If you’re aspiring to pursue a career in dentistry and want hands-on experience to see what it’s really like to be a dentist, or if you’re one of those high-achieving individuals exploring dentistry as a potential career path, an internship at Quek and Me Dental Surgery could be an exciting opportunity for you!
The Morning Routine
Your day usually kicks off early, and this internship may help you embrace mornings! Most dental offices start with preparations for the day. This includes sterilizing tools, setting up examination rooms, and ensuring the waiting area is welcoming for patients.
As part of the dental team, you’ll come together to review the daily schedule. You will notice how everyone contributes, from dentists to hygienists and dental assistants. For instance, did you know that maintaining a sterile environment reduces the risk of infection by up to 80%?
As an intern, your responsibility will include helping with these preparations. Fortunately, your teammates will guide you, teaching you the importance of hygiene, which is pivotal in dentistry.
Patient Interaction
Once the morning chaos settles down, you will experience one of the most rewarding parts of the job: patient interaction. You may kick off your role by greeting patients and calling them into the treatment room.
Studies show that around 20% of patients experience dental anxiety. Observing how experienced professionals reassure and educate anxious patients can provide valuable insights into patient care. Pay attention to how they explain procedures, address concerns, and create a calming environment.
Effective communication is crucial! You’ll discover that establishing a rapport with patients not only eases their worries but also fosters a positive environment.
Up close personal
In the beginning, there isn’t much you can do—you’re primarily there to observe and learn. Thanks to a high-definition camera that zooms into the patient’s mouth, you’ll get a close-up view of all the action. As time goes on and you get more comfortable with the environment, you’ll start picking up on cues and gradually take on simple tasks, like handing over basic tools such as a mirror to the dentist or patient. Most of the time, you’ll assist the dental assistant you’re paired with, who will guide you through essential tasks like basic cleaning and sterilization techniques.
Navigating Challenges
Since the treatment room is quite small and doesn’t offer much visibility while seated, you’ll find yourself standing most of the time. This can be tiring, especially since a typical treatment lasts around 45 minutes. If you’re feeling fatigued or starting to lose focus, it’s important to step out and take a break—seriously, don’t push yourself! Losing focus in such a setting can lead to fainting, and trust me, I’m not joking about that! Prioritize your well-being so you can make the most of the experience.
Like any job, your internship will present challenges. You may find certain procedures overwhelming, especially when dealing with anxious patients.
Overcoming these obstacles is vital to your growth. Each situation offers a chance to learn something new, be it better time management, effective communication, or simply patience.
Discussing these experiences with your colleagues can offer valuable perspectives. Most dental professionals are eager to share their tips and tricks, drawn from their own experiences.
Staying Organized
Throughout your internship, you'll recognize the importance of staying organized. Dental assistants juggle numerous tasks, and effective time and responsibility management is essential.
Make sure to keep track of patient records, appointments, and the materials needed for various procedures. While it may feel overwhelming at first, you will become skilled at multitasking with practice.
Intern Challange
To make your learning experience more engaging and fun, we’ve designed three to four exciting challenges for you during your internship:
Tooth Anatomy Drawing We’ll provide you with a real tooth (extracted from a patient who chose not to surrender it to the tooth fairy), and your task is to draw it in detail while learning about its anatomy. This hands-on activity is a great way to understand the structure of a tooth up close.
Egg Challenge Ever wondered how precise dental techniques are? You’ll get to mimic a sinus lift procedure on a raw egg using the same handpiece that the dentist uses in real surgeries. It’s a fun and challenging way to test your steadiness and precision!
Take a CBCT Get a peek at your own anatomy by taking a CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography) scan. You’ll see yourself in X-ray form and even check out your wisdom tooth position. It’s both fascinating and educational!
And that’s just the beginning—there’s much more waiting for you during your time with us. These challenges are designed to give you a deeper appreciation for the skills and techniques used in dentistry, all while having fun along the way!
Building Relationships
A significant aspect of your internship will be the relationships you develop. You will work closely with dentists, assistants, and fellow interns, all of whom can provide guidance and support.
Engage in conversations, ask questions, and share insights. Building these connections may result in mentorship opportunities, job offers, or long-lasting friendships down the line.
Reflecting on Your Growth
As your internship progresses, take time to reflect on your development. Consider keeping a journal documenting the skills you've acquired and the challenges you've faced. This habit not only reinforces learning but also enables you to realize just how far you have come.
Whether it’s mastering a new technique or improving your patient interaction, acknowledging your progress is crucial. Recognize milestones, big or small, and celebrate your achievements as they will help motivate you through your journey.
Embracing the Journey Ahead
Entering the dental field as an intern is a fantastic opportunity filled with valuable learning moments, challenges, and personal growth. Your journey will blend preparation, patient interaction, hands-on experience, and development.
By staying engaged, seeking guidance, and embracing all experiences, you can maximize your internship while paving the way for a rewarding career in dental assisting. So, get ready to don those scrubs and embark on an adventure that could be the starting point of your professional life!
Remember, each day offers new learning experiences, so stay curious and make every moment count!
Commentaires