Wednesday, May 29

It was a very busy day today at Dean Dental because it was the first day back from Memorial Day weekend. I saw 9 patients today with Dr. Kreitman. 3 patients were there for a single extraction. After extracting the tooth, I made a paste with the IPR in order to take a mold of the tooth for the future. I am now very skilled at making the IPR and SNAP pastes. We then saw 3 patients who were there for a routine 6 month checkup. Then we saw a patient that suprised us. She is a 8 year old girl who is complaining about her right molar. After taking xrays and seeing what the problem was, the docot wanted the orthodentist to see it for a second opinion. The last 2 were there to get xrays because of discomfort in the mouth.

Thursday, May 23

Today Dr.Kreitman gave me a magazine that he said he wanted me to read and do research on. The magazines name is JADA (the journal of the american dental assosiation). The first article I read I didnt't really undertstand much; the vocabulary that was used was very scientific therefore I couldn't understand it. It was called "Treatments for hypersensitive noncarious cervical lesions". But the second article "FDA advisory panel asesses hydrocodone prescription writing", this was about the responsibilities of a dentist; such as informating patients of the risks and side effects of taking an opioid.

Wednesday, May 22

Today was a slow day at Dean Dental. I went in from 1 to 5:30.  As soon as I got there I started packagin the instruments that had already gone through the sanitizing machine. I then assisted Dr.Kreitman on a mini surgery. Using the mini medical drill, the doctor took the filing out of the patients tooth, but before he could put a new filing he saw that the tooth is cracked in half. He couldn't continue without the patient having a root canal first. He told the patient to see a root canal specialist and then to come to him. The next 2 patient were young girls who were there for a routine 6 month check up. I helped Melissa get the room ready by sterilizing everything and calling the patients in.

Tuesday, May 21

Today was my second day at Dean Dental. I was there from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. I leared many new things today and also did more physically. Right when I got there I helped the secretary file paperwork such as insurance balances under the correct file. I then saw 2 patients with Melissa. The patients were 2 and 3 years old. It was their first time coming to the office; they cried and started shouting. It was very difficult to check their teeth. After having their mother hold them down we finally were able to polish and do a check up. After that I assisted Dr. Kreitman with a surgery. He performed an extraction, I helped by suctioning the excess water/saliva out. After the doctor stiched the gums together I cut the stiches. I then cleaned the location and put the tools in the cleaner. Assisting this surgery and seeing what an infected tooth looks like made me realize how important it is to regularly visit a dentist.

Monday, May 20

Today was the first day of my service at Dean Dental. I was told to arrive at the office at 12 and stay until 4:30. At first, I spoke to Dr. Kreitman about what I will be doing, who I will be shadowing and working with. Melissa, who is the dental hygenist at the office, came and told me that I wil be helping her for the day. We saw 5 patients today. The first patient came for an implant. I watched the surgical procedure being done, and helped with suctioning. The second and third came to the office for a routine checkup. I helped Melissa with pouring water and scope into the cup, helped sanitize the instruments and filing in their reports. Next I was taught the location of everything that both Dr. Kreitman and Melissa use. The 4th and 5th patients were there for tartar/plaque clean up. I watched and helped with using the suctioning tool. I learned a lot at my first day of senior service; I am excited to go back.