Mentor Hours (21 total).

On April 15, 2013, I went to my dentist for another visit to see how she was doing, and how things were over there. Upon my arrival, I asked her a few questions about my retainer and about how it felt a little bit loose on the top one, and a little tight on the bottom one. I asked her what was the problem and she said that was normal because my top teeth are still growing so it needed to be a little looser because of my top molars, or teeth in the back, were growing in a weird way so she recommended me to get them removed later on in life. As for the bottom teeth, she assessed it as being normal because I'm missing one tooth in the very middle of my bottom teeth so its better that way. I also watched her perform a number of different tasks on patients like cleaning, helping new patients with braces how to put on rubber bands and use them effectively, and she showed me how to tell how cavities looked like in an x-ray. I hope to see her again soon!

Mentor Hours (18 total)

A couple weeks ago, I had another chance to meet with my mentor even though she had grown incredibly busy over the break because most of her parents patients wanted their children to go see her while on vacation and not during school time. Nevertheless, I was able to stop by for 3 hours for a running total of 18 hours. I did the usual, sit and watch and she quizzed me on the names of the tools she was using and how and when to you them, but didn't actually let me use them on a patient because obviously I'm not certified. Anyways, since I know most of the tools, I was able to help my mentor and her assistants pack and sterilize the equipment because alot of it had been used but unable to be cleaned because it was so full over the break. This was pretty much everything I did that day but it was fun learning the names and the uses of all the tools, she used on me while I had my braces to perfect my teeth little by little. I am excited to meet her again on my next visit!

Mentor Hours (15 total).

Last Tuesday I was able to spend some time with my mentor and shadow her and her colleagues work. I spent a total of 3 hours there for a running total of 15 hours with her. I watched her do her daily routine of checking up on patients, giving new patients consults about what may be needed in preparation for braces, regular cleaning, and emergency appointments. From here, she was able to help me identify what to look out for in consults and what to tell patients what was wrong with their teeth, if anything. Because i was unable to attend some of these consults, due to parent-doctor confidentiality, a dentist assistant was gladly able to show me where they process film from the x-ray machine, and even more advanced things inside the lab, as to how to make and restore broken or damaged retainers. This sums up my day with my mentor.