I'm beginning to notice the time slipping from underneath me. I liken it to when the table cloth is yanked from underneath set tableware and everything is undisturbed except for the sudden contrast of backgrounds. Its finally starting to hit me that the table cloth I danced around on for so long has disappeared and the "feeling that we're not in Kansas anymore" is upon me. I just started giving serious thought to the fact that I can't just visit my friends and family anymore. This sudden feeling is likely attributable to the fact that most of my classmates went home to visit family or have visitors for Labor Day weekend. But don't feel bad for me because I don't feel bad for myself, times like these provide me the opportunity to appreciate my support network and force me to call/text/email them!
With every week comes something new and exciting... at least so far, ha! I'm going to start with what I would consider desert before addressing the entree. This week I got my first pair of luopes! For those of you who don't know what those are, they're a set of magnified glasses that dental professionals use in order to preserve posture (which will extend the life of your career) and magnify imperfections/small subtleties. I've always wondered what things looked like through my dentist's lenses when he operated on my mouth and now I finally know =] There are plethora of vendors that offer different variations of luope styles and have their particular niche in the market but for starters there are two types of luopes to consider: through the lens or flip up. Basically, it all comes down to preference but the most important thing is that they are comfortable/fit your face and aren't too heavy for you (strenuous on the neck). The other thing that should be considered is price because they can cost anywhere from $900 - $1500+ for a solid pair. The first thing that attracted me to my brand is that upperclassmen referred to them as the "Rolls Royce" of luopes. So I made it a point to visit the stand and ultimately decided on them because they are fully adjustable and fit me PERFECTLY!
This week we also started a new wax-up project. We received a score for our last tooth and I'm pretty sure that everyone passed but this time around we have to wax up maxillary canine #6 which is your upper right canine or "pointy tooth/fang". This tooth is the hardest to replicate of the anteriors (front teeth excluding molars) but we have about 2 weeks to complete it which gives plenty of time for us to turn in something that looks like a tooth. Some of you might be wondering, "why would you have to create a wax replicate of a tooth??" so I'll clear that up. As a dentist, you are required to know the oral cavity (mouth) inside and out. If there is anything you should learn if you learn nothing in 4 years it's every single tooth's generic characteristic and function. Imagine you have trauma to your face and lose your front teeth; do you want the replacement to be noticeable? or do you expect that you'll walk out of that office looking like nothing happened. Mind you, that's just one obvious application in the future.. there are many more like improving hand skills, and developing an eye for detail.
Also, I got a cleaning and full examination with x-rays on Thursday. I received the whole kit and kabootle, but I'm ashamed to admit that it's been almost 2 years since I last had an appointment....eek! The good news is, they said my teeth were healthy and they were shocked at how minute the build up was for plaque in that time. What can I say? I do what I can :)
With a whole month of school under my belt, I'm starting to develop as a professional student and realizing the responsibilities that I have now. I'm getting even better at time management then I've been before and learning how to properly prioritize my week. Before you start thinking, "Oh..psssh. Looks like I'm already 10 steps ahead of Anthony" really analyze your proactiveness and effectiveness. I thought I had it all right up until now, but the older I grow the more I realize I DON'T know. There will always be room for improvement and I still have so far to go before I can set the world on fire someday. You know... someday I really plan on making big changes overseas and in the US. Providing care to those in dire need and without access. But I can't reveal my plans before their complete... I've already said too much. I have some phone calls to make. Have a great week!
My luopes, Heine. Pronounced High-na. They're German.
These carbon fiber frames are an example of fixed luopes. The binoculars are non-movable and come through the lens. My luopes can be flipped up. Again, it's all about preference.
With every week comes something new and exciting... at least so far, ha! I'm going to start with what I would consider desert before addressing the entree. This week I got my first pair of luopes! For those of you who don't know what those are, they're a set of magnified glasses that dental professionals use in order to preserve posture (which will extend the life of your career) and magnify imperfections/small subtleties. I've always wondered what things looked like through my dentist's lenses when he operated on my mouth and now I finally know =] There are plethora of vendors that offer different variations of luope styles and have their particular niche in the market but for starters there are two types of luopes to consider: through the lens or flip up. Basically, it all comes down to preference but the most important thing is that they are comfortable/fit your face and aren't too heavy for you (strenuous on the neck). The other thing that should be considered is price because they can cost anywhere from $900 - $1500+ for a solid pair. The first thing that attracted me to my brand is that upperclassmen referred to them as the "Rolls Royce" of luopes. So I made it a point to visit the stand and ultimately decided on them because they are fully adjustable and fit me PERFECTLY!
This week we also started a new wax-up project. We received a score for our last tooth and I'm pretty sure that everyone passed but this time around we have to wax up maxillary canine #6 which is your upper right canine or "pointy tooth/fang". This tooth is the hardest to replicate of the anteriors (front teeth excluding molars) but we have about 2 weeks to complete it which gives plenty of time for us to turn in something that looks like a tooth. Some of you might be wondering, "why would you have to create a wax replicate of a tooth??" so I'll clear that up. As a dentist, you are required to know the oral cavity (mouth) inside and out. If there is anything you should learn if you learn nothing in 4 years it's every single tooth's generic characteristic and function. Imagine you have trauma to your face and lose your front teeth; do you want the replacement to be noticeable? or do you expect that you'll walk out of that office looking like nothing happened. Mind you, that's just one obvious application in the future.. there are many more like improving hand skills, and developing an eye for detail.
Also, I got a cleaning and full examination with x-rays on Thursday. I received the whole kit and kabootle, but I'm ashamed to admit that it's been almost 2 years since I last had an appointment....eek! The good news is, they said my teeth were healthy and they were shocked at how minute the build up was for plaque in that time. What can I say? I do what I can :)
With a whole month of school under my belt, I'm starting to develop as a professional student and realizing the responsibilities that I have now. I'm getting even better at time management then I've been before and learning how to properly prioritize my week. Before you start thinking, "Oh..psssh. Looks like I'm already 10 steps ahead of Anthony" really analyze your proactiveness and effectiveness. I thought I had it all right up until now, but the older I grow the more I realize I DON'T know. There will always be room for improvement and I still have so far to go before I can set the world on fire someday. You know... someday I really plan on making big changes overseas and in the US. Providing care to those in dire need and without access. But I can't reveal my plans before their complete... I've already said too much. I have some phone calls to make. Have a great week!
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