I feel like this is what I’ve learned so far… Dentistry is not one size fits all, and the care that we provide will not fit every patient’s ideals either. When never having met a patient before, it can be hard to tell what they want. I’ve had patient’s that I could sense were extremely sensitive and they have said to me “wow, you are so gentle, that was amazing. Thank You.” And I’ve had the other end of the spectrum for a woman that seemed very put-off by me from the minute she sat in my chair (she had heavy supra calculus also and she knew this) – and she left and called back saying that I made her lose a filling and I was the roughest cleaning she ever had. — She came in and no filling was lost, thankfully the dentist smoothed it over with her and defended my work… I took this to heart rally bad at first, but then again, I’ve seen both ends of that spectrum to the point that you just need to know you can’t totally please everyone unfortunately. It does help, if you know their preferences, to put a note in the chart so you can be aware next time.

Personally, I probe full mouth at every visit – However, I record the changes at their periodic exam. The other appts I’m basically looking for something that would cause concern of a larger issue, like a really large pocket that appears/exudate, things like that. I’ve found it 2-3 times already on spot-check appts and had to refer to perio!

I had many applications out while my license was being ‘processed’ by my state board. I made it well known that I was ready to work and my license was currently being processed. That at least let employers know that it was on its way. This is something I would state in the last part of my cover let (at least that’s how I did it) – I wrote out my CL and then stated that all my boards were passed successfully and that my license was currently being processed by the state board.

I have done this at each interview and have gotten great results! Just thank them for the opportunity and state something you really liked about the office! Short, sweet, helps them think of you. If you have a business card, slide one in even if they already have one. I find that it helps them think of you again when its time to choose. My office kept mine and placed it with my personnel file 🙂

I felt guilty when I started hygiene school as well that I did not have perfect hygiene, no cavities, grade A+ flossing routine since I could walk! However, I was quickly comforted by learning I was FAR from alone! I had one of the better mouths there! Weird to think – I find that most dental professionals have MORE work. Probably because we are so in-tuned with the work that should be done and are more likely to access it. Probably has something to do with why we are in this field as well.

Don’t sweat it – you will soon find comfort in that your classmates, as well as faculty, have their share of dental problems as well 🙂

I purchased through Amazon.com and saved a lot there. One thing to think about though is that editions are out of date almost the second you buy them so re-selling is nearly impossible. I checked with the upper class students to see which texts they really used as many, many were supplemental and used many 1-2x (so I borrowed from others). This saved me a lot of $. However, the books that I could reference in practice or for boards (Wilkins, Pharmacology, Radiology, Pathology) – I purchased and kept a few. I basically saved the notes I took from them rather than the text and only hung on to Wilkins. They really are out of date so fast that they aren’t that great to hang on to. Keep one good reference and you are good!

A PAN is a PAN… not a true FMX. Way different image quality. Need an FMX to get true detail and bone levels. If I am correct – when billing ins. they are different codes? I know that typically they will allow PAN or FMX with the pts frequency but I don’t think ant PA’s are usually covered with that (had that issue last week – ins. won’t take a Pan, 4BWX AND ant. PA’s). So they must be billing it out as FMX?

My other suggestion would be – along with everything said above – to not just memorize the material in your classes to get good grades. Actually learn and be able to apply the material. That skill will be everything that you do in hygiene school. As a medical professional, we do not have the luxury to learn something for the sake of passing a test, moving through college classes that way, and ending up with a degree. For our safety, our pts safety, and our career success, we must understand the material that we are taught and how it applies. Pay attention in A&P – it all comes into play again later and will help everything else make so much more sense. Remember, we take boards so we must be able to prove that we not only learned the material.. but that we also apply and understand the material 🙂 I was told this my first day of hygiene school (gave me a panic attack at the time) – but it truly makes sense and actually makes school so much easier if you do the work ahead of time!

Great that you documented everything! This is a tough situation – things always get sticky when its a friend of the DMD. I believe I’ve heard that knowing a pt is under the influence and letting them leave can leave an office liable. However, I’ve also heard the opposite where ‘you can’t stop someone from leaving’ – therefore documentation may be the only way to protect yourself. I would have maybe tried to call the emergency contact for a ride. If the pt. refuses and ups and leaves on his/her own I suppose all that’s left to do is document the situation. I know when I was in school a pt came in drunk/on pills and the school let him leave but documented the situation thoroughly.. I’m interested to see what others say as well!

Prior to my dentist coming in to the exam – I have already performed ‘my own’ exam. So what I do is take any radiographs, evaluate them. Next take intra-oral photos of ANY concerning area (also a facial and lingual image of anterior teeth to document how they looked pre-trauma in case DMD needs to fix a chip or missing tooth at some point). After I look around and mark anything suspicious, take IOC’s and evaluate radiographs – We utilize something called a ‘PASS’ note. It’s a mini-note following a template where I write out these findings/medical concerns and I go hand to the dentist to let her know that I am ready for the exam at any time. She will then review Rad’s in another room and then come in for the exam already knowing what to look for. Works well!