Othello- Day 2

I got up at 5:45 am this morning to get ready for a 6:45 am staff meeting. After a bagel, cup of coffee, and an hour of talking later, I was off to the clinic. Othello requires their staff to wear business casual to the clinic, change into scrubs, and then back into business clothes at the end of the day. Oh, we also have to change during lunch. After all the changing, I headed down to the clinic floor. I met with the doctor for the day and he started assigning me to all these different procedures. I assisted with bleaching, crown lengthening, root canals, composite/amalgam fillings, and implant placements. This was my first implant, so it was very exciting. I was glad that I went to the bathroom beforehand because it took two hours.

I am shocked by the amount of information that I have already used from my first year courses. Not only have I used my assisting skills, I have also used my knowledge on cavity preps, occlusion, dental anatomy, and even my knowledge on dental material! It was neat to see the bonding agents, glass ionomer, etc. that are used in the clinic. Also, when I was helping with the crown lengthening, the doctor quizzed me about biological width. Later, when I was placing a temporary filling, the doctor told me to make sure I checked the occlusion. Thanks Dr. McCoy; you saved me today!

Today was a very eventful day. It was really neat to see all the things I have learned in school being used in the clinic. Hopefully this experience will only get better!