Reflection

  1. Preventative Strategies Paper
    • Reflecting on this paper I learned a lot. I mentioned in my paper that my inflammation, periodontal case type, and radiographic interpretation correlated with my diagnosis of generalized moderate inflammation and how I believed that could have been an educated guess at the time. During this assignment, I was on my third day of clinic two. Finding bulbous tissue was a challenge. Looking back now, I have a significantly better understanding of the periodontium. Another thing I noticed was my lack of detail in documenting. . Overall this paper helped me tie the “big picture” together. The relationship between the peridontal case type, radiographic interpretation, inflammation, patient education, and preventative strategies coming together. Also establishing the  histology going on behind my patient’s gingival conditions. From my first appointment to my last appointment, I was a much stronger clinician.
  1. Clinic III Case Study
    • During my oral presentation I learned how much you can learn about a patient before you see them. Based off their health history, things like sex, age, and race tell you information. I also had a CMRS and panoramic film on file. Radiographs indicated that she has a pattern of missing molars and bone loss. Now when I see a patient I know to thoroughly review what information I have on file prior to their appointment. I also learned that periodontal status isn’t the only thing affecting a patient’s recall status. Even though April is maintaining periodontitis, she has a high caries risk. She produces caries quickly, so she should have been kept on a four month recall rather than moving her to a six month recall.  Now I know that her periodontitis is maintained, but her care needs to be focused to caries prevention. I gave her the list of clinics, but I could have also added focusing on a couple caries at a time. I understand now that multiple caries can be overwhelming for a patient. A Dental Hygienist’s care goes beyond periodontal maintenance and is about educating the patient for an overall healthy oral cavity based off their needs.