This semesters Periodontics class allowed us to implement all of our clinical knowledge as well as our diagnostic abilities. We were assigned a patient case where we described gingival health, diagnosed periodontal disease severity, examined radiographs and implemented treatment plans. I believe that this patient case focused on testing our abilities and was beneficial for our continuous clinical growth. I appreciated Dr.Lanning's effort to further prepare us.
Planning
I have benefited from doing my patient research the night before in order to decide what will be done during the appointment. Having a treatment plan for appointments and for further treatments allow us to manage our time. During appointments I already go in knowing whether or not my patient needs a perio chart, an update on radiographs and what time of recall they are on. These pre appointment procedures have allowed me to manage my time wisely which is something I continue to work with.
Implementation
I was able to use the knowledge learned throughout the semester whenever I was providing oral hygiene instructions for my patients. I implemented nutrition counseling, how bacteria causes acid , how smoking cessation is beneficial and how plaque reduction due to patient compliance can help maintain oral tissue health. It amazed me how much I knew and how much I could relate it to my patients, I felt very that I was able to provide behavioral changes that would benefit my patients.