My first encounter with Operative Dentistry

Operative Dentistry or O.D (being medicos that's the first thing we do to any given terminology, that is, cut it short!), is my favorite subject of second year at college. For all those who are still wondering what it is about, it is a subject of Dental Science. O.D deals with cavity preparations and filling. So now you have a basic idea about it. 
It all started in the 'Phantom head lab'( a pre-clinical set up where we practice tooth cavity preparations on mannequin).I had a look at it once, when I was a fresher. Was so curious to work on it, and now when I actually do, I feel that inquisitive Dentist in me.

HISTORY:
Our first exercise was definitely an introduction , where we were briefed about the field of study. Then came the elephant sized tooth, on which we had to make cavities (which we are supposed to burr drill on patient's tooth). We use narrow and broad chisels for cavity preparation on a plaster model. (My topic will lose interest if I start explaining the dental instruments, maybe if I come up with something interesting on them, later ;) )

My first try at forming the chisel-cut 'well' into the model, where the faculty told me, I can rest with a blanket! ;)

Later on, we were made to wax fill the self-made cavities, just so as to have an idea, what cavity filling is like.
                                                                                                       

I could hear them say-'Perfect!'

Wax filling and carving.

PRESENT: 
Now we no more have to work on the above shown plaster models. Acrylic teeth! 

My dentist dost at work! Poser :)

Okay, the terminology rolls in! So the mannequin wait for us in the Phantom head lab. We then fix base with teeth screwed in it. Set it in position, as in the height we feel ourselves comfortable to work at. Arrange the instruments, which are classified as diagnostic, cutting, carving, burnishing, and post-carving instruments(in order of usage). Micromotor(MM) (that appears to me as a sea horse), fixed on the handle, the burr(straight, inverted cone, tapering, round) we have to work with is adjusted into the MM. We start with the cutting of and finally constructing a cavity. Till now we have mastered(yeah!) class I, Class II, MOD cavity preparations. That's enough for us at the end of first sem of the II year! Phew!


HEADS UP:
Most of us don't care about the sitting position,which has been stated to be:

• Upright, with comfortably occupying the whole chair, so as to be in a stable posture. 
• The feet should firmly rest on the ground. 
• Pen grip hold on the micromotor. 
• Not to bend and enter the patient's mouth, he surely won't like that.(For maxillary cavity preparation  most of us did!)
  
• Not to wear rings/watch/accessories while at work.(Since they can be a cause of infection)
• Always use a mouth mirror.

FUTURE:
Is in my hands, and patients mouth! :) Eagerly waiting to be in III year!!!

Written by Priyanka Pant.

Priyanka is a 2nd year BDS student  (2010-2015) from Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, India.

She describes herself as a Music and nature lover/Nomad/ Fine artist(sketching)/Sportsperson

WHAT I LEARNED ABOUT LEADERSHIP FROM A ROOT CANAL

Okay, I know. It’s a stretch. But one of the benefits of being a blogger is that you can redeem almost any situation by writing about it. Every experience becomes fodder for a post.

Photo courtesy of ©iStockphoto.com/fstop123

Last week, during a routine visit to my dentist, she discovered that I had some decay under an existing filling. Because it was close to the root, she insisted that I come in right away, which I did yesterday.

After removing the old filling and doing a little drilling, she suddenly stopped. She took off her protective mask and said, “I‘m afraid you need a root canal.”

The color drained from my face. I had never had a root canal, but I had heard the horror stories. In my mind, I envisioned being strapped into a chair while a sadistic dentist with a drill—a weapon!—inflicted unspeakable pain.

Worse, she said I needed an emergency root canal and would see if she could get me into a nearby endodontist. (I had never even heard that word before she uttered it. It means “inside the tooth.”) Fortunately, he could see me immediately.

Reluctantly, I drove the ten minutes to the office of Dr. Daniel Price. I dreaded the trauma I was about to experience.

Amazingly, I was in his office less than an hour. He performed the procedure, and I walked out shocked at what a non-event the entire experience was.

In addition to Dr. Price’s obvious dental acumen, I believe it was also due to his leadership ability. In particular, he exhibited six leadership skills, which are transferable to any leadership situation.

1. He demonstrated empathy. From the moment I met him, Dr. Price communicated that it was okay to be anxious about this procedure. He was a great listener and touched my arm several times as he responded to me. I felt understood and safe.
2. He clarified expectations. He explained that the old school procedure took three visits and six hours. It was very intrusive. He provided an overview of the latest technology and told me exactly what he was going to do and what I could expect. This built trust and helped me relax further.
3. He under-promised. He told me that his goal was a “pain free experience.” As he administered the Novocain, he said, “You’re going to feel a little pressure” or “You might feel a little pinch.” I really liked these euphemisms for pain. They worked. As I have often said, the words we use often impact how we experience reality. I didn’t feel anything.
4. He provided updates. All through the procedure, Dr. Price explained exactly what he was doing. I don’t like being out of the loop. It makes me even more nervous. However, his running commentary kept me relaxed. I was also fascinated by the whole procedure.
5. He over delivered. He had initially told me the procedure would take about an hour or so. It took less than an hour. He said his goal was for the procedure was to make it as pain-free as possible, but he didn’t promise that. Regardless, it was pain-free. I experienced zero pain.
6. He made himself available. Finally, after the procedure, he prescribed some pain medications, told me what I could expect next, and invited me to call if I encountered any complications. I felt like he genuinely cared about my whole experience.

As I was about to leave, he asked, “So how was it? Did we do okay?” I said, “Doc, I have experienced more pain from a haircut.” We both chuckled. “Seriously,” I continued, “this was a complete non-event. I couldn’t be happier.

Written by Michael Hyatt.

About the author:  He is the Chairman of Thomas Nelson Publishers, the largest Christian publishing company in the world and the seventh largest trade book publishing company in the U.S.

You can read the original article at his personal blog here

First Live Specimen,or should I say Patient ?!

“Call Swetha immediately, She's got a case to attend..” is what my prof had told one of my friends. It was the day before the very first day of prostho posting. Prosthodonticts is a dept that deals with replacement of missing tooth or teeth. Yep, the dentures your grandparents wear belong to this branch of dentistry. Getting back to where we were, I was certainly not primed for the process. Mind you, it was my first patient!! I had worked on dummies earlier. But this person greets me with a big smile and calls me doctor! He he.. Poor guy. He had the least knowledge of being my first live specimen! I was minimally equipped. Neither was I mentally prepared. Since I was the first roll on in my batch, I was alloted the case. Its always lucky to be the first roll on, but back then, I did not feel so! I did not expect my prof to call me and intimate about the patient a day earlier! Quickly, as quick as less than less than ten mins, I begged, borrowed n stole the necessary stuffs from different places in the clinic, just to ensure I do not obviously get caught! :D

Things all set, patient still smiling and my hand still trembling! Next what? Ya, taking impression of the patient's teeth so that I can place an appropriate denture. The lab assistant tells me that the measuring jar is missing, and i have to do the calculation for myself to carefully measure the liquid and powder ratio to obtain a fine mix. Thanks lady, thats a lot of help! Struggled for the first 25 mins and later stabilized. An intern kept directing me and my doom, she was a screwed lady that day! She hardly knew the consistency of the mix! Her directions totally messed up, but blame not her. She was at least amiable !!

The problems seemed to be solved but NO! It got worse. My patient was this totally uncooperative person who kept biting my hand and nauseating every time I took the impression tray close to his mouth! The entire dept freaked out and my profs stepped in at the right time to save me from collapsing! Eventually the process of impression making was done!

Seems like a comedy story now. The way I was sweating, the way my hands were trembling and the nervous smile on my face. But just in a matter of weeks, it seems to be an art, the art of working, as they call it! Today it appears way to simple. Helping my friends who have this first patient syndrome, quite comical!

But beyond all this, there is this amazing co-incidence. I get the blessings of my parents before I commence anything. I did the same that day. Soon after I entered the clinic, the sister handed me the file of my patient. The name read Mr. Bala. I was moved. It felt as though my parents were there next to me by the clinic to watch all this. Well, my dad's name is Bala too.... :)

Written by Swetha

You can visit her blog here

Basic Dental Instruments & Life

Basic Dental Insruments Teach you the basic rules of Success in Life.Oral Cavity is like Life, different structures,diff functions,diff colours,but the same Function- to MAKE the body SURVIVE !


Mouth Mirror - Your smile is the Mirror of your Life !

Always keep smiling to remain Happy for ever !And if People snub you at your  constant smile,calling  you a fool, don't worry,

only Fools LIVE in PARADISE !others are unhappy bcause they are still unable to become fools.

Dental Probe - Always Probe for Knowledge !

Keep your mind alert, Observe keenly,

probe  deeply but gently, to go down deep to Find Knowledge !

You can't get real knowledge without probing !

probe Life  with Why ? Where ?When ? What?Which ?

&  HOW ?

Probe deeper in your OWN mind to find out- why are you born?where are you going on the path of Happiness?when will you gain Ulimate eternal happiness ?what are you doing about it,now ?which matters to you more- Temporary material Comforts or Eternal Happiness ?

How are you going to Get it ?

Dental Tweezer - Grasp LIFE with BOTH the Hands !

Grab Positive things with BOTH the hands.

Never leave the Grip on them.

Grasp Joy & Happiness.

Hug your dear ones daily,with BOTH your hands around them.

Use the tweezer to pickout unwanted miseries and drop them in

the Waste Receiver.

Clasp both the Arms and say NAMASTE to all ! :D

Mirror,Probe,Tweezer- Dental Family !

Family that lives together remains Happy Forever !

Never be a Loner,until.......... U become ONE with ALL

May All your dreams come true and your Life be filled with Eternal Happiness   

Written by Dr. Vivekanand Rege

About the Author: Dr. Rege is a Dental Surgeon with 27 years of VVIP practice in South Mumbai. He is the Honorary Doctor to His Excellency The Governor of Maharashtra & to Mumbai Police and Panel Dr. of Air India-Indian Airlines.

He is into General Dentistry practice with Cosmetic Dentistry and Minor Surgery.He is a Consultant on Oral Cancers. He is also into Forensic Dentistry and Healthcare Management.

Qualification & Degree

1 DBM-Diploma In Business Management with Distinction, Welingkars Institute of Management, UNiversity of Mumbai, 2005

2 PGDHHM-Post Graduate Diploma in Hospital & Health care Management with Distinction, Symbiosis Centre of Health Care, 2003

3 Oral Oncology & Oral Medicine Clerkship-OOOMC, University of Florida,Gainesville,USA2002, 2002

4 BDS (Bom.) with Merit Positions all throughout, Government Dental College & Hospital,Bombay,India, University of Bombay, 1982

EXPERIENCE OF A BDS FRESHER

AIIMS-2010 (Not qualified)
AFMC-2010(Not qualified)
JIPMER-2010(Not qualified) 

             

And the list goes on and on...
ENAT-2010(QUALIFIED)
Okay, fine.Hurray!


A checklist of unsuccessful stories with only one feather in cap. Manipal it is!
From north to south, a landlocked zone to the peninsula, a totally different lifestyle and what not? These are few of 'in the mind' I had before and while travelling to the Deccan Plateau, more precisely the Western Ghats. You could have an idea by now how deep was I thinking about this new era 'The Manipala Vista'.

Scholars Influx :
The month of July, almost drawn to its end and it is monsoon in most part of South. Manipal welcomed us on wet grounds(since it was pouring), the all drenched look, no scent heavier than the damp whiff of mud.  Manipal University awaited the arrival of its lately enrolled students.And  made it to the 'Orientation Session' first day. Interacted with soon going-to-be alter egos as well as came to know about chief personalities, would like to mention one, 'The Chief Warden', who reminded me of one of the impressive bollywood retro actor Late.Amrish Puri and I couldn't remain silent without whispering that one word-Mogambo!(I guess many of us know by now that the term is so apt). No pun intended.


Next task being to delve a bit deeper and uncover some of Manipal's secrets, the place had in store for us.

THE HOLY RADIANCE

Started off with an early morning excursion to Manipal end point, and was amazed to see nature in its most alluring attitude. The early morning sun, rovering clouds, the grass underneath my feet which added to the comfort of mind.For that moment, it felt like heaven. And then the sudden cloudburst, no mirror better to provide the sky's agony. 
                               And soon it was college then hostel (for intermission-The Food Court).  Life moves on, went through(still go through and will have to for 4 more years) the seemingly unending lectures. The time paradox theory so fits into this life. I sometimes wish I had a watch like Mr. India, soon after attendance-VANISH!!! And the 75% compulsory attendance is like a stab on the back of any medico, can't help it. 

Just for grins(J4G):
Life, after college gets over seems so enthusiastic and lively. I like almost everything, from the adamant security guards who ask brainless whys? of not having your combo card just that one day to people who transform library into yahoo messenger's chat room, and luckily you also have different subjects to click on and chat. From unexpected pouring to being broke in the midst of the month. From not having the favourite item on the menu to internet disconnection when we most need it.Duh!


Seascape:
Amidst all this my greatest escape is nature, had been since childhood. Kaup beach is my all time favourite  'R and R'(rest and recreation). I would never forget my first look at the Arabian Sea, I was all afraid. The bewildering waves, the furious flash of it, I felt forceless! But that was the day and it's now that, I no more fear it. Ask me, who did an unknown experiment with it-'The Banana Ride', had no clue that I would be thrown into the water in the midst of the HUGE sea, and that was the moment I rubbed eyeballs with 'Hell's grim tyrant'.All thanks to my friend for being all smiles, even when she could notice the hullabaloo in my voice and convulsions on face. Seriously! Flabbergasting!

Flabbergasting!

This is one of the awesomest picture-a 2 mpx capture.

Go Greens:
The term has a totally different meaning to it when it comes to Manipal Life. KMC Greens, the centre for basic attraction, centre of zero gravity( during Diwali), centre to hold all  notable Manipal University functions. The major event that the stage at greens witnessed was the presence of H.E. Pratibha Patil, the President of India for the Convocation 2010.The fine decorations at greens and the area in the vicinity left me in awe.

Kanwar K.S. Photography

There is so much to blog endlessly about but, the above-cited are few of the things that describe the essence of Manipal, the way it is. And since, this is version-1 of Manipala Vista, and that I have a good amount of time to explore the abode for next few years, I feel like I could be the archaeologist for quite a longer duration. 
Please bear in mind that the above mentioned is as per a first year students' gross anatomical excavation of a place. (How could I skip mentioning medical stream's most profound subject, and my all time favourite.).

Written by
Priyanka Pant

You can visit her blog and read the original article here

Teaching that Matters

I have always counted my blessings in life – I was raised in a vibrant city at a rather prosperous period of time. I have parents who encouraged and supported my siblings and I to get a meaningful education – All four of us graduated from the University of Hong Kong (2010 ranked #1 in Asia, #21 worldwide), something which was very rare. As kids, we never starved and never needed to worry about a shelter over our heads although my parents came from humble backgrounds.

If it were not because we had great teachers all along, life would have been very different. My super intelligent father (only second to my mother) is certainly a one-of-a-kind thinker/philosopher/businessman/teacher. I attended the St Louis School, a Catholic high school with unusual teachers, including a reptile scientist/national class soccer player who was an excellent biology teacher.

The time that I spent at Northwestern University, Chicago and UCLA during my post-graduate dental training was absolutely life-changing too. I credit this to my 2 ‘Johns’. My early exposure to my prosthodontics specialty under Northwestern’s post-graduate program director, Dr. John Chai, was nicely complemented when I went on to study maxillofacial prosthodontics under the world famous professor, Dr. John Beumer at UCLA.

The maxillofacial prosthodontic program at UCLA is known to be number one in the world. I still remember trying to assess my odds of getting into UCLA and my conclusion was that the odds were very low. Yet, with the help of Dr. Michael Engleman, I ended up as one of three maxillofacial prosthodontics residents at UCLA in 1992 – my co-residents included a chair professor from Korea (Dr Hong Soon-Ho) and a sought after opinion leader in prosthodontics from the mid-west, USA (Dr Robert Faulkner). What impressed me was that both of my 2 ‘Johns’ are super high IQ human beings – I can still remember the great feeling of enlightenment when I listened to them.

Dr. John Beumer and his lovely wife, Jan, were in Singapore recently. John gave a fabulous two-day course with theProsthodontic Society of Singapore.

Hearing him in his lectures again after so many years reminded me how lucky I was that he was my teacher 18 years ago… and he is now a friend. It was also wonderful to see that my two little girls, aged 6 and 7, had so much fun shaking hands with the numero uno in maxillofacial prosthodontics and a giant in implant dentistry.

I am currently active in teaching as an Adjunct Associate Professor at the National University of Singapore’s (NUS) Faculty of Dentistry, and also with the NUS Graduate Diploma in Dental Implantology. Why do I teach? Besides enjoying the interaction with the students and fellow dentists, I do it because I owe it to all my great teachers along the way.

                                                                   

               Happy Teachers Day!!!

   

  

Dr. Ansgar C. Cheng is a Dental Specialist in Prosthodontics (Teeth Replacement) with Specialist Dental Group™. He is also an Adjunct Associate Professor with the National University of Singapore.  He has a special interest in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and treatment of medically compromised patients, including cancer patients. For more information about Dr. Cheng, click here