Aubree Shreve

DNH 227

On Thursday, February 3, 2022, I completed a service learning rotation at Lackey Clinic.

I saw a total of five patients with varying levels of oral hygiene.

My first patient was a 34 year old female who presented for an adult prophylaxis. She

had not had a prophylaxis performed in many years but did not have bone loss. Her oral hygiene

was fair and had moderate generalized supragingival calculus. She did not have very much

plaque at all, only slight interproximal; however, she did have slight yellow staining. This patient

was grateful for her prophylaxis and apologized to me for the condition of her teeth. She really

did have nice teeth, so I let her know that and reminded her that she had no reason to apologize. I

was just glad I was able to help her, and she seemed to be happy at the end of her appointment.

My second patient was a 42 year old male who presented for a full mouth

debridement/adult prophylaxis. He also had not had a prophylaxis performed in about two to

three years. Before I began scaling, I could see black calculus at his gingival margins, and very

heavy supragingival calculus on his mandibular anterior teeth. As I was using the 11/12 explorer,

I could feel large deposits of calculus on basically every tooth and could even see it just below

the margins around his maxillary anterior teeth. So, I explained to the patient what I found and

what I would be doing, and he seemed to understand. I began using the cavitron and large pieces

of black and yellow calculus were coming out from under his gums. Some pieces even came up

in rings, especially around the premolars. During the appointment he asked me, “Are these those
little pieces you were telling me about? Are they like little rocks?” So, I was able to explain

further what calculus was, and he seemed interested. I did my best with the time I had for this

patient, although I feel as though he needs to be seen again for further treatment. I emphasized

home care with him, and he stated he was going to buy an electric toothbrush and floss as soon

as he left. It was a great experience to really feel as though the patient appreciated the importance

of home care and routine professional care after fully explaining things to him.

My next three patients were all women ranging from 30, 41, and 56 years old. The 30

year old patient had the best oral hygiene of the day, and I performed an adult prophylaxis on her

as well as a topical fluoride varnish. The 41 year old was very sensitive to both hand instruments

and the cavitron and pulled away from me sometimes, even though I was using the lightest

pressure possible to still allow me to remove her deposits effectively. She did have light calculus

and good oral hygiene. She was especially concerned with her three porcelain crowns on teeth

numbers 6 through 8 and both Aida, the assistant, and I attempted to assure her that I wouldn’t

harm them. My 56 year old patient had a more complex dental history and is currently in need of

endodontic therapy. I exposed a panoramic radiograph in addition to four horizontal bitewings

and two maxillary and mandibular periapical images on her, and I performed an adult

prophylaxis. She had light plaque and moderate calculus, along with moderate tenacious

staining.

Overall, it was a great service learning experience at Lackey. The staff is very kind and

helpful. The patients seem to be grateful for our services to them and I really enjoy being there. I

left the clinic at the end of the day excited to be doing good services for patients and helping

them with their oral and overall health as a hygienist.