The countdown has begun. In less than two months, we will be basking in the summer sun of Albuquerque. Every year, my anticipation starts earlier than the one before. There are so many reasons for my excitement.
It is easy to get caught up in all of the events—everything from the opening ceremonies to one last hug as we part ways is unforgettable. My fondest memories spring from the people that I have met over the years. I have been so fortunate to be in the company of such accomplished dental hygienists.
There are some real mover and shakers in the ADHA. Certain individuals come to mind: Leaders such as Tammy Filipiak, Kristie Manage-Bernie, and Betsy Chandler have a certain presence in the House of Delegates. They have each been a strong role model for me and I hope to be as confident at the microphone as they are. In addition, I am particularly proud of District XII, (which of course, includes the great state of Idaho). We have won the HYPAC fund raising challenge for the past four years.
We also have our share of fun at the social events. Peter Gangi somehow manages to dance with every hygienist on the dance floor at the same time! Esther Wilkins’ attendance is always a treat and it is an honor to meet and visit with her. Last October, I had the great pleasure of helping judge the BreathRx Hygienist of the Year event with, among others, Modern Hygienist Editor, Maria Perno Goldie and the Immediate Past President of ADHA, Marge Green. Marge and I did a little shopping in Beverly Hills. Wait until you see the cocktail dress she helped me pick out! I look forward to catching up with these exceptional people in Albuquerque.
There are so many reasons to love annual session. I am a better person, hygienist and friend because of the inspirational people I have met through the ADHA. I thank you.
Welcome to my life.
Lisa
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
I guess dental isn't in their DNA
I knew it would happen sooner or later. The time has come for my children to plan ahead for college.
My youngest, Taylor, will be starting high school in the fall. He just finished registering for classes and filled out his four-year plan worksheet. Nowhere on that form did he choose classes that would ready him for a dental related career. I have made a conscious effort not to be “dental pusher,” but certainly had hoped that at least one of my kids would entertain the idea of a career in dentistry. I think Chad was hoping Taylor was going to follow in his footsteps and be interested in law enforcement.
Regardless, Chad and I are grateful that our kids are honor students and look forward to college. To our surprise, they are both considering pharmacy. Taylor is also thinking that sports medicine or physical therapy may be his calling. Shelby’s other interests include law school or massage therapy.
I guess if they don’t go dental, at least both are considering a health related profession. Don’t you just love it?!
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
My youngest, Taylor, will be starting high school in the fall. He just finished registering for classes and filled out his four-year plan worksheet. Nowhere on that form did he choose classes that would ready him for a dental related career. I have made a conscious effort not to be “dental pusher,” but certainly had hoped that at least one of my kids would entertain the idea of a career in dentistry. I think Chad was hoping Taylor was going to follow in his footsteps and be interested in law enforcement.
Regardless, Chad and I are grateful that our kids are honor students and look forward to college. To our surprise, they are both considering pharmacy. Taylor is also thinking that sports medicine or physical therapy may be his calling. Shelby’s other interests include law school or massage therapy.
I guess if they don’t go dental, at least both are considering a health related profession. Don’t you just love it?!
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
American Idol & Smiles
Jason Castro. Mention that name to any hygienist that watches American Idol and I can guarantee the response: What a beautiful smile.
I am a little envious of the hygienist that gets to clean his teeth. Obviously, he takes pride in his personal oral hygiene. My daughter and husband can’t quite understand why I think he’s so adorable. (I don’t even mind the dreadlocks.)
Some patients come in to my office meticulously groomed. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case when they open their mouth. Don’t judge a book by its cover. There is beautiful music in all of us, but sometimes we need to remind ourselves that it’s okay to stop and allow enjoy the song.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
I am a little envious of the hygienist that gets to clean his teeth. Obviously, he takes pride in his personal oral hygiene. My daughter and husband can’t quite understand why I think he’s so adorable. (I don’t even mind the dreadlocks.)
Some patients come in to my office meticulously groomed. Unfortunately, that isn’t the case when they open their mouth. Don’t judge a book by its cover. There is beautiful music in all of us, but sometimes we need to remind ourselves that it’s okay to stop and allow enjoy the song.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
The right time to polish
A common debate seems to be surfacing again. When should we polish our patient’s teeth?
Many clinicians have started polishing at the beginning of the appointment, suggesting that it saves time. I personally prefer to polish after scaling, but have a few patients that do better with polishing prior to scaling. These patients have extremely sensitive tissue and teeth due to particular chronic systemic disorders. One patient has MS (multiple sclerosis) and has a difficult time tolerating the polishing, so prefers to get it over with at the beginning of the appointment. Sjogren’s Disease and fibromyalgia patients also seem to appreciate polishing prior to scaling.
On difficult patients, I usually find that if I have polished prior to scaling, I end up selective polishing at the end of the appointment to remove any areas of stain that may still present. I also feel that polishing is the last chance to microscopically smooth the root surfaces and ‘burnish’ the teeth with the fluoride containing prophy paste. In my own mouth, I like to have my teeth polished after scaling and have a fluoride treatment. There are many different theories on this topic. Ultimately, the clinician must decide what is best for their patient. Make an evidence- and experienced-based decision and go for it.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Many clinicians have started polishing at the beginning of the appointment, suggesting that it saves time. I personally prefer to polish after scaling, but have a few patients that do better with polishing prior to scaling. These patients have extremely sensitive tissue and teeth due to particular chronic systemic disorders. One patient has MS (multiple sclerosis) and has a difficult time tolerating the polishing, so prefers to get it over with at the beginning of the appointment. Sjogren’s Disease and fibromyalgia patients also seem to appreciate polishing prior to scaling.
On difficult patients, I usually find that if I have polished prior to scaling, I end up selective polishing at the end of the appointment to remove any areas of stain that may still present. I also feel that polishing is the last chance to microscopically smooth the root surfaces and ‘burnish’ the teeth with the fluoride containing prophy paste. In my own mouth, I like to have my teeth polished after scaling and have a fluoride treatment. There are many different theories on this topic. Ultimately, the clinician must decide what is best for their patient. Make an evidence- and experienced-based decision and go for it.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Friday, April 18, 2008
Injection Savvy
The Idaho Dental Practice Act allows hygienists to deliver local anesthesia under general supervision. We are very fortunate to be one of the first states to have this type of supervision.
In my office, one of our most recent new patients has moved to Idaho from the Midwest. As I sat down to anesthetize No. 8 for a new veneer prep, she look concerned that I would be giving her the injection. She had never had anyone but the dentist administer the injection and she was not real excited to find that a hygienist would be doing the honors. I introduced myself and assured her that I was licensed, experienced and very good at giving injections. I will never brag about my cooking, but when it comes to comfortable injections, I can hold my own.
There are a few techniques that should be followed when administering anesthesia. I always heat the syringe and carpule under warm water. This makes a considerable difference and the patient appreciates the warmth against his or her cheek. Another hint is leaving the topical on the site at least one to two minutes. The most painful injection site is undoubtedly the palatal tissue. After the facial tissue is profound, I inject the palatal tissue from the facial side through the papilla until I see blanching with my mirror on the lingual. After that point, it is easy and painless to walk the needle around the lingual tissue depositing a little anesthetic as you advance.
Patients are so relieved when I say I am done and they didn’t feel the injection. I received a high-five from an eight-year-old after anesthetizing him for ortho extractions. I have spent many hours in the dental chair and get nervous every time. It is definitely better to give than receive when it comes to dentistry.
Take your time with anesthesia. You could be on the receiving end next time.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
In my office, one of our most recent new patients has moved to Idaho from the Midwest. As I sat down to anesthetize No. 8 for a new veneer prep, she look concerned that I would be giving her the injection. She had never had anyone but the dentist administer the injection and she was not real excited to find that a hygienist would be doing the honors. I introduced myself and assured her that I was licensed, experienced and very good at giving injections. I will never brag about my cooking, but when it comes to comfortable injections, I can hold my own.
There are a few techniques that should be followed when administering anesthesia. I always heat the syringe and carpule under warm water. This makes a considerable difference and the patient appreciates the warmth against his or her cheek. Another hint is leaving the topical on the site at least one to two minutes. The most painful injection site is undoubtedly the palatal tissue. After the facial tissue is profound, I inject the palatal tissue from the facial side through the papilla until I see blanching with my mirror on the lingual. After that point, it is easy and painless to walk the needle around the lingual tissue depositing a little anesthetic as you advance.
Patients are so relieved when I say I am done and they didn’t feel the injection. I received a high-five from an eight-year-old after anesthetizing him for ortho extractions. I have spent many hours in the dental chair and get nervous every time. It is definitely better to give than receive when it comes to dentistry.
Take your time with anesthesia. You could be on the receiving end next time.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Spring Cleaning
This past weekend was spring cleaning and de-cluttering for our house. No one is ever really excited about it but me. I guess it’s the hygienist in me, but I actually plan ahead and make lists.
This year, we started with the extra bedrooms in the basement. One room holds a hodgepodge of seasonal/holiday décor, camping gear, luggage, old TV’s and anything else that doesn’t have a designated home—better know as the storage room. The other room is actually my husband’s room for his sports equipment and tools; it has become a catch-all for anything and everything. We decided to tackle the latter of the two.
It was a good thing we cleared out the room together, since it gave Chad and I the opportunity to revisit memories from high school and college. We reminisced about some of our adventures from when we first started dating, and in the process, we got a lot accomplished and actually had fun.
I found my tall stack of dental hygiene books from 1983. It was a real dilemma to decide what to do with them. Some were so outdated that I donated them to recycling. The others, I set aside for a future decision. Yesterday, I ran into a friend at the grocery store whose daughter just got accepted into the local dental hygiene program at Idaho State University. I offered her my old books so her daughter can get a head start with terminology and anatomy. I feel good knowing that my books will go to helping a future hygienist. One I did keep, however, is my Esther Wilkins book. I’m generous, but some things are best kept close to the heart.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
This year, we started with the extra bedrooms in the basement. One room holds a hodgepodge of seasonal/holiday décor, camping gear, luggage, old TV’s and anything else that doesn’t have a designated home—better know as the storage room. The other room is actually my husband’s room for his sports equipment and tools; it has become a catch-all for anything and everything. We decided to tackle the latter of the two.
It was a good thing we cleared out the room together, since it gave Chad and I the opportunity to revisit memories from high school and college. We reminisced about some of our adventures from when we first started dating, and in the process, we got a lot accomplished and actually had fun.
I found my tall stack of dental hygiene books from 1983. It was a real dilemma to decide what to do with them. Some were so outdated that I donated them to recycling. The others, I set aside for a future decision. Yesterday, I ran into a friend at the grocery store whose daughter just got accepted into the local dental hygiene program at Idaho State University. I offered her my old books so her daughter can get a head start with terminology and anatomy. I feel good knowing that my books will go to helping a future hygienist. One I did keep, however, is my Esther Wilkins book. I’m generous, but some things are best kept close to the heart.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Just Relax
I have officially attended yoga or Pilates for four days per week, for the last three months. At first, I didn’t know if I would be able to make it to class each and every time, since it is often easier for me to put myself and my needs after my kids and family obligations. I decided that if I am going to sign up and pay in advance for the classes, I had better make good on my investment.
Guess what? My family didn’t crumble without me. The first few weeks, there would be a handful of missed calls on my silenced cell phone at the end of class. Now, only occasionally will I have a missed call, and my family has gotten used to my exercise class schedule.
Yoga and Pilates really help me unwind at the end of the day. If my schedule at work was stressful, I look forward to “Lisa time”even more. Last week, I had to skip a class due to a “Relay for Life” meeting. I had mentally prepared myself to miss the class and planned to do a yoga DVD at home after the meeting. I was running a few minutes late and when I arrived at the meeting place, the doors were already locked. I had missed the meeting. Not only did I not exercise, I felt like my time was wasted. My poor family had to deal with the wrath. I was so cranky the entire night and just felt wiped out.
Later, I realized that my anger was misdirected and childish. No matter how hard we try, we cannot always control a situation. I run a “tight ship” at the office. When unforeseen things mess with my schedule, I can get a bit edgy. Believe it or not, the entire world does not revolve around us. Close you eyes, take a deep breath and let life happen. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Welcome to my life,
(my calm, more relaxed life)
Lisa
Guess what? My family didn’t crumble without me. The first few weeks, there would be a handful of missed calls on my silenced cell phone at the end of class. Now, only occasionally will I have a missed call, and my family has gotten used to my exercise class schedule.
Yoga and Pilates really help me unwind at the end of the day. If my schedule at work was stressful, I look forward to “Lisa time”even more. Last week, I had to skip a class due to a “Relay for Life” meeting. I had mentally prepared myself to miss the class and planned to do a yoga DVD at home after the meeting. I was running a few minutes late and when I arrived at the meeting place, the doors were already locked. I had missed the meeting. Not only did I not exercise, I felt like my time was wasted. My poor family had to deal with the wrath. I was so cranky the entire night and just felt wiped out.
Later, I realized that my anger was misdirected and childish. No matter how hard we try, we cannot always control a situation. I run a “tight ship” at the office. When unforeseen things mess with my schedule, I can get a bit edgy. Believe it or not, the entire world does not revolve around us. Close you eyes, take a deep breath and let life happen. Don’t sweat the small stuff.
Welcome to my life,
(my calm, more relaxed life)
Lisa
April Fool's
Every year, my daughter pulls the same April Fool’s trick on me.
My shampoo and conditioner are liter-sized bottles with professional pump dispensers. Since I buy salon products, a little goes a long way, and the dispenser dose works out nicely for me. For some reason, the pump “malfunctions” on an annual basis. Shelby sneaks into my shower every March 31, takes the pump out, wraps the tube with cling wrap and puts it back into the bottle. When I push the pump to dispense the product, nothing comes out and only then do I realize I’ve been tricked—again.
You’d think I’d remember this from year to year, but I’m not usually wide-awake in the morning until I’ve had my shower and cup of coffee. I get a chuckle out of it knowing it makes her day to pull one over on me. I too enjoy getting away with good practical jokes and pride myself in not falling for ones directed at me. I think I may be getting more gullible as time goes on.
My former boss and mentor, Dr. Steve Friedrichsen, is one of the few that have been successful in outwitting me. He always challenges me with “big” words and pushes me to find the definition on my own. Sometimes it makes me crazy because the word is usually not located in the conventional dictionary, and I have to search online. It’s good to keep your mind busy, and even better to keep someone else’s busy! Thanks Steve.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
My shampoo and conditioner are liter-sized bottles with professional pump dispensers. Since I buy salon products, a little goes a long way, and the dispenser dose works out nicely for me. For some reason, the pump “malfunctions” on an annual basis. Shelby sneaks into my shower every March 31, takes the pump out, wraps the tube with cling wrap and puts it back into the bottle. When I push the pump to dispense the product, nothing comes out and only then do I realize I’ve been tricked—again.
You’d think I’d remember this from year to year, but I’m not usually wide-awake in the morning until I’ve had my shower and cup of coffee. I get a chuckle out of it knowing it makes her day to pull one over on me. I too enjoy getting away with good practical jokes and pride myself in not falling for ones directed at me. I think I may be getting more gullible as time goes on.
My former boss and mentor, Dr. Steve Friedrichsen, is one of the few that have been successful in outwitting me. He always challenges me with “big” words and pushes me to find the definition on my own. Sometimes it makes me crazy because the word is usually not located in the conventional dictionary, and I have to search online. It’s good to keep your mind busy, and even better to keep someone else’s busy! Thanks Steve.
Welcome to my life,
Lisa
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