WHAT A WEEK! I was able to see 4 patients this week for my first comprehensive exams. I never knew how time consuming each appointment would be, but I've spent around 10 hours each day at school. By the time I get everything set up, see and treat my patient, get checked by teacher, and pour up study models, I barely have time for lunch between patients. I know I will get faster, but sharing a teacher with my classmates is time consuming. I've taken close to 100 x-rays, taken multiple impressions, and probed lots of periodontal pockets. It's so fun to be on the clinic floor, but very stressful to say the least. I've been so exhausted each night, but I love taking care of people and I've finally been able to do that. Each of my patients has thanked me for taking such great care of them and listening to their concerns. I'm learning a lot about patient care, a major component of dentistry.
We are still being tested on our hand skills and have multiple tests a week on different cavity preps and fillings. Like any profession, practice makes perfect. I am working on continually improving my hand skills to make sure I can give the best care possible to my patients. Through my education, I have come to realize that while all the book smarts are important, taking care of people is greater. If a patient doesn't feel taken care of or listened to, they don't care how good their filling or crown is.
I love this profession I've finally got a sweet taste of and know I still have A LOT to learn.
