Future Tooth Fairy
My Story...
Imagine sitting in the dentist's chair, listening as the dentist breaks the news that your case will be challenging to fix. It was a moment that would forever shape my perspective on dentistry and ignite a passion within me.
I had been visiting the dentist for years at an office in north Indianapolis. Looking back, I couldn't recall any negative experiences or significant dental issues. However, everything changed when I reached fifth grade and it was time for braces. My mother and I visited the orthodontist, and they took x-rays to assess my dental situation. Little did I know that this visit would uncover something unexpected.
Dr. Pritchett, the orthodontist, studied my x-rays with a puzzled expression. He glanced back and forth between the x-rays and my mother and me, visibly confused. Eventually, he mustered the courage to ask my mother where I had been going to the dentist before. His demeanor changed, and there was a tinge of sadness in his voice. He showed us the x-rays, pointing out a cyst in my mouth that had gone unnoticed until now. It was a startling revelation.
After conversing with my mother, Dr. Pritchett explained the situation in more detail. He informed us that I would need surgery to remove the cyst before getting braces. The gravity of the situation sank in, and my mind raced. I resorted to extensive internet searches about cysts, and anxiety started to creep in. Thoughts of cancer plagued my mind until the cyst could be removed and biopsied to determine its nature.
We met with the surgeon, who further elucidated the procedure. In addition to the cyst removal, he mentioned that the roof of my mouth was unusually soft and required a bone graft for reinforcement. I remember my mother asking me if I could sense the mushiness of the roof of my mouth, to which I replied that I thought it was normal for everyone. The surgery date was set, but my fear of needles caused a major setback. The thought of a large needle piercing my gums overwhelmed me, and the surgery had to be rescheduled and moved to a hospital setting.
Thankfully, the biopsy results returned as benign, bringing a wave of relief. With the cyst behind us, it was time to proceed with the braces. However, due to the presence of the cyst, one of my adult teeth had to be extracted to provide better access for the orthodontic treatment. I also had short tooth roots and a noticeable gap between my teeth. Dr. Pritchett assured me that the journey would be lengthy, but the results would be worth it. Initially, I was excited about getting braces, but as the moment approached, tears welled up in my eyes. I had not anticipated the challenges that lay ahead.
The process of getting braces itself wasn't painful, but the discomfort that followed was unexpected. The movement and reshaping of my teeth and jaw became excruciating, making even the simplest actions like chewing unbearable. It was during this transformative experience that my desire to become a dentist was born.
Throughout my dental journey, Dr. Pritchett had taken care of me with compassion and expertise. Later on, I started going to new pediatric dentists, Dr. Singh and Dr. Bullard, who continued the tradition of providing exceptional care. Their attentiveness and dedication made each visit a reassuring experience. Their commitment to my well-being, coupled with the transformative nature of my own dental journey, inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry.
From that moment forward, I knew that I wanted to be a dentist who could make a difference in people's lives. I wanted to alleviate their fears, provide the highest level of care, and guide them through their own dental transformations. The way my dentists had cared for me had left an indelible impression, and I was determined to follow in their footsteps.
Dental Careers
During my senior year of high school, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the dental careers program at J. Everette Light Career Center (JEL). Undoubtedly, it was the most remarkable class I had ever taken. From the moment I stepped into the classroom, I was immersed in the world of dentistry, and my passion for the field only grew stronger.
In this captivating class, every aspect revolved around dentistry. We had the privilege of engaging in clinical activities that simulated real-world dental procedures. From practicing taking radiographs to mastering the art of disinfecting the office, we gained hands-on experience that prepared us for the future. One of the most exciting aspects was when my peers and I examined each other's teeth and utilized the ultrasonic machine to clean dental instruments. These experiences not only solidified our technical skills but also fostered a sense of camaraderie among us.
Furthermore, the dental careers program at JEL went beyond clinical skills. We delved into the depths of medical terminology, familiarizing ourselves with the precise language of the dental profession. We also studied various dental instruments, comprehending their functions and applications. The program offered a comprehensive education that encompassed both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
JEL's commitment to promoting dental careers extended beyond the classroom walls. They organized an annual career fair exclusively for North Central students, where I actively participated in recruiting my fellow classmates to join the dental careers program. It was a rewarding experience to share my passion and encourage others to explore the world of dentistry. Additionally, JEL hosted a broader career fair where local businesses and professionals visited the campus, offering on-the-spot job opportunities and invaluable connections. This event broadened our horizons and exposed us to a wealth of possibilities in the dental field.
Central to my positive experience at JEL was my remarkable teacher, Mrs. Michelle Talbott. She was an incredible mentor who consistently pushed me to excel and supported me in my aspirations. We engaged in numerous discussions about dental school and various dental-related topics, expanding my knowledge and igniting my curiosity. Mrs. Talbott's guidance and expertise were invaluable, and I consider myself fortunate to have had such an exceptional teacher. Her dedication and willingness to go the extra mile truly made a difference in my educational journey.
Moreover, my time at JEL proved fruitful in practical terms as well. Thanks to the program, I obtained my radiology license, which qualifies me to work as a dental assistant. This achievement opened doors for me in the dental field and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in dentistry.
Reflecting on my experience in the dental careers program at JEL, I am filled with gratitude for the enriching opportunities and the supportive community that surrounded me. This program not only nourished my passion for dentistry but also equipped me with essential skills and knowledge for my future endeavors. I am confident that the foundation laid during my time at JEL will serve as a springboard for my journey towards becoming a successful dental professional.
Dental Assistant
During the summer of 2021, I worked at a local dental office as a dental assistant. The experience was different from what I expected. I went in very confident and happy about the experience and at the end I was very drained. I worked full time that entire summer as a dental assistant and at Sam's Club. I learned so much working at the dental office I chose. I learned the front and the back end because the office was short staffed and I was the only dental assistant for the first month of working there. I had my radiology license, but I did not use it in two years so I had to relearn how to take x-rays. A few other things that I learned was how to file insurance, set up a room, charts and charting, sterilization, properly seating a patient, and polishing. I did not do many cases, lab work, or four handed dentistry as the office because it was short staffed. I worked very closely with the patients and made a lot of connections which I really enjoyed. This experience showed me that I do want to have my own office, but I feel like I learned more of what not to do than what to do. I plan to work at a different dental office before going to dental school.
Previously, I stated I wanted to be a dentist. I want to go to dental school, preferably Indiana University School of Dentistry, or other dental schools in the mid-west. I plan on becoming a general dentist, although I have thought about being an orthodontists , oral surgeon , and pediatric dentist. I want to be a dentist because I want to help people feel confident in their smile. I like meeting new people and developing relationships as well. I like helping people and I want to change people's life not just as a dentist, but as a leader in the community.
My work experience and professional experience has helped identify more goals. I am still exploring, but so far my main goal is networking. Networking and communication can help in many ways. I cannot wait to meet my different patients and get to know them. Networking is all about meeting new people and building a personal and/ or professional relationship.
I want to build better communication skills. Being able to talk to different people with different backgrounds will go a long way. Most people are not enthusiastic about going to the dentist. When I become a dentist, I want to change that. I want all of my patients to be excited and looking forward to coming to the dental office.
In the next few years I plan on growing. I want to volunteer more and give back to my community. I want to participate in more research and clinic labs to build more skills. I also want to travel and explore different cultures.
I have learned how to better interact with people and communicate. My goals after I graduate with my undergrad is to go to dental school . I still want to become a general dentist and this internship has helped my understanding of what research is and how important it is. I have been more curious about different common diseases that also do not have a cure. This internship has opened my eyes to the possibilities out there.
Professional Goals:
Communication is key in any relationship. So I really want to learn how to communicate and talk to patients, nurses, and doctors. I want to learn terminology. I also want to be able to consent patients and stress the importance of it. Going on more visits and asking questions will help with these goals. As well as, making contact with new onset patients and consenting them to be a part of the research. Also with this internship, I feel like it will help with dental school and my dental career. In dentistry, there are clinicals and research to provide doctors with new methods for early diagnosis and preventive treatments. That is exactly what I am doing here at Riley Hospital working for Dr. Linda DiMeglio.
Next steps:
I am excited to become a dentist. I really would just like to start my career at this point. My internship did not necessarily affect my decision to become a dentist. I wanted to figure out if I wanted to specialize in pediatrics, but I am still unsure. I am excited for my future biology courses. Learning about the body and the brain has always been an interest of mine. I know that those courses will help with my basic knowledge about human anatomy before dental school. As of right now, I plan to get involved this summer. I will try to find a job shadowing opportunity as well as a volunteer opportunity.