Today I set myself up for a big challenge. I knew I'd survive. I knew I'd finish what I had set in mind. I knew it'd be fun and challenging. I knew it'd probably be insane. . Yep. It was.
Luckily, last night as I couldn't go to sleep, I thought of a variety of things that I could bring with me to clinic to keep the little munchkins busy. I came to school early to print off some papers for them to color, and brought crayons so they could color pictures of teeth, etc. . and they loved it. I also took with me my typodont, and a toothbrush so they could practice brushing its teeth, some snacks, and the cute children's flip chart that we got from the Oral B lady. It kept them occupied for a bit, but pretty soon they were wanting rides in the chair, and to run all over the place. Luckily their mom is great, and could keep them under control while I worked on the children one at a time.
So----> The story. This morning at 8:30 a.m., (yes, they were late..oops!) I saw the most adorable little children. Did i mention that there were 3, yes THREE, of them? It was pure craziness. 3 1A's in one appointment. Wow! The first adorable little patient was 7 years old. She had great oral hygiene, and some new permanent teeth coming in. It was such a new experience for me looking into a "mixed dentition" mouth, and playing with wiggly teeth :) She was such a cutie, and even let me take a set of conventional BWX on her. . of which I had no retakes. She was so good at opening her mouth and doing what I asked her to-- thank heavens!
Then.... I saw her little brother. He also was SUCH a great patient, which I was so impressed with-- because he's only 4 years old! He opened so big, and let me look inside his mouth and scale away (at a little bit of plaque here and there). He also let me take a set of conventional BWX on him, and was so great, however, it was very hard to place the size 0 film inside his little mouth. His tongue was going everywhere, and he'd bite my fingers, etc. . So luckily Instructor Vining helped me with placement, etc. They turned out perfect and I didn't need retakes. (Thank heavens. . conventional is a beast!)
And THEN.......I saw their tiny little sister, who is 2 years of age. Yes. TWO! She seriously was the cutest little thing and let me look inside her mouth too. . only for about 3.5 seconds at a time :) I even got to polish her teeth with toothpaste and she giggled as the rubber cup tickled her teeth. It was adorable. Slash craziness. She was rolling around, playing with my instruments, talking, screaming, wanting drinks of water from the syringe. Phew. I am totally exhausted. And she even let Instructor Wold check her mouth for about 2.5 second intervals. She was so great. And i was SOOOOO beyond happy that she was cooperative, so I could pass off 3 1A patients today. Praise the land!
HUGE shout out to my pod peeps for helping me out. I couldn't have done it without them. I learned so much today. Seriously. Seeing kids is a challenge, but very very fun. I learned that it is SO important to make "going to the dentist or hygienist" for children a fun experience, so they want to come back. I think by me having them color, play with the typodont, etc, kept them entertained and interested in teeth. I hope they had a good time. I know they loved their "2 minute timers" they received at the end of the appointment. Kids are entertained easily :) I know it was sure an adventure for me! 3 1A requirements: CHECK!
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