I had my first 1A today. The mixed dentition is a little difficult. I have a hard time telling the difference between sealants and composites too. She was 9 and actually had quite a lot of calculus on her anterior lower linguals. I was able to get it all off without missing any!! My goal is to keep studying and reviewing my clinic manual so I get a little faster.

I finished a 1B today. The fact that I didn't have xrays helped. I felt like it went okay but I was really running out of time. I need to work on my own personal confidence level. I am still unsure about scaling.

Today went well. I had a 1B patient and I wasn't nauseous last night thinking about clinic today! I was able to get through scaling 1 quad. So I definitely wasn't speedy but I accomplished something. I have remembered to use Instructor Vining's technique on the anterior linguals, drying and flaking off the calculus. Works like a charm! I am grateful that he was our instructor today, his patience and kindness towards us is amazing..... I will keep practicing and keep working on choosing the correct instrument. It's still difficult.

UUUgghhhh!



This is so extremely stressful! I made it though- I did okay except I need to be not so afraid when I am probing because I missed a 4. I will try to do better. I did practice on my typodont before clinic but I need tons of practice. I was able to get through a whole brand new appt w/x-rays and scale 2 quads. My x-rays did turn out pretty good too. I will still work on studying instruments and what one to use where.....

I feel inept! I wish we could go through a couple full runs before we actually had patients because I don't even really know how to scale!! Instructor Vining did give me great help though - remember: on 1B's start with their anterior lingual that is the part that will take the most time and dry the teeth and the calculus will flake off, the enamel won't. Work from the 12 o'clock position, do everything you can then switch to 8. I think I will take my typodont home and practice the correct instrument for the correct area!

Jan. 7, 2007

First day back for spring semester comes with a lot of apprehension and nerves. I wish we had more practice time before taking patients because I just don't feel ready. Everyone feels the same way though so that's some consolation. Angie said to wet the mirror with water when using it with the ultrasonic scaler and then we will be able to see with it when we're using it for indirect vision. Also, use the chin fulcrum with children, it makes it a lot easier. I am going to focus on a positive, I can do it attitude so I can get through this semester!!