This afternoon, I’ll go into clinic for the second time. I’ll observe a student dentist (or hygiene student) go through a full patient appointment. You have to check the patient’s chart, understand underlying medical conditions, scan for drug conflicts, meet the patient, find out why the patient is there, determine recent changes in their medical history, consult with specialists about treatment plans, possibly do some treatment, take radiographs, explain things to the patient, obtain consent, plan the time of the next visit, and on and on.

I definitely feel confident in my hand skills… but that’s a small part of the entire visit. There is so much to learn.

I’m nervous for the first time I do this solo, which could be within a week. I’m not good at small talk… but I still need to practice. So, “yes” to small talk… but not too much, since I could put myself in a conversational cul-de-sac. I feel a little low on the knowledge required to do a great job at this. I realize that’s why we’ll be doing this for the next 2 and a half years… but I really would prefer to get some more observing experience in before I see my first patient.

Oh, and if you do want to come in for an appointment with me, send me a message and the school will get you in.

We’ll take good care of you.