I had the opportunity to shadow a great office in Maine. Before this, I did not have much experience in a dental office other than being a patient, so my expectations were based off what we do in clinic. In the clinic we spend a lot of time reviewing and updating a lot of things before we begin the cleaning, which was not the case when working in a dental office. Things were short and brief but still seemed very productive. Medical and dental history was brief but efficient in making sure there were no major changes. Probing was not something that is done at every appointment as well which definitely shortened the appointments for them. I was able to sit in on some patients throughout the day, which allowed me to better understand how a day in the office would be like. It ranged from adult prophylaxis to scale and root planning, I also watched some radiographs be taken. While I was observing the office I was able to ask questions throughout the day. I asked the hygienist questions regarding her instruments of choice, her flow for her appointments, what her schedule looked like on average, and many more. The dentist in the office also went out of his way to speak to me and I was able to ask him questions about what he looks for in a hygienist, if he allows leeway for new graduate students and again many more questions that I had. The employees in this office were very efficient in explaining a lot of what they do throughout the day and what they see a lot of, so it did not leave me with any questions after the clinical observation. This office was one that I could see myself working in and becoming the hygienist I want to be.

Throughout my lifetime, I have interacted with many different health care providers from a patient point of view some of which range from being super caring to being super uninterested in what I was presenting them with. It is never an ideal situation to be present with a healthcare provider who seems not interested in what you are doing in their office. So before starting hygiene school I knew I wanted to be a healthcare provider who cares deeply for their patients. Although after starting hygiene school I have learned that it is much deeper than being someone who just cares. I want to be a hygienist who applies the code of ethics into my everyday routine to assure that the quality of care I provide is not only the most optimal care I can give but also fair and morally correct. I also want to provide critical thinking and problem solving in my hygiene care because not only does this show compassion for the patient, but I also am assuring that the care my patients receive is well thought out and planned. Not only do I want to be efficient for my patients, but I also want to be efficient for those I am working for and with. I want to be accurate in my documentation with what I had completed for the day and what the treatment plan is for future appointments so that if anyone else has a concern or question everything will be provided there for them.