Ethics...

To me, ethical decision making is knowing that you did what was right by your patient.  I realize that it's not always easy, especially when it doesn't seem like anyone is hurt by the decision.  I feel that most of the scenarios presented in class were very interesting and was impressed by the answers given by the dentists and hygienists. Here's a new scenario for your consideration:
A classmate treats a patient with about half of her dentition and knowingly charges her the full fee because "she worked hard on her and her insurance would cover it anyway."  I hope this person never accepts a position where there are monetary incentives for production.  So, my question is: Can ethics be taught or is it something that we just know?

Oh, the dreaded GPG rotation...

So, GPG...what was this rotation going to be like?  I had heard about how boring it was, nothing to do, so many of us in there at the same time.  The thought of having to go there (not to mention the number of days) was not something I looked forward to.  Well, a few weeks ago, that time came.  Even though I was only able to do 1 AP in the 5 or 6 times I have been in GPG, I still had a positive experience.  Most of the time I have assisted the D3s and D4s with their patients.  Sure, it's not as exciting as calculus and biofilm (LOL), but it helps to see the same procedures our patients will be asking us about.  (And the dental students are really happy to have the help!)
OK, OK, so everyone knows not to judge a book by it's cover, but it is sooo easy to do!  So, the lesson I learned is that each experience is what you make it.  We can't always control what is presented to us, just how well we react to it.  The next time I hear how awful (or great for that matter) something is, I'm going to try to keep an open mind :-)  

Rally Day...

Being a part of Rally Day on Friday was a really fun experience.  I really have a limited knowledge of politics, so I really didn't know what to expect.  As we walked around to the different delegates, I was expecting that they would be available to talk, but that was not the case.  We were able to speak with two delegates and a couple of their aides.  Hopefully, leaving the goodie bags with the talking points attached was enough to get the bills passed (and the chocolate couldn't hurt!).
It was nice to see the future dental hygiene profession so well represented with students from around the state, and I was proud to be a part of it!

1st patient of the semester...

On Wednesday, I had my 1st patient of the semester.  I know that we are still learning, but I feel like I should have accomplished more.  I started scaling with 40 mins left to the appointment, but didn't finish!  I realize that accuracy is more important than time, but I can't help feeling frustrated by it.  Anyway, I just wanted to express my thoughts, even though I know that I will become more efficient as I get more experienced.  Until then, I'm going to stay positive and continue to try to improve. 

Shadowing

I've really enjoyed being in clinic these past couple of weeks working on "real" patients, except for maybe one thing...Axium.  I feel like that is definitely my weakest area, and just as we are ending the semester, I feel like I am starting to get better at it.  So, yesterday I shadowed a senior in clinic and I was able to enter everything into the computer for her.  I feel so much more confident now, and she was great at helping me through the things I was fuzzy on.  The seniors still have another week in clinic.  I know we have finals to study for, but anyone wanting a little extra help with Axium should definitely think about shadowing next week.  It was so helpful to me!  Anyway, I just hope I don't forget too much about the computer over the break! LOL

Almost there...

We're almost at the end of the semester, and I am sooooo excited!  In some ways I feel like we've been here forever and other ways I feel like it's going by so fast.  I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but I do know that I am ready for the break.  We've been through a lot together, and it's been a lot of HARD work for sure.  Just a few short weeks left...I just wanted to wish everyone good luck on the rest of our finals!

Study,study, study...

Another weekend dedicated to studying. . .can't wait for the break to come!