Time seriously has FLOWN by since I've started seeing patients in clinic. I cannot believe it is almost September already. I have definitely learned something new every single day since seeing my first patient and improving my skills immensely. It's so funny when you think you know so much when it's all book knowledge, but to put all that studying into motion really shows how much you don't actually know. I definitely have a lot to learn and am the first to admit that I don't know what I'm doing most the time.
It's crazy how much progress I've made since being thrown into seeing patients. It's scary to do each procedure on a patient for the first time, but we are pretty much thrown into it. I guess it's not too bad since we have faculty there to bail us out if we royally screw up. My first extraction I thought I was going to pass out because I was so nervous, but now that I have over 40 under my belt, I am feeling much more confident. Extractions are probably my favorite thing to do at this point!
I have not performed too many procedures like fillings or crowns, because each of my patients has to go through a specific treatment plan with phases of dentistry. This has lead to many cleanings working to get patients' gums healthy to improve the longevity of the other needed treatments. I have been on oral surgery rotation and will be on endodontic rotation (root canal) next week. It is beneficial that my school doesn't have any specialty programs at this time, because I get to see a lot of difficult procedures and don't have to give away a patient because the specialty needs it.
I have a pool of patients now that are in the system and see me as their provider. Some of my patients are of crazy sorts, but most of them need extensive work. This is really good for me and for them because it exposes me to lots of procedures, and gets them to a healthy mouth. Many of my patients are receiving Medicaid, and because of the program expansion, receiving most of their care for free. After seeing certain patients, I understand the statistic that dentists have a high rate of depression. When I've spent 3 hours working on someone, doing my best work, and the patient leaves the appointment saying, "man, I can finally have a cigarette." It makes me feel very unappreciated and almost a slap in the face. I understand that I cannot change someone's behaviors or attitudes about dental health, but it's frustrating to work so long and so hard just for someone to go ruin it.
Something kind of funny I've ran into with treating patients is they are surprised when I tell them I will be their student dentist. They say, "What? Doctor? You're a child." Some people don't want me to work on them at first, but after working with them doing comprehensive exams (x-rays, exam), I guess I prove myself because I have yet to have a patient request to switch providers. I joke that I need to grow some wrinkles or something so people think I'm not in high school. I guess it's a good problem to have, but I feel like I have to prove myself even more.
Overall, I'm exhausted at the end of each day, but I'm getting exposed to a ton of dentistry. Dentistry is definitely challenging at times and problem-solving is used everyday. It is also very rewarding and interesting. I love what I'm doing on a daily basis and really excited to see what the future holds for me in this great career!
