Today began at 6:50AM with an alarm that might induce a heart-attack in someone not as accustomed to vibrating mechanisms under their pillow. 6:50AM isn't a time most dental students see on Saturdays, but I was lucky enough to be selected to volunteer at my first REAL dental outreach!
On Jefferson Ave in downtown Buffalo, the Good Neighbors Clinic provides free dental, optometric, chiropractic and medical services to the area on designated days. Today was a purely dental day. Along with a handful of local area dentists, twelve dental students and staff of the clinic we provided care to upwards of 30 patients in the span of 8 hours! Of the twelve students, first and second years were assigned to assist third and fourth year students who would perform procedures. Upon arriving there at 8AM was already a line of patients waiting outside in the snow. Much work had to be done to set up operatories with the necessary instruments, personal protective equipment and more. Rooms designated for surgery were equipped with reclinable lawn chairs, forceps, gauze, elevators, syringes, carpules of anesthetic and dental bibs. Once a triage system and front desk were set up we were on our way.
I was assigned to a third year student, who was overseen by a dentist. The three of us were placed in room designated for extractions, where I assisted in the extraction of some three or 4 molars. I quickly learned that during outreach events, conditions are far from ideal. Watching my third year (Susie), who is a few inches taller than me, extract upper and lower molars from incredibly uncomfortable positions was amazing. Even moreso was the fluidity and confidence of Dr. Hattin, the designated oral surgeon of the crew. Upon being presented a case he deemed "very difficult" to all onlookers, he would proceed to remove bone around the tooth with the surgical drill and in minutes the tooth that we had struggled with for much longer would be out - next patient.
Not everyone had this much luck, as I witnessed others with more difficult patients. It was through their experiences I learned that patients may sometimes require anesthesia prior to having x-rays due to sensitivity or anxiety. Nonetheless, even though some extra time was needed, quality care was achieved.
When I wasn't showing patients to their rooms, bibbing them, dabbing blood from teeth, collecting freshly extracted ones from Susie and Tom, or bringing supplies back and forth from the sterilization/x-ray room, I spent most of my time learning about taking and developing Panorex X-rays. A dental hygenist who basically ran that room was a great help to me with this. Today I took one periapical and 3 Panorex X-rays - solo! The procedure for pans was:
- Prep the X- Ray machine with a small plastic wrapper that goes over where the patients teeth contact the machine
- Retrive patient from waiting room, walk to the X-ray room.
- Explain to them what the X-ray machine does, since pans are not your average x-ray and the machine can be somewhat intimidating and complex
- Have patient remove all jewelry from their head and mouth, and jackets if they may get in the way
- Place the lead apron on the patient and have them step forward into the machine
- Have the patient bite onto the peg, with their chin comfortably seated and forehead forward against the headplate.
- Ensure proper tooth positioning on the biting peg by having the patient smile slightly and observing the peg reach back about to the canine
- Have the patient place their hands on the handles and ensure the machine will not be obstructed by the patient's shoulders when it moves.
- Once you let the patient know to remain completely still, you're set!
Lucky for me all of my patients were calm, collected and sociable. I loved sharing stories about my own tooth extraction and my first panorex x-ray that I saved in my room for months since it made a nice window decoration. Not sure what they thought of me after that but at least it made them smile.
I also learned to develop films and pans. The pans were a little more involved in that the room needed to be closed, the machine off and lights off. The film is kept in a cartridge which needs to be opened, then the film must be placed in the developer. Chris helped me reload the cartridge and place the unexposed films back in their package before the lights were turned back on.
For a first time assisting and actually serving in a clinic I feel like I learned a ton. The day flew by and before I knew it, it was 3:00PM and we were cleaning up. While technical skills are important and necessary, the most important lessons of the day were those in patient communication, as well as colleague interaction. Providing care is always, always, 100% focused on the patient. In my mind it's a privilege to treat any patient, since they could have gone to anyone else. In this case, these patients needed any care they could get, but I was still gracious to have interacted with them since they could have ended up in other student's operatories. Every effort should be made to create a positive experience for the patient (which reminds me for future outreach events to definitely bring a radio!) Additionally, patients are people and people love to socialize, especially when they're nervous and need to feel more comfortable. I learned more about patient's children in college, struggles with drugs, favorite movies, hometowns and more than about dentistry today and recalling all that would be an accomplishment. The take away is that the patients are what makes it all so rewarding.
One patient's husband who was a minister told me something that stuck with me. When I expressed an interest in his preaching and mentioned the name of the pastor of my church in Binghamton, he recognized the name and shared that he was actually from there. He then told me it sounds like I have a calling on my life and wished me blessings. Despite the conflicts it's caused, I'm happy that faith still brings us closer together.
A dental student's journal.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Alpha Omega - Ellicottville Trip
Ever since starting dental school I've picked up a ton of new hobbies and this past weekend I just added another to the list - snowboarding. While my body sufficiently ached from falling countless times, the weekend was a blast.
Alpha Omega is the dental fraternity I joined last semester in an effort to get involved early on. This weekend was one of the first trips that I've attended and it was a trip to Ellicotville, a small skiing town an hour and a half south of Buffalo. We were lucky enough to stay with Dr. Stern, a generous alumni, at his winter home, which included beds, lots of food, drinks and fun. We arrived on Saturday evening, and went tubing at the Holiday Valley Tubing Company, which was my first tubing experience and I'd say it was nothing short of thrilling. Accelerating down an ice and snow chute for 900 feet is something that doesn't get old too quickly. That night we went out to eat at a restaurant called Kabob, which was also not bad. Dr. Stern's place was prime location, being walking distance to the bar scene, and restaurants. It was also no more than a 10 minute drive to the tubing location and to the ski slopes. After an awesome dinner we proceeded to have a night out, where we danced the night away, despite having to wake up early the next morning to hit the slopes.
We got the the Holiday Valley Slope around 11:00AM, decked out in my new snowpants, sunglasses, hat and layers of clothing. I rented my first snowboard, and spent the first 3 hours or so mastering the bunny hill. After flying down a few times, Laura and I progressed to our first green slope. To our dismay, or more so mine than hers, I ended up sliding down the slope on my back,arm, butt, rather than snowboarding down it. Control is the main thing I need to work on which will definitely be the focus next time! Nonetheless, the day was awesome I'm totally going back again.
Alpha Omega is the dental fraternity I joined last semester in an effort to get involved early on. This weekend was one of the first trips that I've attended and it was a trip to Ellicotville, a small skiing town an hour and a half south of Buffalo. We were lucky enough to stay with Dr. Stern, a generous alumni, at his winter home, which included beds, lots of food, drinks and fun. We arrived on Saturday evening, and went tubing at the Holiday Valley Tubing Company, which was my first tubing experience and I'd say it was nothing short of thrilling. Accelerating down an ice and snow chute for 900 feet is something that doesn't get old too quickly. That night we went out to eat at a restaurant called Kabob, which was also not bad. Dr. Stern's place was prime location, being walking distance to the bar scene, and restaurants. It was also no more than a 10 minute drive to the tubing location and to the ski slopes. After an awesome dinner we proceeded to have a night out, where we danced the night away, despite having to wake up early the next morning to hit the slopes.
We got the the Holiday Valley Slope around 11:00AM, decked out in my new snowpants, sunglasses, hat and layers of clothing. I rented my first snowboard, and spent the first 3 hours or so mastering the bunny hill. After flying down a few times, Laura and I progressed to our first green slope. To our dismay, or more so mine than hers, I ended up sliding down the slope on my back,arm, butt, rather than snowboarding down it. Control is the main thing I need to work on which will definitely be the focus next time! Nonetheless, the day was awesome I'm totally going back again.
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Spring Semester: The Start of Something New
Been back for a little less than a week, and things are already in full swing. This semester's schedule is MUCH easier than last, since nothing can really compare to the workload of Gross. Here's a look at the start:
Integrated Dental Practice will be added Mondays and Fridays from 1-4PM on the 31st and a couple other changes will happen as well. For now things are totally manageable and it seems like there's a general sense of optimism in the class. I'm personally a little bummed that we have absolutely no dental lab courses this semester after just starting waxing and using our handpieces last semester. I'm toying with the idea of bringing home my supplies and waxing on occasion since hand skills are vital. Nonetheless, classes are still interesting.
Next week we have our first outreach trip for Practice, Profession and Community Dentistry. We'll be talking to middle school aged children about oral health and mentoring them later on. Buffalo was apparently the first to implement this type of program into their dental curriculum and since then a few schools have followed. Opportunities such as these are what made Buffalo so appealing. I really hope to take away new perspectives and a deeper comfort with people from this class.
Physiology is nothing spectacular, I'm thinking about it as just another biology class. Surprisingly, much of the material we are covering in the first unit on action potentials, is material I spent hours on in Autonomous Agents, in my fourth year of Bioengineering.
Neuroanatomy, while another biology class, I find really interesting after the first lecture. The professor appears extremely knowledgable and teaches clearly and emphatically. High hopes for this one. Microbio, another bio class also is great thus far. Great professor, interesting material, also should be good.
The much feared Occlusion class being one of the few actual dental classes we have this semester has gotten off to a good start. I can definitely see spending a ton of time memorizing definitions. Not sure how a class this important could end up getting only one credit hour.
Oral Radiology, another important class also potentially could be somewhat time consuming, not only material wise but due to the interest level. I'm hoping we go into so much depth that we really are competent radiograph readers by the end of the semester.
I think the most anticipated class for me this semester will be Integrated dental practice, where we'll be assisting third year students in the clinic. This is another new implementation for Buffalo so hopefully all goes well and it sticks for the future.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
D1 - Gross Block II
I've grossly neglected this blog, but all for good reason. Reading my previous posts its almost unfathomable how much has changed since the start. People have settled, work load has risen, and the atmosphere has tensed. I'm realizing at this point that dental school to many is the end all, be all of the next four years. From my housemates, undergraduate professors and my own life I've learned the exact opposite, and that has been the main struggle in the past weeks. Studying in my mind is a fact of any academic endeavor. It was in Binghamton, as it is in Buffalo. But we're all human. Complex and allosteric, if one will. Our states depend on many factors. We have desires, pet-peeves, personalities, rituals and routines. I feel the hardest thing yet is to find that balance for myself. Prioritizing has never been a problem, but acting on those set priorities is a totally different thing.
As of today we've had 2 Biochemistry Exams, 2 Waxing practicals, A histology exam, Dental Anatomy Midterm and Gross Block II is this Friday. Abdomen has been great, and anatomy is teaching me things far beyond the human body. For better or worse, the first year of dental school will most definitely be something to remember. At the end of it all, I can only hope to say I'll be able to hold it all together, on my own, no matter what, since I've come to realize it's a world of strangers and there's really no other option.
As of today we've had 2 Biochemistry Exams, 2 Waxing practicals, A histology exam, Dental Anatomy Midterm and Gross Block II is this Friday. Abdomen has been great, and anatomy is teaching me things far beyond the human body. For better or worse, the first year of dental school will most definitely be something to remember. At the end of it all, I can only hope to say I'll be able to hold it all together, on my own, no matter what, since I've come to realize it's a world of strangers and there's really no other option.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
D1 - Week 1.
Tomorrow concludes the first week of year one and all I, and most my classmates are thinking is probably something along the lines of "...what?" I personally feel way more stressed than I should be, mainly because at this point, the work has been laid out, one week's worth that feels more like months worth. I was reflecting a little earlier on the classes we have, and what exactly to study for each so I think outlining them here will help get me a bit more organized:
Dental Biochemistry: Word from upperclassmen and the professor thus far is just study the (1)lectures. I've been recording what I can but I also have a notebook that will come in handy in test preparation.
Dental Anatomy: LOVE this class, but I love it way too much considering it's only worth 1.5 credits..which doesn't make sense to me but that's that. I've been reading the text mainly cause it's super cool, but the advice has been to stick to the (1)lectures and I'll start to skim the (2)text. This week we had our first lab - Mounting the typodont, which some completed in a timely and neat manner, while others struggled for hours, in some cases completly disassembling their plastered down mandible and repositioning, rewaxing, and replastering the articulator. I'm hoping to get a photo of mine on here soon :D.
Histology: Not one of my favorites thus far, but definitely necessary. I think with time the course will get more interesting when we actually get a feel for what structures look like more. Main study tools seem to be (1)laboratory slides and (2)lectures. The text may be worth a skim also but from what it seems, pictures will be priceless.
Intro to Profession: Something like a seminar course, grading is P/F. Really awesome so far with lectures from members of organized dentistry, ethics committees and more. Not much to study thus far.
Gross Anatomy: Said to be the killer of first year. My attack plan will include hours spent in the cadaver lab, (1)Rohen's Color Atlas of Anatomy, (2)Grant's Dissector and the (3)UB issued lab manual. Altogether should be a winning combo. But we'll see, having our first dissection tomorrow on the superficial back.
One piece of software I used to study for the DAT that has been coming in handy for memorizing amino acids, dental anatomy vocab and other things is Anki . The program allows you to make flashcards and tests you based on how long it takes you to turn over the card. Easier cards will show up less often than harder ones. It's free and there are some downloadable card sets already on there for dental anatomy and other topics.
So looking at all of this, its definitely a lot, but definitely manageable. One friend of mine said it well, in that most of the stress this week is the hype. That every moment we feel like we should be doing something, but in reality I've quickly realized that isn't healthy, or sustainable. I've also quickly learned that when people say "all you can do is give your best", that is ideal advice. Its easy to flood your schedule with the workload, let your spirits and health slip, and be a slave to the books. The key is really going to be learning to take a breath and keep the pace.
Cheers! :D
Dental Biochemistry: Word from upperclassmen and the professor thus far is just study the (1)lectures. I've been recording what I can but I also have a notebook that will come in handy in test preparation.
Dental Anatomy: LOVE this class, but I love it way too much considering it's only worth 1.5 credits..which doesn't make sense to me but that's that. I've been reading the text mainly cause it's super cool, but the advice has been to stick to the (1)lectures and I'll start to skim the (2)text. This week we had our first lab - Mounting the typodont, which some completed in a timely and neat manner, while others struggled for hours, in some cases completly disassembling their plastered down mandible and repositioning, rewaxing, and replastering the articulator. I'm hoping to get a photo of mine on here soon :D.
Histology: Not one of my favorites thus far, but definitely necessary. I think with time the course will get more interesting when we actually get a feel for what structures look like more. Main study tools seem to be (1)laboratory slides and (2)lectures. The text may be worth a skim also but from what it seems, pictures will be priceless.
Intro to Profession: Something like a seminar course, grading is P/F. Really awesome so far with lectures from members of organized dentistry, ethics committees and more. Not much to study thus far.
Gross Anatomy: Said to be the killer of first year. My attack plan will include hours spent in the cadaver lab, (1)Rohen's Color Atlas of Anatomy, (2)Grant's Dissector and the (3)UB issued lab manual. Altogether should be a winning combo. But we'll see, having our first dissection tomorrow on the superficial back.
One piece of software I used to study for the DAT that has been coming in handy for memorizing amino acids, dental anatomy vocab and other things is Anki . The program allows you to make flashcards and tests you based on how long it takes you to turn over the card. Easier cards will show up less often than harder ones. It's free and there are some downloadable card sets already on there for dental anatomy and other topics.
So looking at all of this, its definitely a lot, but definitely manageable. One friend of mine said it well, in that most of the stress this week is the hype. That every moment we feel like we should be doing something, but in reality I've quickly realized that isn't healthy, or sustainable. I've also quickly learned that when people say "all you can do is give your best", that is ideal advice. Its easy to flood your schedule with the workload, let your spirits and health slip, and be a slave to the books. The key is really going to be learning to take a breath and keep the pace.
Cheers! :D
Friday, August 12, 2011
Orientation Week
By no insane stretch of the imagination could I have foreseen the beginnings of dental school being what this week has been. From the formal and professional welcome breakfast, to open bar parties reminiscent of undergrad, orientation here is said to be the best week of first year.
Today we finally picked up what seems to be the last of our supplies for the first year courses. In what felt like an early Christmas (that we paid for dearly in advance), Henry Schein and Brasseler reps gave out boxes filled with models, instruments, and a ton of other stuff I'm yet to figure out what it is. Getting the scrubs I think was just icing on the cake, but to me felt unreal. Looking back to the interview when I met and spoke with the current 2nd year students, I remember them wearing their anatomy scrubs, and how much I wanted to be in their shoes. Now finally, I am :D.
The coolest thing thus far though had to have been the lecture on IT in Dentistry. A professor whose name totally escapes me talked about all the awesome new technology that's coming up, and things that we'll be working with by our 3rd year. Digital x-rays are a common change, but the use of Cone beam CT scans in dentistry is something that was new to me. Oral surgeons for instance can use them to get much, much better view of where nerves are and how to go about placing implant, or removing third molars for instance. He also presented a video about Invisalign and how the devices are made and all which was crazy cool.
Today was the white coat ceremony and family day picnic which was again unlike anything I could have imagined. Sure, being cloaked in a white coat feels great but it's much more than the act, the feelings and thoughts about the future, and how fortunate I am to be here made me almost teary eyed. I definitely cannot complain and as second year students have said, our lives won't ever be the same. At the picnic I spoke with a few friends' parents and got a lot of insight as to how different all our lives are, and had a ton of fun listening to older dentists' stories of celebrities, quirky patients and tales of dental school in years past. The entire experience was nothing short of honorable. When people talk about feeling honored, and or an individual or institution having prestige, I always thought of the high-nosed professional, looking down on the world. Buffalo has redefined those words for me today, with emotions of trust, character and wholeheartedly lust for life. Prestige being the characteristic that sets one apart from the crowd and honor being the pride and exaltation that comes with achievement.
Today we finally picked up what seems to be the last of our supplies for the first year courses. In what felt like an early Christmas (that we paid for dearly in advance), Henry Schein and Brasseler reps gave out boxes filled with models, instruments, and a ton of other stuff I'm yet to figure out what it is. Getting the scrubs I think was just icing on the cake, but to me felt unreal. Looking back to the interview when I met and spoke with the current 2nd year students, I remember them wearing their anatomy scrubs, and how much I wanted to be in their shoes. Now finally, I am :D.
The coolest thing thus far though had to have been the lecture on IT in Dentistry. A professor whose name totally escapes me talked about all the awesome new technology that's coming up, and things that we'll be working with by our 3rd year. Digital x-rays are a common change, but the use of Cone beam CT scans in dentistry is something that was new to me. Oral surgeons for instance can use them to get much, much better view of where nerves are and how to go about placing implant, or removing third molars for instance. He also presented a video about Invisalign and how the devices are made and all which was crazy cool.
Today was the white coat ceremony and family day picnic which was again unlike anything I could have imagined. Sure, being cloaked in a white coat feels great but it's much more than the act, the feelings and thoughts about the future, and how fortunate I am to be here made me almost teary eyed. I definitely cannot complain and as second year students have said, our lives won't ever be the same. At the picnic I spoke with a few friends' parents and got a lot of insight as to how different all our lives are, and had a ton of fun listening to older dentists' stories of celebrities, quirky patients and tales of dental school in years past. The entire experience was nothing short of honorable. When people talk about feeling honored, and or an individual or institution having prestige, I always thought of the high-nosed professional, looking down on the world. Buffalo has redefined those words for me today, with emotions of trust, character and wholeheartedly lust for life. Prestige being the characteristic that sets one apart from the crowd and honor being the pride and exaltation that comes with achievement.
UBSDM C/O 2015 White Coat Ceremony - 08.12.11
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I'm Hereee!
Finally in the place I've wanted to be for years now and although the house is dead quiet, my agenda is exploding with things to get organized before classes start. Orientation is tomorrow, but there's already been a few opportunities to meet other classmates. Aside from the fun stuff, there's the challenges of cleaning, furnishing, making sure I have enough loans to eat, fixing my bed and a couple other things. I went running today around town hoping to get acquainted with the area. Twenty minutes in I was completely lost, parched and hungry. Luckily a pizza place was nice enough to give me some water and directions and I was on my way. Tomorrow will be better.
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