May 12th
1.3 Analyze the data to determine the health of the priority population(s) and the factors that influence health.
- 1.3.2: Determine the knowledge, attitudes, beliefs, skills, and behaviors that impact health literacy of the priority population(s).
Summary: I met the dental team and became familiar with the dental clinic. I focused on observing dental procedures and specific pediatric procedures. Dr. Monica gave a brief introduction into airway health and how correct airway health is necessary for breastfeeding, speech production, mental health, and sleep quality. Evaluating these clinical indicators allows me to better understand the physiological and biological needs of pediatric patients, enabling me to understand how dental procedures improve long-term childhood development and health outcomes.
May 13th
2.3 Determine health education and promotion interventions.
- 2.3.4: Adopt, adapt, and/or develop tailored intervention(s) for priority population(s) to achieve desired outcomes.
Summary: I observed preventative dental procedures such as sealants. I also helped make social media content about preventative dental procedures that Tiny Tooth Dentistry offers. The goal of this content was to promote SDF and sealants, which were topics Dr. Monica taught me about it at the end of the day. After learning about this, I am better able to create consumer-friendly social media posts designed to promote protective benefits to parents and guardians. After the clinic, I got home and read about these preventative dental procedures and how they enhance patients’ lives.
May 14th
3.2 Deliver health education and promotion interventions.
- 3.2.2: Deliver reliable health education tailored to priority population(s).
Summary: In the morning, Dr. Monica quizzed me on SDF and sealants, to make sure that I am learning about dentistry. Demonstrating that I understand clinical applications allows me to better effectively deliver dental education when communicating with patients and their families. Throughout the day, I observed and assisted dental procedures, and communicated with patients. It was rewarding to help the team with procedures, and make a supportive impact on patients during stressful procedures.
May 15th
7.1 Coordinate relationships with partners and stakeholders.
- 7.1.1: Intersect clinical and communication practices within an interprofessional healthcare team.
Summary: I got to observe operative procedures on Friday. This day was incredibly impactful because I have never seen a laser frenectomy before, and got to learn about how this procedure enhances children’s quality of health. I continued to study about preventative dentistry throughout the day, to ensure that I can explain the purpose of different procedures to parents. My goal is to promote preventative care to parents and guardians, and make it easier to understand the benefits of preventative dentistry.
Week 1 Reflection (May 12th-15th)
When reflecting over my first week as an intern at Tiny Tooth Pediatric Dentistry, I am extremely pleased with my experience. I am grateful I have had the opportunity to learn about pediatric dentistry and specific procedures. I have learned that there is a psychology behind pediatric dentistry, as I play a role in the education and comfort of patients during their procedure. My job as an intern is to provide health promotion based care, and to learn about health promotion in dentistry. It has been rewarding to learn about SDF and sealants, create educational social media content, and be able to apply health promotion work directly to my site. I am excited to see what next week has in store, and to continue applying health promotion work to dentistry.
Kate Brown 