I can confidently say that sleep is important to just about everyone, as it not only is a crucial biological process, but also a relaxing and uninterrupted period of bliss. Sleep quality can be assessed through a variety of factors, one of which is our oral health. Curiosity may have struck, as you may be wondering what your teeth have to do with your sleep quality. As I continue to learn about the various niches within dentistry, I have discovered that dental sleep medicine is one which is both fascinating and life changing.
Our teeth, like the rest of our body, can experience pain and discomfort which can prevent the full relaxation of our body. Practicing poor oral hygiene can lead to issues such as painful cavities and toothaches which can keep our bodies up at night. Similarly, gum disease and inflammation can cause soreness, and insomnia, which when left untreated, can lead to sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Sleep Apnea surfaces itself as the most prevalent sleep disorder amongst American adults, affecting 25 million individuals, many of whom are undiagnosed. So, what exactly is it? Within the dental field, the most common form is obstructive sleep apnea accounting for about 80% of all cases. Essentially, when we sleep, our body relaxes, which causes our muscles to relax too. For those that struggle with sleep apnea, the muscle relaxation causes the soft tissues to block the airway in the back of our throat. When this airway is blocked, the body begins to panic, as we start to experience oxygen depletion. Our brain is signaled to wake up, which causes the airway to open back up, allowing for airflow to resume. The blocked airway can pause breathing for up to 10 seconds, and can happen several times throughout the night causing a repetitive pattern of interrupted sleep. Our body stays asleep for incremental periods, preventing it from entering REM sleep, which can feed our bodies with exhaustion and uncompleted rest. How does dental sleep medicine come to the rescue? As practitioners who work primarily in the oral cavity, dentists are often the first to detect this issue in their patients. Bruxism, more commonly known as teeth grinding, is one of the key indicators of obstructive sleep apnea. As I mentioned earlier, our body relaxes, which can cause our jaw muscles to “fall back”, further contributing to airway closure. Teeth grinding serves as a defense mechanism to keep the jaw forward and the airway open. This solution can be alarming, as the strain can cause pain in the neck and head which can lead to cases of TMJ. Additionally, the enamel on our teeth will begin to wear down which can make it more prone to cracks and fractures which can lead to larger procedures such as crowns and implants. When spotting potential signs of obstructive sleep apnea, dentists will likely recommend a sleep test to confirm their potential diagnosis. Upon confirmation, your dentist may recommend an oral sleep appliance, such as a night guard which is custom made to one's dentition. What this will do is keep the jaw in place, and separate one's top and bottom teeth to prevent grinding and clenching. As a result, more space will be made in the throat preventing airway blockage and in turn providing peaceful, deep sleep. Dental health has proven to have correlation to many areas regarding our wellbeing. Understanding the importance of dental sleep medicine, allows us to provide solutions to those who may struggle with poor sleep quality/obstructive sleep apnea. Our body is always giving us signs in response to stress and discomfort; by reading our oral health, we can diagnose, provide solutions and ensure a dreamy slumber.
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As dental technology has advanced over the years, it has redefined the way oral health is understood, diagnosed, and treated. For those who plan to pursue a career in dentistry, it becomes crucial to keep pace with emerging tech trends as it shapes the essence of patient care. Embracing innovation allows health professionals to respond to the evolving expectations and needs of their patients.
It becomes crucial to acknowledge that dentists who stay up to date are positioned to provide a more precise and accurate diagnosis for their patients. The latest advancements within the dental field allows for a broader range of treatment options as well as alternatives that cater to individual patient needs. One notable game changer within this field is the evolution of 3D printing. This technology has revolutionized the fabrication of dental prosthetics, implants, and orthodontic appliances with unparalleled accuracy and customization. In recent years, we have seen the rise in CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) systems. The implication of this software has not only enhanced workflow, but has also improved patient experience. CAD/CAM systems allow dentists to digitally scan the patient's mouth, design the restoration digitally, and then mill it in-office, all within a single visit. This streamlined process saves time for both patients and practitioners while eliminating the need for uncomfortable traditional impressions. In addition, improved digital radiography provides dentists with immediate images and improved diagnostic capabilities while minimizing radiation exposure. A discussion about healthcare technology would not be complete without addressing AI (artificial intelligence), and the best way to integrate it within the dental landscape. AI powered tools utilize algorithms to analyze patient data, clinical records, and treatment histories. Dentists can then use this information to gain insight into patterns and trends which allows for a more personalized care approach. From an administrative perspective, AI has the capability to assist in practice management through scheduling appointments, managing inventory and virtually communicating with patients. Incorporating AI correctly within a dental practice can optimize workflow, reduce errors, and provide patients with exceptional care. Amidst the advancements in dental technology, it is crucial that we do not overlook the human aspect of dentistry. Patients not only seek clinical expertise but also empathy, and personalized attention from their providers. Building trust, establishing rapport, and listening to patients' concerns are integral components of delivering holistic oral health care. By striking a balance between innovative technologies and fostering genuine connections with patients, dental professionals can create a patient-centered environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and well-cared for throughout their dental journey. The dental field is tasked with the responsibility of ensuring oral health and the well-being of a diverse patient population. One of the most prominent challenges within this realm are language barriers. The ability to communicate effectively with patients is fundamental to proving high quality care and creating a positive patient experience. It becomes detrimental to understand how we can best combat these obstacles and how doing so will improve patient outcomes and long term oral health. Breaking linguistic barriers surfaces is not only a necessity, but also as a transformative force in shaping the future of oral healthcare. Language barriers can hinder an individual's ability to comprehend crucial information regarding their oral health. Clear communication allows for patients to fully understand their dental conditions and intervention options. Eliminating a language disconnect allows for patients to make informed decisions regarding their health. The importance of preventive measures and treatment can often get lost in translation. Speaking to patients in a language they understand, provides them with crucial knowledge about oral hygiene practices, dietary choices, and regular preventive care. Acknowledging speech barriers creates successful dental care interactions. Patients may struggle to express their symptoms or understand details of proposed treatment which can lead to misunderstandings, and suboptimal care. Additionally, the prevalence of language barriers play a large role in disparities within the dental field. Specific demographic groups may face greater challenges in understanding and accessing dental care. Language compatibility can promote healthcare equity and provide individuals with comprehensive and accessible care. Addressing language barriers within this industry is a multifaceted approach which requires dental offices to adopt strategies which can bring forth change. Employing multilingual staff is a common approach to communicate effectively with patients. Having a staff which encompasses diverse language skills allows for seamless communication with both new and existing patients. In addition, clear communication aids become a beneficial tool that can assist with information transmission. Offering diagrams, models and written instructions in multiple languages can ensure that patients fully comprehend oral diagnosis and post treatment care. Utilizing modern day technology advancements can help practices attend to the needs of their patients by providing interactive forms and information that have translation capabilities. Lastly, it becomes crucial that diversity and inclusivity is encouraged throughout the office. Dental staff should regularly take part in cultural competency training which incorporates cultural sensitivity into the care they provide. Through implementing these actions, dental care can work towards being more patient centered, ensuring that language differences do not become an obstacle for effective healthcare. Breaking down language barriers is vital for fostering effective communication, building trust and ensuring that each patient receives personalized and equitable oral healthcare. The commitment to addressing these obstacles extend beyond a professional responsibility, and serves as a step to change the future of healthcare. By disassembling these barriers, we can pave the way for a healthier, more connected, and compassionate dental landscape. When I was younger, one of my most defining summer memories included the reading challenge at my local library. I recall seeking out the colored cardstock paper headlined with grade level. The race to move through the list was competitive; however, fed directly into my love for reading. Fast forward a few summers later and instead of doing the summer reading challenge, I find myself wrapped up in an unofficial writing challenge.
I started ToothsBeTold.com in the summer of 2020 as a creative outlet to share my endeavors as a pre-dental student.The experiences encountered and the knowledge acquired allowed me to combine my passion for writing with my desire to inform. My writing skills along with my advocacy for pediatric patient education grew, trailing its way into my current manuscript for a children's book regarding oral health education. I truly am so thrilled to be working towards a project that can make an impact on the lives of others. Dentistry extends beyond the craft itself, and patient education serves as a detrimental responsibility within this career. Writing this book allows me to instill a creative mindset while influencing positive childhood behaviors The goal behind this book is to design an animated storyline which teaches basic oral habits and explains why they are necessary. The draft process is lengthy, and incorporates extensive research along with an understanding of teaching styles, and current character trends. As children begin to develop cognitively, books prove to be an ideal learning tool for a variety of subjects. When discussing early habits, along with brushing there is also a prevalence of pacifier, thumb sucking, and fingernail biting habits that can be discouraged through captivating yet encouraging literature. These habits can contribute to teeth development and jaw alignment and can be hard to break if they are not addressed correctly. From a parental perspective, it becomes challenging to deter from consistent behaviors; however, I plan to add tips directed towards parents that can help make this transition easier. This book has intentions to help both children and parents and allow for a healthy foundation regarding oral hygiene! Although I am looking forward to the next steps and the final product, the writing journey in itself is an adventure. Writer's block, deleting hours of work, and internal illustration battles are inevitable, but become interlaced in the final publication. I hope for the published product to be a mosaic of all the emotions that created it. As I tread along this journey, I hope to only further expand my knowledge of dentistry and to keep you guys updated with all that I encounter. There is no systemized list like I am used to with my summer challenges, so there will be a heavy emphasis on trial and error throughout this process, but don’t worry, I will be sure to tell you all about it. When it comes to discussing habits, it is understood that they develop all through adulthood; both the good and bad follow us through life and guide our good and sometimes troublesome behaviors. From a developmental perspective, habits form easily during the formative years in children. It is crucial to implement healthy nutrition and oral care practices that are ingrained in one’s routines. Children are curious, which is proven through their repetitive use of the word “why”. Teaching healthy behaviors is important; however, explaining why these habits are imperative helps their inquisitive minds make long lasting connections.
The obvious expectations of dental education include brushing twice a day and flossing regularly. In addition, scheduling periodic exams every 6 months teaches young kids the importance of preventative care. Introducing the habit of dental visits is crucial when discussing long term oral hygiene. Often times dental care is looked as an “emergency only” approach which usually ends in a hefty treatment diagnosis which can consist of financial burden and physical pain. Introducing these primary concepts at a young age, will allow for a healthy oral hygiene foundation to be built and maintained through maturity. The connection between nutritional choices and oral health tends to be forgotten about. A bidirectional relationship between these concepts is evident and making educated nutritional choices can have a beneficial payoff when it comes to one’s teeth. Excessive sugar intake is directly correlated with an increased diagnosis of caries. (cavities). Limiting foods with high sugar content, as well as brushing and flossing can help protect one’s teeth and keep from the formation of bacterial buildup. Controlling overconsumption of acidic foods can also prevent enamel carrion and tooth demineralization which can lead to periodontal diseases. The inevitable truth is that children will have a natural pull to sugary foods; it is unrealistic to expect them to formulate a perfect well-balanced diet. Habits serve as building blocks to a balanced and disciplined lifestyle. Incorporating small achievable changes accompanied with education can help mold a child’s relationship with food to be healthy, enjoyable, and beneficial. The effort that stands behind habit formation is often times underestimated. It is proven to be both a powerful and systematic process that can produce heavy change. I recently learned more about this process through James Clear and his book Atomic Habits. Clear in his novel highlights the steps to forming good habits and destroying bad ones. He approaches his content in a concise and palpable manner with references to scientific research that builds the credibility of his writing. Clear incorporates a variety of tips and methods that encourage individuals to adopt habits without being overwhelmed. I find myself applying his methods all through my life. Forming new habits and eliminating old one can be daunting, as it may feel like a big change, however, through his writing Clear eradicated my fears and showed me that habit formation and destruction can be a lot less intimidating. This book is one that I would recommend to anyone; provides insight on how to live a lifestyle that frees one from harmful habits and encourages the development of healthy ones that remain consistent. Our lifestyle is formed from the habits we do have, and the habits we don’t. As a Pre-Dental student, I stress the importance of oral hygiene to just about everyone; however, it becomes arduous for an individual to completely modify their dental routine without instituting favorable habits. As a new generation intently looks to us for advice, it becomes our responsibility to teach them about advantageous habits and choices that will protect and maintain their oral hygiene. As junior year comes to a close and bittersweet senior year slowly creeps up, my dream of a becoming a Dentist is not so out of reach as it once was. Through volunteering, shadowing and working, I have had the chance to witness both General Dentistry as well as Orthodontics. This summer, I was given the opportunity to intern within Little Tooth Co, a Pediatric Dentistry in Apex, North Carolina. In the short amount of time that I have been here, it's hard to miss the magic which is constantly evident in the atmosphere.
The doctor and the Pediatric Dental team at this practice has opened up my eyes to the importance of teamwork, healthy work relationships and valuable leadership qualities which I hope to apply in my workplace someday. Having to work with kids, the clinical team always showcases a friendly and warm nature which is welcoming to both children and parents. They constantly have a positive attitude, which makes me excited to come and help out in the office. Dr. Jean Guevarra You is an exceptional Dentist who is not only well credited but also extremely passionate about the work she does. She has been a great mentor and is someone I will look up for the entirety of my Dental career. The core values which are emphasized within this practice has shown me the exciting world of Pediatrics and the adventure which comes with each new day. Any atmosphere has the potential to effect ones mood and experience during a visit. For young kids, it can be scary to come in for a dental check-up as it can be painful, uncomfortable and new. The office is full of fun bright colors, upbeat music, and friendly faces. There is never a dull moment at Little Tooth Co, and a trip to the Dentist has never been more enjoyable. Patients are greeted with a waiting room with video games, toys, books, and leave with prizes, clean teeth, and a big smile on their face. Dr. Jean has perfected the craft of comfort, and making parents and kids feel reassured in an often times dreaded trip to the Dentist. One day I plan to own and operate my own practice, and the admirable ambiance of Little Tooth Co has positively influenced the management and marketing tactics that I hope to implement. Although this office is steered toward children, the goal remains the same regardless of specialty. I am so grateful that I have the chance to work amongst such compassionate individuals that constantly are uplifting their peers. I hope to learn a lot from this experience and truly appreciate the magic of Pediatrics. Kids are curious, they are constantly asking, and captivated with the world that surrounds them. Although I am no longer a kid, I find myself fascinated with the field of Pediatrics, and as I find myself in a new environment, I plan on questioning, learning and appreciating the Dental world which surrounds me. Often times, it takes the most difficult situations to alter our mindset, behavior and future plan of action. If we take any movie or TV show we've watched, or any book we've read, it becomes evident that character development is a product of an unexpected, difficult situation.
When I decided to join Delta Zeta, an enticing factor of the organization was the vast number of leadership opportunities that would be available to me. I was excited to take on a role that was an active part of both major decisions and necessary change. With the excitement, also came the pressure of wanting to satisfy the needs and wants of 170 women within my chapter. Every single person in my chapter brings something to the overall identity of Delta Zeta, and I am so proud to stand beside them as their sister. As a member of the executive board, we all have the intentions of making each individual happy; however, dissatisfaction is inevitable. It becomes difficult to make decisions for each person, and instead we have adjusted our leadership style to make decisions for the greater good. As a team, we made one of our primary objectives open communication. In my position, I am often times expected to withhold confidentiality; however, it is crucial that the thought process behind each decision is given to the larger group. By providing context and an explanation, the chapter is in turn able to better understand why a decision is made. In addition to communication with the chapter, we also wanted to encourage an open environment. We encouraged members to provide feedback and suggestions when necessary, and to openly talk to us about anything that may be flummoxing. Being in a position of leadership gives me authoritative power; however, I wanted to emphasize that the feelings and ideas were not only taken, but also considered when making executive decisions. Being given this opporunity, I have also learned the importance of resilience and problem solving. It is very common for mistakes to be made and for unanticipated issues to appear. In these situations, it is crucial that the problem is dealt with based on available resources, and is not dwelled on unnecessarily. From these problems and mistakes, we are able to learn what to avoid and do differently in the future, rather than micro-analyzing individual details, and pointing fingers at who is assumed to be responsible. Being able to bounce back, and learn from these mishaps allows us to grow from the experience, and move forward with a more positive mindset. Through my experience on the Delta Zeta Executive Board, I have noticed changes in my leadership style, as well as attained new skills that will be applicable to my future. As I move forward towards my goal of owning and operating my own practice, it is important to keep in mind that I will be leader of my team. This team will be smaller than the one I work with now; however, it important that I am providing a healthy, and positive environment for everyone. From leadership experiences like this, I better learn to manage conflict, unanticipated issues, and encourage open communication within my environment. Through the roles that I choose to exhibit, I am able to further learn how to deal with real life situations, and build a leadership style that is not only effective, but also valued. I've wanted to be a Dentist for as long as I can remember. Along this journey, I have had my fair share of experiences which spark new interests within me. Some of them become my minors, some become hobbies, but none have been influencing enough to change my career path as a whole. That is of course, with the exception of one; teaching.
I have always been fascinated with the world of teaching. As a new semester has started, and our first week is full of introductions, deadlines and syllabi, I can't help but imagine myself on the other side of the classroom (or screen). Professors at a university are much different than the other teachers that I have encountered. Professors are masters in their field, and the passion they have for the subject is visible as they fall in love with the material every time that it is taught. When imagining myself in their shoes, I always pondered on what subject I would teach if I was given the opportunity. I have always valued the importance of communication and professionalism. No matter the field, I felt that these 2 areas were one of which should be both taught and reflected in the workplace. How do you display qualities of a good boss? What leadership style is most useful when dealing with various situations? How do you present a new idea to the office? How do you deal with customers/patients who may be unhappy with your product/service? All of these questions are ones which are often overlooked when sucked into the world of textbooks, modeling kits, and exams. I believe encompassing proficient interpersonal skills can be a very powerful tool to hold in ones toolbox. I myself am learning these things, and have a long way to go before I can teach this material to others; however, I take deep interest in learning these skills, and treat them as equals to the core science subjects. As I progress along my journey, learning valuable communication and interpersonal skills will allow me to connect with my patients, coworkers and employees, as well as be adept in all areas of my craft. My plan is to finish as a General Dentist and work in this field for the majority of my life. As I begin to itch for some change, I would like to go back to school and complete all the requirements to teach Communication and Professionalism at a Dental School. This is just the start of my journey, so thinking this far ahead may be delusional to some, but my passion for this subject will only grow, and there is no other way to end my career than to teach future dentists the importance of how the dental craft goes beyond science and dexterity. In this past week, I had the opportunity to shadow at an Orthodontic practice and was able to observe not only the procedures but also the interactions between Dr.Marsh (the orthodontist) and his patients. More so than the work that was being done on the teeth, I noticed the importance of the relationships which are being formed within the clinic. Working with someones mouth is pretty personal; how does the doctor make each patient feel comfortable? Each patient is different, so there is no one formula which applies to each person. Instead, this takes interpersonal skills, which allows for the Orthodontist to assess each relationship individually. In a weird twisted way there is a flirtatious aura which fills the space. As odd as this may sound, you want each patient to feel relaxed and safe within your hands. If they barley know you, how do you create this connection? Many patients that came into the office were younger, so talking to them was a lot different than conversing with the older population. Some may say this takes practice, but I feel as if this aspect is something that is often overlooked. Through compliments, jokes, and words of reassurance, the patient slowly releases a barrier and allows for the invasion of personal space that happens shortly after that initial conversation.
I was curious to know if classes that highlight this were offered in dental school, but to my surprise interpersonal skills are kind of just expected. As much as I would like to believe that these qualities are inhibited in everyone who enters the dental field, the truth is they're not. Me, like many others, more than likely have had pretty hostile experiences in the dentist office. Working as a dentist is more than just working among teeth; it it also requires a demonstration of proficient customer service skills. This allows for loyal customers, referrals and new patients. So if this isn't something we are necessarily taught... how do we acquire these skills? The best answer I could come up with is personal experiences. I feel that working within the customer service industry helped me develop these skills as it allowed me to interact with both happy and upset customers, and problem solve in order to provide them with the best possible experience. Working in groups/teams whether that be in class or in outside organizations helped me gain listening, communication and negotiating skills which can be applied in the future. There is no real right or wrong way to gain these skills, and as we grow older we tend to naturally acquire a better feel for how to converse with different people. As we slowly move toward pursuing our career, it's important to remember that the work is one thing, but HOW we conduct that work is the biggest thing. After about a year and a half, life is in the gradual transition of returning back to normal. I use the word normal with leniency, since the normal that we once used to know is very different to what it is today. With my time in quarantine, and with the circumstances that COVID-19 put us in, there is a lot which I learned and grew a passion for, which I hope to carry into my future.
As I entered sophomore year of college, I was prepared for an all virtual semester in my (useless) off campus apartment. Don't get me wrong, I was very excited to be living on my own, with my roommate who was also my best friend, but in reality, there was no real purpose of me living on my own. My parents made it look easy, but living on my own was a great transition, I was thrown into a world where I was responsible for cooking, cleaning, and taking care of myself to a whole new degree. My parents have cooked for my brother and I pretty much my whole life; I had picked up a few things along the way, but it was always a luxury that I didn't have to worry about until I was on my own. At the start of the school year, I was pretty much living on my moms leftovers, pasta, rice and beans. It did the job, but I was never truly satisfied with what I was eating, not to mention the lack of nutrition from each meal. After the pasta cycle begin to get tiring, I took it upon myself to do some research, and take on the challenge of learning about general nutritional information in addition to some recipes which I could try for myself. At first it was hard, I took entirely too much time cooking, and never had the right ingredients. After sticking with it long enough, I learned to make grocery lists which were aligned with the recipes I wanted to try, and I would meal prep items in advance to make the process both easier and faster. For example, I would cut up my vegetables in advance and cook in bulk which would allow for me to save time. As I began to grow a deeper passion for the world of cooking, I decided to transition into starting my own balcony garden! This was super exciting to me, as I could grow my own produce/herbs that would add a personal touch to all my meals. With some research and trial and error, I now grow bell peppers, oregano, lemon balm, mint, parsley, aloe vera, and red sweet hot peppers which I can't wait to incorporate into my future recipes! Although COVID-19 had its abundance of cons, we had a lot of time to explore, learn and find new hobbies that we can share with others and carry into the future. I decided that I did not want my love for nutrition to end, and instead decided to pursue a minor in the field itself. I have officially declared a minor of Nutrition under my Biology major, and I cannot wait to learn more about this field. As I finish off this post, I wanted to end with one of my greatest takeaways from the last year and a half. Not every circumstance will be one that obviously benefits us, and although my quarantine journey was off to a rough start, I learned to turn that around and use what I did have to discover something I never would have otherwise. Sometimes we're dealt with a bad hand, and the cards that are given to us are not always in our favor. The most we can ever do is make the most out of what we have, and to take on the challenge of playing it out instead of folding. |
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