Today's scenario=Finishing the cutest little old lady that has an extreme fear of the dentist. Even when she was completely numb, she shook uncontrollably with every scrape, and almost jumped out of the chair on several occasions. Also her first apt. was the first time I had actually scaled anyone so I don't think she had the best impression of me up to this point. Suprised she showed up to be finished actually.
Lessons learned....
#1 The barnhart is actually pretty neat. Previous hatred=gone. Found out I was just using it completely ineffectively, go figure. Prof. Allen introduced a whole new life to me when she showed me how to use it right. My world is forever changed.
#2 Eight O' Clock rules. NOT just for anteriors toward you. Also another thanks goes out to Prof. Allen. So glad I was lucky enough to have her today.
#3 Nothing is as bad if you are calm. Apparently when you get frazzled and start shaking with a sharp instrument in your hand, under people's gums, it only helps to spiral the frazzle into a frenzy.
#4 No matter how bad the patient is shaking and jumping, they will NOT hate you after if you care about them and do your best. I was absolutely sure that my sweet little patient was hating the sight of me for the last three apt. but then she told me thank you as she left and it made my day.
#5 Be more confident and daring. When you are more sure of your stroke it takes less of them and the patient is more grateful and thinks you actually know what you are doing. Just fake it, the patient doesn't know they are the first person you have ever scaled on.
All in all I am glad I had an extremely shaky, jumpy, adorable class II/III, with furcations in every 2nd molar for one of my first patients. Big Big learning experience that will help me greatly in the future. Even if it was the most terrifying way to learn and my pride is completely gone.
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