Dental Postings

Today is the 15^th of January, year 2013. I have not drop by here for almost 2 months. First I want to wish all my readers (though I know its super late) a HAPPY NEW YEAR. (Please continue to support this blog, don’t forget me!) Actually I have a class test tomorrow, but suddenly got the urge to write, so oh well. Got my marks for the class test on salivary glands held a week ago, didn’t go so well. Was a little emotional after taking the test, but I have other things to keep me going.

We have officially started to take in patients on Thursday’s afternoon, 2pm-5pm. DO DROP BY FOR A CHECK UP WITH US! My working unit is 03, Bay 1, Polyclinic A, Academic Block II of Melaka Manipal Medical College. (Need to promote a bit here) 

The walk in patient flow is somewhat discouraging; we often have to ring up the previous patients to make an appointment. Started my 1^st ultrasonic scaling 2 weeks back. My patient was very cooperative. I still have lots to learn, need to improve my clinical skills even more.

We are almost done with the 1^ST rotation of the different department posting. We are all learning the basic skills for each department. My last posting will be in conservative dentistry. I am actually looking forward to it especially after a new lecturer; Dr. Alok has joined the team. He is the one also shepherding my GDP (General Dental Practice) on Thursdays. Previously, we were posted in Oral Medicine, Community Dentistry, Pedodontics, Oral Maxillofacial Surgery and Periodontics. I’m currently attached to Prosthodontics. Tomorrow will be the last day though. After the rotation, we will be posted in the specialist clinics, treating patients in regards to the discipline followed by each department.

In Oral Medicine posting, we learn to assess the vital signs, general examination, taking IOPA. We were divided into pairs, checking each other pulse, respiratory rate, blood pressure etc.

For Community D. ,  we have to present Oral Hygiene Instructions to each other. Most of us tried to do it in Malay.  We had a great time translating almost everything from English to Bahasa. Jari telunjuk, ubat pencuci mulut, bulu berus gigi etc. Really had a great laugh then.

In pedo, we were taught about clinical examination, Pit and Fissure sealant and practice applying it on an extracted premolar. It was our first encounter with the sweet smelling oral prophylaxis paste. Always have loved it after scaling. Was also lucky to get an opportunity to observe a supernumery tooth extraction. 

OMFS department taught us on giving Local Anesthesia and tooth extraction. I still remember we were passing around the strawberry flavor topical agent and having a taste of it. Not to mention fracturing a few teeth on the skull model while practicing the positions. Ops!

Perio posting was somewhat stressful but useful. We learned hand scaling and ultrasonic scaling on the typhodont teeth. After that, we checked each other gingiva and measure the pocket depth etc. I still have a pending viva for this posting, better get it done soon!

Now in prostho, we are learning to make alginate impression on each other and later fabricate a bite raising appliance. Making an impression is not easy; it is a form of art. From selecting the tray to getting a right mix to standing position while making the impression, all have to so sure and precise. Most of us end up with bits and pieces of alginate on the patients face and a messy workplace. Still need to practice more; getting better day by day.

Next will be cons posting. Time to have dates with air rotor and restorative materials. Can’t wait!

All these are the basic clinical skills we need to grasp for the first half of the year. Hopefully we all will turn out to be a good dentist in the future! Back to Dental Caries notes…