DH 401: Clinic III
Semester 3
My recent clinical growth is highlighted by my thorough assessment skills, consistently correlating findings across X-rays and probing data to create precise treatment plans. I have advanced my efficiency in tenacious cases by reinforcing compliance and mastering the use of the ultrasonic scaler for effective calculus removal. Moving forward, I am concentrating on incorporating AI techniques for time management and improving efficiency by utilizing the magnetostrictive scaler as an exploratory probe with refined detection strokes.
DH 304: Community Health-Dental Hygiene
Participating in KCDC screenings at elementary schools helped me meet the Community Health competency by identifying common pediatric risk factors, such as supragingival calculus linked to diet and limited parental oversight. I grew in my ability to collaborate with interprofessional teams to manage logistics and data recording, despite challenges with student engagement and teacher support during the events. Moving forward, I aim to advocate for preparatory educational interventions, such as pre-screening lesson plans, to better prepare students and maximize the effectiveness of community health outreach
English 420: Research Paper and Abstract Writing
The DH 420 Research Paper and the final Research Poster 2 helped me meet the Research competency by requiring me to design, conduct, and disseminate findings on the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids, like CBD, in treating periodontal disease. I grew by successfully synthesizing limited clinical evidence on CBD's anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects, overcoming the major challenge of translating complex scientific literature into a concise, professional poster format for a clinical audience. My future goal is to apply this critical appraisal skill to all new clinical products and techniques, prioritizing evidence-based practice and advocating for large-scale human trials to standardize treatment.
DH 304: Dental Health Education Project
The DH 304 projects on Oral Health Disparities, Biostatistics, and the PICO question for smoking cessation collectively helped me meet the Community Health Education competency by requiring me to research and analyze systemic barriers to care among high-risk populations, specifically Hispanic migrant families. I grew in my understanding of how social injustice and low health literacy lead to severe decay in vulnerable groups, overcoming the challenge of connecting statistical data to real-world health outcomes. My future goal is to utilize PICO research and culturally sensitive bilingual educational strategies to advocate for equity and justice in the healthcare system.
Semester 4
DH 451: Clinic IV
My clinical growth this past semester reflects a strong focus on patient assessment, consistently correlating complex medical conditions with necessary chairside modifications to ensure safe and tailored treatment. I demonstrated competency in technical skills, achieving excellent calculus and plaque removal even when completing two quadrants by handscaling, and successfully correlated effective Oral Hygiene Instruction (OHI) to meet each patient’s specific needs. Moving forward, my primary goal is dedicated to refining my ergonomics and body positioning to ensure future career longevity and enhance instrumentation quality during every procedure.
DH 305: Community Health Screenings & Inter-professional Hours
Through the ADPIE project for nursing home residents and the elementary school screening, I met the Community Health competency by adapting oral health education and assessments for diverse populations with unique physical and cognitive needs. I grew significantly in my ability to collaborate with interprofessional teams, such as school nurses and facility caregivers, to overcome barriers like limited dexterity in the elderly or dental anxiety in children. My future goal is to continue developing culturally and developmentally appropriate programs that bridge the gap in access to care for vulnerable groups.
DH 489: Clinical Seminar
This Comprehensive Care Project helped me meet the Patient Care competency by managing a complex Stage III Grade C periodontitis case complicated by hypertension, vaping, and severe non-compliance. The experience challenged me to accept the limits of clinical intervention when a patient refuses home care, teaching me that successful therapy relies heavily on behavioral modification and patient co-therapy. My future goal is to refine my motivational interviewing skills to better uncover patient values and overcome resistance to necessary lifestyle changes before irreversible damage occurs.
DH 452: Law and Ethics Reflection Component Meeting
These assignments helped me meet the Law and Ethics competency as during my time in this clinical course, I gained critical hands-on experience navigating the specific operational protocols of the VA-LA clinic, from mastering the DRM+ software to managing strict instrument accountability logs. I learned the importance of ethical practice and legal boundaries through the study of real-world cases, reinforcing the necessity of nonmaleficence, veracity, and proper professional identification to protect patient safety. These lessons will serve as a foundation for my future career by ensuring I provide high-quality care within my scope of practice while maintaining the professional integrity required in a dental hygiene setting.