Oh, Lord Jesus it's a Toothache!

Sweet Brown, the lady from Oklahoma City who made the line "ain't nobody got time for that" popular, is at it again. Now she stars in an ad for Shortline Dental, a dental practice based in Tulsa, OK. Check it out below:

      At first watch my first impression was, you have got to be kidding me! but as I watched it again I saw a bigger picture. I saw a practice who knew who it's target audience (patient pool) was and marketed accordingly. I'm sure this practice is making bank! It's genius, and I must agree with Sweet, a toothache? ain't nobody got time for that!!

Trash in my Scrub Pockets, Prostho and Some Exciting News!

Do you also go home with a bunch of stuff in your scrub pocket from clinic or lab? Everyday I go home and empty my pockets I pull out random stuff like radiographs that were probably non-diagnostic, unused gloves, head bonnets, disposable bib clips/tape, dentoform teeth, sticks of wax, etc. Then they get placed all around my apartment. It's seriously a horrible habit. Am I the only one who does this?

Films in my candle holders

Disposable bib tape on my tv stand

In other news, I am trying to change my attitude towards removable prosthodontics. I honestly detest making dentures and all the lab work that comes with it. So, in trying appreciate it more, I'm excited to start setting teeth for a complete denture I'm currently working on!!

Teeth!

Remember I mentioned that I presented my research poster for a competition in the Nation's Capital Dental Meeting the other day? In very exciting news, I am pleased to announce that I was the first place winner for the competition! 

81st Annual Nation's Capital Dental Meeting

Last week I attended the 81st Annual Nation's Capital Dental Meeting put on by the District of Columbia Dental Society. It was a great opportunity to network with dentists, pick up some real world advise , learn a thing or two from the various classes and seminars, and of course snag some freebies!

I don't know about you but I love free! Which is why stopping by the various booths and snagging the freebies was the best part. I also enjoyed seeing new technology that's out on the market and getting a chance to use some of them.

Dental goodies!

Score! With my frequent attendance of these conferences I really cannot remember the
last time I bought a toothbrush...or toothpaste.

Even got myself a brand new Restorative Cassette!

I also presented my research! Winner of the table clinic/poster session gets $500 so I really hope I won. I think I did an awesome job!

This picture was actually taken at the American Association for Dental Research  (AADR)
Annual Session last year. Didn't take a pic at this meeting.

Tech Devices & Services For Students

A Guest Editorial

For busy graduate and professional students, there seems to be no end to work and communication. No matter how diligently you apply yourself to your work, there is always a new email to respond to, a new project to start on, or a new assignment to complete. But this is old news. Fortunately, with new technology coming out every year aimed at improving the ease and efficiency with which students and professionals alike conduct business, there are many devices, systems, and trends that you can take advantage of to help simplify your life as a student. Here are a few specific technologies and services you may want to take advantage of if you haven't already.

Smart Phones & Tablets
This is the obvious tip, but any discussion on devices and services that can simplify life for students requires mention of smart phones and tablets. Despite the popularity of such devices, many students have held off from purchasing them because they can seem pricey and unnecessary. However, it is increasingly true that students are expected to be accessible for work and communication at all times, and this level of connection can only be achieved with a portable smart devices with Internet access.

Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is one of the hottest trends in technology right now, largely for online businesses. However, cloud services offered by a company like ShareFile can also be very useful for a busy student. Essentially, cloud storage allows you to back up your work and projects "in the cloud" rather than on a specific device. This provides you with a sense of security, allows you to work remotely from any device that can access the Internet and log into your cloud, and also encourages easier collaboration with other students/workers.

eBooks
Another simple tip, but one that many students still have yet to take advantage of, is to invest in an eReader. Electronic reading devices allow you access to an incredible variety of textbooks, relevant magazines, etc. that can help you with your studies. The ease with which you can download and store these sources is well worth taking advantage of (and also saves you from having to lug heavy textbooks around!).

Professional Networking
Finally, when it comes to electronic services for students to take advantage of, nothing tops professional networking. Social media services like LinkedIn exist to help people make connections that can be useful in professional settings, and getting yourself connected can eventually make for a smoother transition to your eventual professional environment. In fact, even basic social media is worth mastering, as more and more professions are relying in some capacity on social networks.

IHS Externship Round Up

I had the opportunity at the tail end of my first year of dental school to visit the Indian Health Services (IHS) - White Earth Health Center in Ogema, MN. It seems like such a long time ago but I never really got a chance to make a post about my experiences. Although at that time I was not allowed to "touch" or work on patients, I went with some upperclassmen from my school and was their assistant for this 2 week externship experience.

The clinic/health center was in Ogema, MN and we had accommodations just a couple miles away in Fargo, ND. The facilities at the White Earth Health Center were state of the art and very up to date. Everything was digital which makes the practice very efficient.  The staff and doctors were very nice and friendly! They have many many years of experience and was able to teach us things we wouldn't have the chance of learning in dental school. My favorite was Dr. Woodard, she was very funny and very helpful. I love the fact she gave students the opportunity to work and show their skill-set without micro-managing them.

There were two other clinics a couple miles away in Bemidji and Naytahwaush, MN that we were able to visit. Both clinics were much smaller than that of the White Earth health center but serviced a smaller population.

 Just about 6 of us went on this trip and we all learned a great deal!

Me, and other participants (blocked out to protect their privacy)

Sometimes It was just easier standing! < Assisting> 

More assisting. I was a great assistant btw *toot

We also got the opportunity to visit two other IHS clinics - The Naytahwaush clinic in Naytahwaush, MN a few miles away and another in Bemidji, MN. They were much smaller clinics with smaller patient pools due to population of the area.

And of course we ventured out some 3+ hours to Minneapolis and visited the Mall of america and rode all the fun rides!

Downtown Minneapolis

It was overall a great experience and  would highly recommend anyone to apply for an externship with the IHS. The knowledge and experience gained is priceless!

*I had tons of photos but they were all group shots. I decided not to post them to protect the privacy of the group*