Explorer

     Today in radiology we took 1 half mouth series on the Schick sensor and 1 half mouth series using Scan-X and we also passed off two PEs.  My x-rays were really quite good today.  I was so proud of myself.  I think that they were better today because I took a little bit more time to make sure everything was lined up and in the right spot.  I didn't have anyone waiting and watching me to have their turn after me so I was able to take a little more time and understand the concepts that we are supposed to use for x-rays.
     In clinic this afternoon we learned how to use our explorer to check subgingivally for calculus and any other irregularities.  I was so nervous for clinic today after I read the module and the PE that we were going to work on.  The PE said to go subgingivally and walk the explorer around the tooth and reach into the col.  YIKES!  It really wasn't that bad though once we started doing it.  Luckily we had 45 minutes to just practice on our typodont before we tried it on each other.  I was also able to work on my positioning and fulcrums today so I feel so much better about those two topics.  Of course they still need practice but at least I'm feeling better about them.
     After our 45 minutes of practicing on the typodont was up we set up our operatories to work on each other.  I was the operator first and I'm not going to lie, my hands were shaking a bit.  Tori was great at letting me know what felt fine and what hurt.  After I had 45 minutes to practice on Tori we switched and she had 45 minutes to practice on me.  She did a great job.  I'm glad that we get to work on each other before we work on patients so that we know what it feels like.
     I also passed off the extra-oral exam and mirror fulcrum PE today.  Yay!!!