As our first semester of dental school winds down, we recently got our new schedule for the Winter semester, which begins in early January. You can look forward to new posts on the following subjects:
Immunology (2.5 CH)
Gross Anatomy II (4 CH)
Physiology (4 CH)
Biochemistry / Molecular Biology (3 CH)
Periodontal Instrumentation I (3.5 CH)
Dental Occlusion (2 CH)
Amalgam Restorative Treatment Techniques (2 CH)
Total of 21 credit hours.
Thursday, November 11, 2010
#34 UDM Open House
Open House
I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out to the Open House last Saturday. I hope you enjoyed yourself, the facilities, and hopefully got to meet some influential faculty and students.
For those who didn't get the chance to go, or are preparing to in the future, please feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the school.
I just wanted to thank everyone for coming out to the Open House last Saturday. I hope you enjoyed yourself, the facilities, and hopefully got to meet some influential faculty and students.
For those who didn't get the chance to go, or are preparing to in the future, please feel free to leave a comment at the end of this post, and I'd be happy to answer any questions you have about the school.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
#33 Molars
Molars
In preparation for a Dental Anatomy midterm coming up next week, I put together a simple Excel chart outlining the characteristics of the maxillary and mandibular molars. You should be able to construct a three-dimensional image of the molars in your mind when reading over the chart. Here's a download link to the chart:
http://rapidshare.com/files/429235602/Molars.xlsx
(Note: The third molars are rather variable in anatomy, so they aren't included in the chart.)
Permanent Maxillary First Right Molar (Mesial View)
Permanent Maxillary Right Second Molar (Distal View)
Permanent Mandibular Right First Molar (Distal View)
Permanment Mandibular Right Second Molar (Distal View)
In preparation for a Dental Anatomy midterm coming up next week, I put together a simple Excel chart outlining the characteristics of the maxillary and mandibular molars. You should be able to construct a three-dimensional image of the molars in your mind when reading over the chart. Here's a download link to the chart:
http://rapidshare.com/files/429235602/Molars.xlsx
(Note: The third molars are rather variable in anatomy, so they aren't included in the chart.)
Permanent Maxillary First Right Molar (Mesial View)
Permanent Maxillary Right Second Molar (Distal View)
Permanent Mandibular Right First Molar (Distal View)
Permanment Mandibular Right Second Molar (Distal View)
Thursday, November 4, 2010
#32 Loupes
Loupes
Today in sim lab, our class spent the entire four hours practicing some Class 1 preparations/restorations (recall: Class 1 are preparations done on carious lesions found in occlusal pits or fissures). We specifically prepped and restored teeth #3, #4, #13, #14, #19, #21, #29, and #31. Given what we did today, I think it's an appropriate time to talk about the pros and cons of loupes.
The pair I use (and cherish) are 3.5x TTL (through-the-lens) EF (extended field) DFV (Design for Vision; company) with Buddy Holly (thick) frames. I also use them with the light that is offered by DFV (can't remember the name of it off the top). Prior to this, I used a pair of 2.5x no-name, cheap clip-ons as a way to get used to using loupes in the beginning. As mentioned above, I absolutely love them. They have a great field; you can see an entire arch with the extended field. This is a feature which is pricey, but absolutely worth it. It gives you both the flexibility of great magnification for a single tooth, while still being able to see the 'big picture'.
The learning curve for me was pretty low. It took me about 3 long (think 2+ hours) sessions of using them before I got to the point where it feels second nature. They allow you to see your prep very clearly; with the light, you do not get any shadowing effects occuring. Plus, the light follows your vision, so no constant adjustment is necessary. Also, they are FANTASTIC on your posture. I am able to perform my work from the ideal, ergonomic position, and have next-to-none muscle/back/neck fatigue after multiple hours of work. This will be invaluable to me during my future years.
The cons: expensive. Even with a student discount, you are going to have to shell out close to a couple grand for them. You do have the option of returning them at full cost prior to 45 days, but you should be comfortable with what you are getting into. As well, you do become dependent on them; looking at my typodont without them on, I question if I could do a respectable preparation without them. This point is slightly moot; it just means that I have to be careful with my loupes and be sure not to break them or lose them. This is unlikely as they have a strap attached to the back of the glasses, and I guard/treat them as if my life depends on it.
To summarize, buying a pair of loupes is a personal preference. However, I implore you to take a look at the pair I use. I am very, very pleased with the decision I made, and look forward to using them for many years to come.
Today in sim lab, our class spent the entire four hours practicing some Class 1 preparations/restorations (recall: Class 1 are preparations done on carious lesions found in occlusal pits or fissures). We specifically prepped and restored teeth #3, #4, #13, #14, #19, #21, #29, and #31. Given what we did today, I think it's an appropriate time to talk about the pros and cons of loupes.
The pair I use (and cherish) are 3.5x TTL (through-the-lens) EF (extended field) DFV (Design for Vision; company) with Buddy Holly (thick) frames. I also use them with the light that is offered by DFV (can't remember the name of it off the top). Prior to this, I used a pair of 2.5x no-name, cheap clip-ons as a way to get used to using loupes in the beginning. As mentioned above, I absolutely love them. They have a great field; you can see an entire arch with the extended field. This is a feature which is pricey, but absolutely worth it. It gives you both the flexibility of great magnification for a single tooth, while still being able to see the 'big picture'.
The learning curve for me was pretty low. It took me about 3 long (think 2+ hours) sessions of using them before I got to the point where it feels second nature. They allow you to see your prep very clearly; with the light, you do not get any shadowing effects occuring. Plus, the light follows your vision, so no constant adjustment is necessary. Also, they are FANTASTIC on your posture. I am able to perform my work from the ideal, ergonomic position, and have next-to-none muscle/back/neck fatigue after multiple hours of work. This will be invaluable to me during my future years.
The cons: expensive. Even with a student discount, you are going to have to shell out close to a couple grand for them. You do have the option of returning them at full cost prior to 45 days, but you should be comfortable with what you are getting into. As well, you do become dependent on them; looking at my typodont without them on, I question if I could do a respectable preparation without them. This point is slightly moot; it just means that I have to be careful with my loupes and be sure not to break them or lose them. This is unlikely as they have a strap attached to the back of the glasses, and I guard/treat them as if my life depends on it.
To summarize, buying a pair of loupes is a personal preference. However, I implore you to take a look at the pair I use. I am very, very pleased with the decision I made, and look forward to using them for many years to come.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
#31 What I Learned Today
Essentials of Clinical Practice
We went down to the third-year clinic and practiced taking impressions on fellow students. They turned out alright, though some practice is definitely needed. The best learning experience today was learning how to modify the stock trays in order to accommodate the size and shape of a patient's mouth. One way which worked well was to use rope wax which could be fitted to the back of the tray in order to extend it a bit farther to capture the gingival areas posterior to the molars. Also, a desktop torch can be used to re-shape the plastic trays so that they fit better.
Part of the impression requirement was also to catch the buccal vestibule by injecting alginate into the area using a syringe. This can be a bit difficult on the maxillary, as you are working against gravity. Doing this also requires having an assistant (or in our case, the other student-patient) mixing up a second bowl of alginate for the syringe at the same time you are packing the tray with another. Recall, that the alginate in the vestibular area and in the tray needs to be setting at roughly the same pace in order to get bondage between them.
Finally, if you are unable to pour up the impression immediately after, it's best to wrap it up in a moist towel and put it in a sealable bag. This will help keep the form of the hydrocolloidal impression material.
We went down to the third-year clinic and practiced taking impressions on fellow students. They turned out alright, though some practice is definitely needed. The best learning experience today was learning how to modify the stock trays in order to accommodate the size and shape of a patient's mouth. One way which worked well was to use rope wax which could be fitted to the back of the tray in order to extend it a bit farther to capture the gingival areas posterior to the molars. Also, a desktop torch can be used to re-shape the plastic trays so that they fit better.
Part of the impression requirement was also to catch the buccal vestibule by injecting alginate into the area using a syringe. This can be a bit difficult on the maxillary, as you are working against gravity. Doing this also requires having an assistant (or in our case, the other student-patient) mixing up a second bowl of alginate for the syringe at the same time you are packing the tray with another. Recall, that the alginate in the vestibular area and in the tray needs to be setting at roughly the same pace in order to get bondage between them.
Finally, if you are unable to pour up the impression immediately after, it's best to wrap it up in a moist towel and put it in a sealable bag. This will help keep the form of the hydrocolloidal impression material.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
#30 What I Learned Today
Sorry for the week-long hiatus! I just wanted to get my administration's blessings with regards to me writing the blog. Regular posts will resume, with the possibilities of seeing posts geared towards the more personal side of being a dental student. Enjoy!
Dental Materials
Our discussion today focused on the different materials that dentists use to take impressions. Impressions are used to capture all anatomical aspects of the dentition and gingiva in order to form a dental cast. The dental cast can be used for a number of reasons, such as diagnostic planning, or used by the lab to fabricate prosthodontic devices.
Some of the older impression materials used to be of the non-elastic variety; these included dental plaster (yikes!) and zinc oxide-eugenol. Current materials allow for elastic impressions, and are typically broken down into hydrocolloids (water based) and non-aqueous elastomers (non-water based).
The hydrocolloid most commonly used is alginate (search this blog to find more specific information on alginate). One propery of alginate that is important to note is that it doesn't have the ability to create great, fine detail reproduction, so it is not accurate enough to use in the fabrication of prosthodontic devices. For such delicate cases, a dentist would typically use one of the elastomers, such as polysulfides, silicones (addition and condensation types) and polyethers.
At the school, we use an addition silicone called polyvinyl siloxane for such cases. The reaction occurs through the mixing of two different pastes through the use of a silicone gun (looks similar to a caulking gun). The resulting mix is then put into a stock or custom tray, and an impression is taken. These impressions are highly accurate, have excellent recovering abilities and are very stable. The impression can be poured for up to a week after, and multiple pours are possible. However, it is important to note that the reaction can release hydrogen gas on setting, which could form bubbles in the impression. Also, sulfur found in latex gloves and rubber dams can interfere with the polymerization process.
Dental Materials
Our discussion today focused on the different materials that dentists use to take impressions. Impressions are used to capture all anatomical aspects of the dentition and gingiva in order to form a dental cast. The dental cast can be used for a number of reasons, such as diagnostic planning, or used by the lab to fabricate prosthodontic devices.
Some of the older impression materials used to be of the non-elastic variety; these included dental plaster (yikes!) and zinc oxide-eugenol. Current materials allow for elastic impressions, and are typically broken down into hydrocolloids (water based) and non-aqueous elastomers (non-water based).
The hydrocolloid most commonly used is alginate (search this blog to find more specific information on alginate). One propery of alginate that is important to note is that it doesn't have the ability to create great, fine detail reproduction, so it is not accurate enough to use in the fabrication of prosthodontic devices. For such delicate cases, a dentist would typically use one of the elastomers, such as polysulfides, silicones (addition and condensation types) and polyethers.
At the school, we use an addition silicone called polyvinyl siloxane for such cases. The reaction occurs through the mixing of two different pastes through the use of a silicone gun (looks similar to a caulking gun). The resulting mix is then put into a stock or custom tray, and an impression is taken. These impressions are highly accurate, have excellent recovering abilities and are very stable. The impression can be poured for up to a week after, and multiple pours are possible. However, it is important to note that the reaction can release hydrogen gas on setting, which could form bubbles in the impression. Also, sulfur found in latex gloves and rubber dams can interfere with the polymerization process.
#29 What I Learned Today
Essentials of Clinical Practice
In ECP lecture, we discussed the importance of taking a complete physical assessment of the patient as soon as they walk into our office and shake our hand. When preparing for a physical assessment, you should make the patient feel comfortable. This can be done through simple chat with the patient. If we're doing any examination with our hands, simply rubbing them together to warm them up will make the experience more comfortable for the patient. A dentist should also check his or her equipment to make sure that it is in working order; being prepared shows the patient that you are competent and ready. After performing the physical examination, it is important to avoid quickly interpreting the results and jumping to what may be an erroneous conclusion.
A popular way of examining a patient in medicine is done through a SOAP note, which stands for:
Foundation of Evidence-Based Dentistry
In Evidenced-Based Dentistry, we talked about writing PICO questions. PICO is a away of narrowing the scope in regards to a specific topic you want to research, by formatting the question in a structured manner. PICO stands for:
You can then use this specific question to search a journal database to find out the answer to your question.
Gross Anatomy I
Today's Anatomy lecture focused on the kidney and the diaphragm. It's important to note that the venous drainage of the kidney is asymmetrical. The left renal vein is much longer than the right; this is due to the fact that both the renal veins drain into the inferior vena cava, which you'll recall is located on the right half of the torso. The renal arteries are found posterior to the renal veins.
It is important to note that there is some vein and artery overlap going on. The superior mesenteric artery runs over top of the left renal vein. As well, the inferior vena cava initially runs anterior to the abdominal aorta near the diaphragm, but as you approach the posterior portion near the bifurcations, the abdominal aorta runs anterior to the inferior vena cava.
If you take a cross section of the kidney, you'll notice that it was an outer cortex layer and an inner medullary layer. The medullary is ordered in column-pyramid-column arrangements. The pyramids come to a 'point' on the major and minor calyces, where urine flows to the ureter.
The diaphragm has four origins (the sternum, ribs, costal cartilage, and lumbar vertebrae) and inserts on the central tendon of the diaphragm. Its main function is to increase thoracic volume when inspirating. It is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which has both motor and sensory functions. It has surface openings for:
Gross Anatomy Lab
In lab, we reviewed the structures, nerves and vessels that we've gone over to date.
In ECP lecture, we discussed the importance of taking a complete physical assessment of the patient as soon as they walk into our office and shake our hand. When preparing for a physical assessment, you should make the patient feel comfortable. This can be done through simple chat with the patient. If we're doing any examination with our hands, simply rubbing them together to warm them up will make the experience more comfortable for the patient. A dentist should also check his or her equipment to make sure that it is in working order; being prepared shows the patient that you are competent and ready. After performing the physical examination, it is important to avoid quickly interpreting the results and jumping to what may be an erroneous conclusion.
A popular way of examining a patient in medicine is done through a SOAP note, which stands for:
- subjective
- objective
- assessment
- plan
- S = signs/symptoms
- A = allergies
- M = medications
- P = past history
- L = last food intake
- E = events leading up to the problem
- O = onset of pain
- P = provocation
- Q = quality of pain
- R = region/radiation of pain
- S = severity of pain
- T = time pain started or went away
Foundation of Evidence-Based Dentistry
In Evidenced-Based Dentistry, we talked about writing PICO questions. PICO is a away of narrowing the scope in regards to a specific topic you want to research, by formatting the question in a structured manner. PICO stands for:
- P = patient population or problem
- I = intervention
- C = comparison
- O = outcome
You can then use this specific question to search a journal database to find out the answer to your question.
Gross Anatomy I
Today's Anatomy lecture focused on the kidney and the diaphragm. It's important to note that the venous drainage of the kidney is asymmetrical. The left renal vein is much longer than the right; this is due to the fact that both the renal veins drain into the inferior vena cava, which you'll recall is located on the right half of the torso. The renal arteries are found posterior to the renal veins.
It is important to note that there is some vein and artery overlap going on. The superior mesenteric artery runs over top of the left renal vein. As well, the inferior vena cava initially runs anterior to the abdominal aorta near the diaphragm, but as you approach the posterior portion near the bifurcations, the abdominal aorta runs anterior to the inferior vena cava.
If you take a cross section of the kidney, you'll notice that it was an outer cortex layer and an inner medullary layer. The medullary is ordered in column-pyramid-column arrangements. The pyramids come to a 'point' on the major and minor calyces, where urine flows to the ureter.
The diaphragm has four origins (the sternum, ribs, costal cartilage, and lumbar vertebrae) and inserts on the central tendon of the diaphragm. Its main function is to increase thoracic volume when inspirating. It is innervated by the phrenic nerve, which has both motor and sensory functions. It has surface openings for:
- caval hiatus: inferior vena cava and right phrenic nerve
- esophageal hiatus: esophagus and both vagus nerves
- aortic hiatus: aorta, thoracic duct, and azygous vein
Gross Anatomy Lab
In lab, we reviewed the structures, nerves and vessels that we've gone over to date.