D3 Spring - Mid Semester Review

We're rounding up what was 3 weeks of midterms this week and finishing it off with a well deserved Spring break. I've personally been much less busy this semester compared to last, as I completed a few removable cases that are currently healing, and my implant cases are currently awaiting placement and healing. Nonetheless, the learning never stops as we have a quite a few classes to keep us busy. In most however, we seem to be going into a little more detail, and focusing on the clinical aspects of practice, while classes are also re-emphasizing important points that have been covered before. Luckily, we have one lab class in orthodontics that has been great.

Our lab instructor Brian Willison, is a renowned lecturer and orthodontic lab technician who is incredibly talented and helpful. Our first project in the top photo involved bending wires to a pattern on a piece of paper. The "snowman project" was given also as a supplemental project to get us used to bending wires around a model. The next project was a little more involved- bending wires to create clasps for a partial removable denture. We're currently in the midst of working on an active plate to reposition displaced maxillary lateral incisors that makes this project look terribly simple. But the first tim around, anything would be challenging. Its great learning through these projects because when we see patients in need of interim appliances, its great to know we are capable of creating something quickly and efficiently for them.  

Our midterms "month" comprises exams in: Special Needs Dentistry, Geriatric Dentistry, Surgical Periodontal Therapy,  Orthodontics, Anesthesia and Pain Control, Fixed Prosthodontics, Removable Prosthodontics and a take home exam in Temporomandibular Disorders. I don't think I've ever had this many exams, or been so mentally taxed, but it's going to be wonderful when we're through. 

Outside of this dental realm, I've managed to sign up for an online class in Social Entrepreneurship through the Social Work school here at UB. I caught sight of this opportunity via email shortly before my trip to Haiti and felt it was something I was meant to do. So far it's been a very enlightening experience, hearing the ideas and views of others who seek to improve society in their own special ways. As we're learning currently about the different models of non-profit and for-profit enterprises, it makes me feel as though any school hoping to breed dentists interested in community service should encourage students to take a class such as this. The class has definitely changed my perspective on non-profits and makes the prospect of giving back through an enterprise of my own seem more feasible. 

That's about it for now. Back to the books.