competency. We have competencies to ensure that students understand what we are teaching and that we meet the expectations. The main concepts of competencies are aspects that the patient needs to know in order to maintain good oral home care. 

1. Toothbrush Competency

2. Sharpening Competency

3. Gracy Competency

Goal 7: Best and Worst Days in Clnic

Writing clinical journal entries is a great way to reflect on what I am doing well and what areas I need to improve. This writing process has shown me that I take direction well from my instructors, that I work well with my patietns, and I apply newly taught concepts. It has also taught me that I need to be more familiar with the sequencing of an appointment. I have taken action to be more familiar with areas that I need to improve upon. I have read the clinical manual on proper sequencing and have put this information in my personal clinic manual.

1. 7/8/24: My patient was a child under the age of 12. I took 2 BWX and a PANO with no retakes. The PANO turned out well because of my positioning. Where I could have improved was knowing the sequencing of the appointment. Children’s appointments differ from adults,  and one of those is the paperwork. Even though my pt. was late coming to the appointment, if I had a better grasp of how the appointment sequenced and had the paperwork in order, the appointment would have been completed.  I now have a copy of this in my reference manual.

2. 8/26/24: Finished hand scaling two quadrants of Light Generalized Hand. Polished and placed topical fluoride. The appointment went well, and my time was efficient. I completed my calculus map observations. Where I needed to improve, on the calculus map, is by identifying discernible clicks verse grainy rough. This concept is something that we have been learning this semester, and each time I do a calculus map, I can discern the tactile differences between a clickable calculus compared to a rough spot.

3. 9/5/2024: Continuation of Recall patient-scale LR/LL.  The patient has a CD on the maxillary. Polished and placed topical fluoride.  Oral Hygiene Instructions: Took intraoral pictures of the maxillary hard and soft palate to show the patient red lesions from not taking out dentures at night. The patient appreciated it and will now take his denture out at night to let the tissue breathe. I felt like today’s appointment went very well, I was able to hand scale all the patient’s lower teeth. I could have improved on scaling more quickly.

Goal 1: Volunteering Prior to Pima

Volunteering is such a teachable moment and is one reason why I love to volunteer. In 2007 I had the opportunity to travel to Leh Ladakh, India, and work on monk children. Some of these children are left in monasteries by their families because they cannot afford their basic needs. The Global Dental Relief Program goes to this location twice a year. They provide for the children, and other villagers, their dental treatment for free. I am grateful that I got to be a part of that process, it makes me reflect on what we have in a first-world country. This experience has also helped me understand other cultures and to be more empathic. I have seen this translate with how I treat patients, I try to listen and understand where they are coming from, which in turn helps me to make the correct assessment of their needs and treatment. 

Here are four pictures of me working with the different Dentist, volunteers, and patients. 

1. Picture One: Working with a volunteer who helps run the facility.

2. Picture Two: Posing with a husband and wife doctor team.

3. Picture Three: The clean instruments were were allowed to use.

4. Picture Four: Working on a monk child that had a horrible toothache.