How do I describe that?

So yesterday… I was a little grumpy butt … I was getting just a tad bit frustrated… I was trying to remember all the skills we have learned and most had seemed to slip my mind. I also realized the hard to reach, dark, back, corners, of the mouth are really difficult to see let alone work in. I want to practice more, more, and more. On top of this we were to describe our pod partner’s gum tissue… and learn how to correctly record it… I wasn’t really sure what I was looking for. I understand when an instructor helps and shows me... I wish I could get the understanding to stay in my head and stay with my hands. Some times when they adjust my hands It works so well, feels comfortable, and I can see... I just want to freeze my hand into that position. I sure can’t wait until this comes just a tad easier for me. But amazingly I still love it. :)

My First Attempt With A Probe

I never thought probing could be so much fun. Today we attempted probing. I didn't do to bad. I was able to probe Sara’s upper right quadrant and all readings were within a millimeter of the instructors probing. That made my day! Not to mention Sara and I had way too much fun. I’m so glad we can work hard and feel a little stress but have fun while doing it. I’m not sure if I’d survive If we didn’t. I’m still getting used to using the correct posture, seat positions, modified pen grasp, keeping my hitch hiker thumb under control, using my fulcrum, using indirect vision, etc. But it all comes with time… I have to keep reminding my self of that.

One Day It Will Be Second Nature

Today was really fun. I feel a bit out of my element with trying to get my pen grasp, fulcrum, adaption, ect. I still love it even though it's a little different. I can't wait until this is "second nature" to me.

Not enough time in a day.

Today we had our test in Anatomy on all anterior teeth and a quiz in Dental Hygiene. At this point... right now... I'm feeling like there is so much to learn and not enough time in a day to study enough to get it all. The Anatomy test was a bit tricky and the Dental Hygiene was really difficult. I'm sure it'll all come. I'm glad I'm interested in the things I'm learning and have amazing girls in our class or else I'd be in trouble.

Intra Oral Exams

Today we did intra oral exams…I haven't been too stressed until today. I don't know what switched. It might have to do with a crazy weekend and feeling like I'm running on fumes. But I want to be a little more competent than I feel that I am right now. I’m sure it’ll come. I just need to work my hardest, do my best and have patience with my self. Thank goodness Sara is patient with me.

You can't talk with a mirror in your mouth.

Today was an exciting day in clinic. In radiology we took full mouth x-rays with both digital and conventional film. I will be avoiding the Dexter I used today as much as I can for the rest of the year. :) Despite the impossible Dexter, with some wonderful help I was able to get the full mouth done. In dental hygiene clinic we were all able to work on each. It started with a wonderful massage of the face and the neck, while doing our extra-oral exams. I’m not sure if I’m doing it right, hopefully I’ll have time to practice that a little more. Later we whipped out the mirror and the probe. We quickly realized we can't talk as much to each other with a mirror in our mouth. I also felt a little awkward trying to use the mirror and finding my fulcrum but hopefully I’ll get better. I feel like I’m learning a lot of skills that I hope I will be able to remember. There is so much to learn… but I love it.

Getting used to blogging

I'll really have to start getting used to using this. I'm horrible at blogging. Anyway... so far the Dental Hygiene program has been great. To sum up the first week... It was thirty girls getting comfortable with the routine. It was comforting to know that we all seemed to be in the same boat. I know that I don't know everything right now and I won't know everything right at once... for me that is ok... that is why I'm here to make mistakes... correct them and learn. I'm seriously loving it. Ok so this might sound a bit cheese but oh well... One of my favorite things is I feel like a team... we are all trying to help each other do well and we have amazing coaches who are there teaching and supporting us . I have been so grateful for those that have more experience helping those of us that don't. I'm so happy! I know it will continue to get harder and more intense but I'm excited to face it and try to do the best I can.