Competency and Service Learning

There is only one week left in the semester, and I have only one competency to complete. The competency is the adult prophy, and I hope I will finish this competency in time. Factors that may affect my completion include: if the patient qualify's, I only have 1 clinic session left, I am in oral surgery rotation, and I only get one shot at this. I am very nervous, and I do not want to receive an incomplete grade for this course just to receive a letter grade of a C next semester.

Last week, I participated in a service learning project at Ginter Park Elementary school off of Chamberlayne ave. I was able to demonstrate the effects that sugar has on the enamel. I used a styro foam cup as the model of the tooth, and then proceeded to place maple syrup on the cup for show that this was plaque stuck on the enamel. Afterward, I placed sprinkles on the syrup to show foods that we eat. Then proceeded to place acetone on the cup to show the affect that takes place when you don't brush your teeth. This visual showed the cup dissolving, and the kids loved it. We then began the process to talk about nutrition and healthy foods. We had cards that had food on them and asked the children what was a good food and a bad food. They where knowledgeable and many of their answers where correct. We then proceeded to show the kids proper brushing and flossing techniques. At the end of the visit, we gave the kids all toothbrushes. This week the teacher contacted me telling me that the kids are still talking about the presentation til this day, and during lunch they were talking about which foods where healthy. I am glad that the presentation was able to make an impact on this kids, and I hope that I will be able to go to more schools. The exposure allows the kids to receive some type of education and may prevent what I experienced in pedo "rampant caries".

Pedo Rotation

This rotation has opened my eyes to the lack of education some parents have on dental care in the surrounding Richmond areas. The first day I was in rotation the four year old child had rampant caries. The doctor was able to treatment plan the child for about 80% of the teeth being extracted and the other 20% saved. The second day in rotation I was able to work with a 12 year old girl, who was very shy. She was not very happy to be at the dentist and covered her smile. When she proceeded to open her mouth I noticed why she was shy. The doctor diagnosed her with rampant caries and proceeded to make a treatment plan. He was very frustrated during the whole process because the girl was not able to keep her mouth open due to pain and sensitivity. During the process, the little girl was crying the whole time. She was in so much pain and embarrassment. I proceeded to tell the girl that everything will be okay and we will get things under control. The resident then begins to tell me "no, you do not say everything will be okay, this is not acceptable, her oral hygiene could of prevented this". I do not know why he responded to me in this way, maybe he was very frustrated. But, his response scared me and also the little girl. He was very straight forward with his remarks, and not friendly at all. I don't believe this was the proper way to handle the situation. The girl will have to get most of her teeth removed and have a partial denture. This is very sad, and knowing that this could of been prevented from simply brushing her teeth. Her mom is a single parent,and most of her home care is from her grandmother who is endentulous. Dental neglect is very obvious in this case, and it is a very sad subject. I wish I could follow up with this patient, and see her results.