Insturuments!

So many instruments to learn so little time!  When we first got our instrument issue I was sure that I would never be able to learn all the insturments and what they do.  Today was very helpful we even got our typodonts and used scalers on them!

Side not.. so not ready to pass off probing and exploring because I have not even got to practice since we did it the first time!!

Exploring!

 Today we learned the basics of using the explorer.  Went pretty well.  I hope this will really help me when I someday get to work on teeth and find calculus!

Intra-Oral Examinations

Today we looked in each others mouth looking for any abnormalities.  Not as fun as the Extra Oral exam because it's not as much of a massage.. but it was good to learn.  Some of the things we were looking for I had never heard of before. Now I am just waiting to pass off.. Mondays stink for passing off because we have no Ta's so the instructors have a hard time getting to everyone.. Hopefully I get a chance today!

Face and Neck Massage!

Today in Clinic we petty much just gave each other massages!  It was awesome! We were really doing extra-oral examinations, checking for lumps or bumps or anything abnormal that could be an indicator of cancer.  Once you start going it was pretty easy to get into a groove of what order to check things, this was my biggest concern prior to practicing.  We also got to pass of a couple of PE's today.  I passed off Patient and Operator Positioning, and Mirror and Fulcrum PE's! Yay!

Vital Signs!

Today we took vital signs on each other.  At first I was a little nervous, I didn't think I would be able to hear the systolic and diastolic pressures.  It actually wasn't too bad.  I definitely think it will get easier and easier with more practice!

Health Histories and Treatment Records...

Last clinic that we had we focused on reviewing patients health histories and writing in their treatment records.  Professor Costley first gathered us together to explain everything.. I felt like I was back at orientation with how much information was being told to me.  I was feeling very overwhelmed.  Then we went back to our pods and practiced with our pod partners, there was just so much to remember!  Hopefully we will just get more and more practice with this and it won't be so hard to remember everything that has to go in the HHX and HHX/RX.

Side Note:  I just really love our class! Everyone is so friendly and willing to help! We are starting to feel almost like a little family! :-)