we were able to clean and polish today. It was really fun - and I was able to do it well!! Whoohoo!! Joni shoed us how to identify the correct working end of the scaler by using the end of the h6/7 away from the surface of the tooth it automatically makes that 70-80 degree angle. Same with the montana jack. I have to remember this because it actually made sense!

We practiced scaling all teeth today. I am so glad we got time to work on this. The angulation is still a struggle but I am getting it. I just think this is one of those things that needs a lot of practice. I practiced at home with a pencil and reread the nield book. HOWEVER, it's just not the same as practicing in a mouth with an instrument and an instructor nearby!!! I will just keep working on it. Angie gave me good advise though - we are worried more about the level of comfort of the patient than they actually experience so don't be afraid to retract the cheek!!

It was the day for posterior scaling. We just worked on the typodonts and I am thinking it's better when we are working in the mouth. Things just didn't work out on the typodont. I am going to reread the manual.....

We worked from beginning to end with a patient today -end meaning through anterior scaling. Things are getting better. A little. I think I need a lot more practice scaling just to keep proper form when I am working on instrumentation. It's coming together though!

Today we worked on scaling the typodont & each other. It's not as damaging as I thought it might be. There's a lot to remember, posture, to make sure I put my elbows out and don't hold my shoulders high and scrunch my arms together. My main problem right now is that I like to put my pinky out and I use my thumb and index finger in a pinch position instead of a C. I am going to work on this.

We worked from beginning tx to full exploration. I can't believe it took a full hour and we only spot probed. Things are still coming together, I am always trying to remember everything I have been told but the minute that mouth opens I feel like it all goes out the window. I feel a little more comfortable with exploring (little is the key word) I am going to try to practice in the mirror on my own teeth. That way I can feel when I am not turning enough and it will give me practice w/indirect vision. I hope this helps....

We got to do our disclosing today. Way fun. I am so glad I had a 97% PFI. It is interesting though because you can identify exact areas that are difficult. I practiced exploring just a little bit. Prof. Costley helped me. I get nervous when she's over my shoulder but she helps so much. I understand a little more each time and I am HOPING that I will be competent when it comes time to see patients!

Charting

We are working on charting and noting any deviations on teeth. This was interesting, we have to identify composites, crowns, amalgams, sealants, retainers - everything and then chart it. In order to be more proficient I definitely need to re-read the clinic manual on charting because now it will make more sense.

We worked on probing again today - note to self, to see the distal sides of the last molars look from the lingual side!! I think just more practice helps a lot. I am still going to work on exploring at home.

We learned about probing today which was not nearly as difficult as exploring. The hardest part is using the mirror for indirect vision and getting measurements on the distal molars. Kim told us that if you want you can probe straight down distally for the 2nd molars which helps because it starts getting really small back there and it's difficult to come in from the distal buccal line angle. I took my typodont & explorer home over the weekend and practiced a little. I think every little bit helps.