I arrived at the dental clinic about a quarter to eight so as to have enough time to familiarize myself with the lead dental hygienist and prepare for the day. I had my notebook and pen ready. There were only three patients waiting. Dr. Mark welcomed me and quickly described the safety procedures in the clinic. I enquired why there were only three patients, and he told me that the hospital books them since dental procedures take quite long, and there were only three of them in the clinic.
The doctor introduced me to the first patient and proceeded to ask him questions, took some notes, and explained the procedures to him. That was the standard procedure. I learned the patient wanted his teeth cleaned. A close observation indicated that a brown substance covered his teeth. The doctor placed a scarf-like cloth on the patient and told him to sit on a special chair. He took out an ultrasonic instrument that produced that he said it removed ‘large’ pieces of tartar from the surface of the teeth. In about two hours with breaks, the doctor used the machine moving it over every teeth. After, that, he switched to a handheld tool that he called scalar. He scrapped the surface of the teeth for another thirty minutes. He later changed to another device that he said was for polishing the teeth. He then gave him a chocolate-like substance that he said had fluoride and warned the patient not to swallow. After about four hours, the procedure was over. The doctor said it typically takes shorter, but he was slow for my benefits. I noted that the physician was very skilful and had an excellent relationship with the patient.
After that, the doctor called the next patient who had a gum infection. The doctor said that it would take longer than the previous procedure since it involves surgical treatment. I agreed with him since the patient had different issues. Although some part of the procedures were similar to scaling, the doctor had different instruments and had to be helped by two nurses. He said that he was reinforcing the gums that had been destroyed by the gum diseases. I did not understand this procedure well since it was quite complicated.
Afterwards, I asked what it takes to be a dental hygienist. He said one had to be excellent in relevant academics, have unquestionable interpersonal skills, and have manual dexterity. I went home satisfied that I learned a lot.
