Clinical experience free essay sample

I had always been intimidated by the discipline of Oral Surgery. It is probably because of the high standards that are expected of me, which is obviously understandable. Or perhaps it is because of my little understanding about subject when there are still a lot to learn about. Comparing to my first extraction procedure, the one that I had done today with Dr. R was a very positive experience, and it had helped me gained more confidence with doing extractions. My first extraction at the beginning of this semester was a total mess; even though I had spent some time the night before to go over the materials that I had learned from previous semesters to familiarize myself with extraction procedure. I reviewed the anatomical landmarks for injections, the forceps and the required armamentariums for extractions. All those things seemed to be disappeared from my mind on the day of the procedure. We will write a custom essay sample on Clinical experience or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page My presentation to Dr. L was abysmal. I did not present my patient’s medical and dental findings clearly and confidently. Anyway, I did manage to survive that day. Realizing the problems at hand, I had consulted with Dr. Lawoyin for advice on how to correct the problems, and I had made every effort to address my problem head on from the beginning. I was struck with a great opportunity when one of my patients was planned for a multiple extractions of teeth numbers: 21, 22, 23, 26, 27, and residual roots of 28, and 29. To prepare for the procedure, I had used every opportunity during my independent clinic time to volunteering in OS clinic. At first couple times, I quietly observed the procedures, I checked out the forceps that was called for each extracted tooth and asked the D4s why they had chosen the particular forceps. One day, I spent a whole independent clinic time to review for all the forceps and instruments that are available in the OS clinic. I had also kept journals in my electronic notebook. I wrote down what I had learned for each day, things that I could have done it better, and the list of things that I need to go back to review for (I soon quitted keeping the â€Å"review list† after realizing that I kept forgetting to review them; instead, I decided to do the reviews on the same day). Then there were times during volunteering days I would look at the radiographs and listen to the case presentations, sometimes I would give my opinion about the diagnosis and assessment. When it came closer to the date of the procedure, I had consulted with Dr. L, the instructor that I had originally planned to work with, about how to remove the residual roots of #28 and #29; he pointed out that those roots could be simply removed with a periosteal elevator. The week before the procedure, I learned that Dr. L had traveled out of the country, but luckily I was able to work with Dr. R so that I did not have to cancel the appointment. The weekend of the procedure, I went back to review my patient chart and radiographs one more time. Since my patient had a history of diabetes, I reviewed the chapters on how to manage the patient pre-op and post-op. I instructed my patient on what to do in preparation for the procedure. For example, she should eat breakfast and take her insulin before coming in for her morning appointment. I had gone back to my journal entries to review about what I had written down from observed procedures. As usual, I came in a bit early to clinic to get everything ready. I felt that the procedure went relatively smoothly. When it came to present my findings to Dr. R, I felt that it went well. I was able to explain exactly what needed to do for the procedure, from the required injections, the periosteal elevator, to the forceps, and the suturing materials. The procedure went successfully, and patient reported with no pain during the extraction and there was no complication after the procedure. Although, I need to do a more thorough job with evaluating the radiograph, this is something I need to work on. My plan to tackle the problem is to practice the exercises in textbook book of Exercises in Oral radiography and Interpretations, which was recommended by Dr. P but I never had a chance to get to. I can also go to Oral pathology textbooks to familiarize myself with more radiographs. After that, I would go to Drgstoothpix. com to practice with real patient cases. I am grateful for having the opportunity to tackle my fear head on right from the beginning. I now feel more at ease when it comes to Oral surgery, although I did have a lot of time to prepare for the procedure. My next step is to be able to evaluate patients’ conditions, be able come up with the diagnosis, and know what to do within the determined clinic time. I am looking at externships opportunities that are offering in free health clinics or mission trips to expand my clinical knowledge so that I can better help my patients.