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November 19, 2006
Jessica's SADHA Day Reflection ( #2)
I always look forward to attending SADHA activities; from attending the House Of Delegates in October to the Lunch and Learns, I really enjoy the feeling of "being actively involved" my my professional organization. This time, I attended the 2006 SADHA Day convention in Lansing Michigan. I was really looking forward to this day--not only becuase of the opportunity to network and really 'feel' like I was an actual hygienist, but also for the chance to bond with my fellow classmates :) !
A group of my classmates and I left Thursday, after school; we had reserved a few hotel rooms and had planned on having a fun overnight! Once we arrived, we were excited because there were SO MANY girls there already, and we knew we all had something in common. Thursday night was fun becuase we all got to bond in ways that we cannot in the classroom, and these types of things are important. It's nice to find a group of young women who are so supportive of eachother (and get along with eachother) because we are all in this together, and it just makes us stronger!
On to Friday morning... Cheryl and I went down to the convention early to sign in and help get our booth organized. It was great to see some familiar faces from the House of Delegates that we attended a month prior! There were loads and loads of hygienists coming in by the bus load-- how funny it was to see everyone line up at the coffee table for their daily dose of caffeine! After everyone was checked-in and our continental breakfasts were consumed, we sat to listening to the opening speech. I will admit, I was a little surprised with the introduction. I understood the message, and I did learn some things I was unawarre of, but I thouhgt it might have been a little extreme for those of us who have never attended anything like this before!
After the intro it was time for us to attend the roundtable discussions. Prior to SADHA day, I remember choosing from a list of about 40 topics; I chose 10 that REALLY interested me, and I was excited to be attending them! Well, I was a little upset becuase I did not attend any of the discussions I had chosen. :( ( But this was my ONLY disappointment!) However, My discussions were interesting...
The first roundtable was an Introduction to the use of intraoral cameras. I was quite interested in this because of it's advantages of use in the office. Both patients, dentists, and hygienists can benefit from the use of this technology. The way it works is by taking digital pictures (with an intraoral camera) upon the first inital assesment with the patient. You could start off simple by taking 4 pictures, (headshot, maxillary arch, mandibular arch, and occlusion) or you could take as many pictures as you'd like. This is especially helpful for diagnosis, and also patient education. I think it allows for another mode of documenting, education and communication with the clinitian and patient! I realize that not all offices have upgraded to the use of this technology, but what a great thingt to look forward to in the future!
The second rountable discussion I attended was about Loupes! I remember thinking to myself, "I've never seen a hygienist use these!" but once we discussed them a little more, and we actually got to try them on, I wanted a pair! As a hygienist, we are vulnerable to back and neck problems, and this is something i worry about and try my best to avoid. I realize the importance of good posture and the Loupes are such a great supplement to that, not to mention the view was amazing; I could sit normally and see the tooth magnified clearly! If i had these, ther were be no chance I could miss any calculus or plaque!
After the roundtables, and our wonderful lunch, we met once more for the closing and also a little speech from each school attending.(I must say, I am SO PROUD to be a Michigan Wolverine!)
Overall, SADHA Day was a good experience; I felt important, and I also felt like a professional. I really enjoy learning about new products new techniques and new ideas, and interacting with hygienists as well. I would have to be honest and say that my favorite part of SADHA Day was to be able to spend time with my classmates outside of school and bond in a different, more professional (but not all the time!) way. Experiences like these pull us all together, and I look forward to sharing more times like this in the future! I am happy I had the opportunity to go!
Posted by novakjes at November 19, 2006 03:15 PM