I have spent the last few years of my career trying everything in my power not to listen to my inner voice. I finally decided to embrace it and surrender to the fact that my life mission belongs beyond the scope of my 4 operatory walls and the safe haven of my daily practice of clinicial dentistry. As a dentist for the past 9 years, remaining in my thriving referral based dental practice, earning a healthy living in a highly regarded group practice would have been the comfortable, easy route. Each day I was surrounded in supportive familiar faces, working the hours I chose and utilizing a skill that I excelled at. Although, providing patients with quality dental care was a huge privilege for me, I was dissatisfied and yearning for more. The area of my career that brought me the most joy and satisfaction dealt with issues beyond the dental chair, focusing on education, awareness and health promotion combining oral and overall health amongst entire populations. I desired a career beyond clinical practice within the realm of Public Health. I was in grade 10 when I decided that …show more content…
While various biological courses were my focus, I was also intrigued in the area of psychology and human behaviour. I completed most of my elective credits in various social, child and adolescent psychology courses. I spent my limited free time volunteering in a few different health care facilities. I worked at Misericordia Urgent Care Department assisting the staff with the patients in the emergency department. My second volunteer position was Recreation Leader at the Health Science Centre Psychiatric Health Centre. I worked directly with schizophrenic patients helping them with social activities such as baking, playing games and doing arts and crafts. Again, working directly with another set of vulnerable individuals brought me so much joy and
This week’s course work was and excellent review of the material that I have learned previously. I definitely like our textbook; however, it gets a little heavy to hold after a while.
All the various factors that lead me to dentistry amounted to just a part of my decision to become a dentist, the other half of my decision came from the simple question, “(w)ill this be a satisfying career for me?” A satisfying career, to me, is defined by whether or not I can use my career as a means to assist others and experience a sense of accomplishment and self-gratification in helping others. The notion of a satisfying career was one that came through personal experiences. Being a former Medicaid recipient, I was thankful to those that worked in the public health sector to help those in need, including myself and my family. Through my past experiences, I felt obligated to reciprocate the resources and assistance that I had received. At the end of my career, I hope to reflect back on my career and experience a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment for having helped others throughout my career; this is what will amount to successful career, from my point of view.
When I read the prompt for this reflection essay about learning experience, a lot of topics came up to my mind. I can recall many experiences, but only one experience stands out more than the others. In 2015, I was very fortunate to be accepted in one of the school programs that I consider that it is hard to get into, Dental Hygiene Program. I thought I passed through the greatest challenge of my life by being accepted to the program, but I was wrong. My journey getting into dental hygiene school was rough, but my journey getting out of school was even tougher.
Out of all the careers in the world, a dental hygienist probably has one of the most interesting and flexible jobs. Not only is this career interesting and flexible, but it is also very helpful towards others and usually pays pretty well too. Many people become dental hygienists because of the easy education requirements and high demand for their jobs. These days, dental hygienists are more respected and being hired more rapidly due to the fact that more and more people are keeping and taking better care of their teeth. They also say that at the end of the day they feel accomplished in knowing that they helped improved their patient’s health, even if only in the slightest way (“Interview with a Professional”).
Communicating with one’s eyes is crucial in dentistry. In a room where faces hide behind masks and mouths are full of instruments, it is necessary to wordlessly convey reassurance and kindness. I witnessed the significance of this detail during my childhood in Taiwan. Growing up, I did not brush my teeth until I was eight years old because I did not understand the importance of oral hygiene, causing an oral infection that inflamed my cheek. When I first received treatment, the sight of the lidocaine syringe and dental handpiece struck fear in me. However, what I recall most vividly were the dentist’s eyes; they expressed confidence and empathy, promising I was in good hands. I strive to emulate this thoughtful care as a welcoming, compassionate, and effective dentist.
Ever since I was a little kid, I have loved going to the dentist. I was never scared, not even when I went for my fillings and wisdom teeth extractions. Mostly all the hygienist I have had so far have been friendly, patient and always ready to help with a big smile on their face and that is what attracted me towards this career. I want to help people in need that cannot afford the services.
I am fortunate that my experiences have made me aware of these things so that when I do return to these communities as a dentist, I can not only better serve my patients as a provider, but I can also be a leading advocate for the change that is so desperately needed by the individuals in these communities. As I continue along my career path in dentistry, I intend to keep volunteering in dental clinics in underserved communities as well as participating in formal organizations such as Saving Smiles to more effectively address these issues as well as enhance my understanding of the dental field. Perhaps while I serve in these communities, I can inspire and support future health professionals that will continue to advance the incredible changes that our health fields are currently
The study of the mind, psychiatry, has in the last few years struck an interest within me. I wonder why we react differently when we face the same obstacles. For example, families with several children, raised by the same parents and in the same environment, yet turn out to be completely different individuals, sometimes very disturbed. The how, why and where of it all interests me. My immediate goal is to get my diploma and find out who I really am and what my soul desire truly is. I realize I have a deep desire to be of service to others. This is not a skill however, it's just me. I do feel one of my strongest skills is my artistic ability. I have a taste for and enjoy a diverse selection of movies, music, and reading material. I enjoy studying photography, biology, along with human behavior.
After meeting with our patient twice, I believe we have set into place a relationship where the patient is very open to us about her health. This is helpful for my partner and I as an open and honest patient is beneficial as we assist them in their health. Goals for next semester include reducing our patient’s blood sugar as well as reducing our patient’s fibromyalgia pain. Our patient has expressed to us that her glucose is high but she is ok with the high number as long as she is feeling relatively healthy. We hope to give practical ways to reduce blood sugar throughout next semester so hopefully we can reduce that number by semester’s end. Our patient is going to see her physician soon, so we hope to get an update on the patient’s fibromyalgia
My first semester in college, I took a Psychology 101 course and immediately knew I wanted to work in this field. I was drawn into different theories and how individual’s minds work. I always believed I was born to help others and guide them to success in life. I desire to help others because of my own personal struggles with mental illness. My unique perspective on mental illness allows me to empathize on a different level with individuals. I desire to give back and support to the community the way it was there for me during my dark times. I was lucky to have known from the start that psychology was my interest. I am excited to continue my education in the counseling field and become a future Clinical Mental Health Counselor.
“A dentist is often called Dr. Bunot before” says Dr. Celestina Quijano, the University dentist. The stigma on the role of dentists as “Tooth Extractor” seems to be unbreakable yet the advent of technology and new discoveries regarding Restorative dentistry never fail on trying to break it.
I have chosen Public Health as my career path because I have a passion for making a difference in people’s lives and helping others achieve their goals. Also, I chose healthcare as a career because health does not only focus on the physical aspects of wellness, but it applies to all areas of wellness, such as, intellectual, social, spiritual, financial, occupational, environmental and emotional wellness. Moreover, Public Health is a challenging, diverse and dynamic field. My philosophy of health is very simple, to prevent, improve and educate the lives of individuals, families, communities and the population. Besides, there is no safer way to touch people’s lives than through public
I decided to pursue my MPH degree to be followed with the Residency in Dental Public Health. Now, more than ever there is a need for public control and prevention of disease with healthcare costs spiraling out of control.
As Indian culture perceived doctors or engineers as the most successful professionals, that’s what peer pressure introduced me to and instilled in me to be a doctor. Seeing my elder brother become a doctor, I wanted to follow a different path so I channeled my energies towards becoming a dentist. With my hard work and motivation, I was able to score high in the state entrance exams and secured a position in one of the most reputed dental institution of my state. But my interest and fate had different plans.
Knowledge is continuously derived and analyzed from the experience of learners validating the truism that experience is the best teacher (Kolb, 1984). The aim of this module was to assist international students improve their communication skills which is key to a successful medical practice. This essay examines my journey through the module, sums up my experience and highlights its relevance to my career.