Gold buttons on everything

One of the more interesting things about dentistry is that the lab work is a LOT like a jeweler. Minus the fact that gold looks like gold, it is apparently THE BEST restoration to put into anyone's mouth - for instance, gold crowns that last 70+ years with normal oral hygiene. No, SERIOUSLY. Making your own gold crown goes through the exact same steps as making a ring. First, wax. Second, invest (put it in a stone mold and melt out the wax". Thirdly, cast (throw molten gold into the mold). EASY.
There it is... along with the impression and the bridge prep. For anyone who's interested, it is a 3 unit bridge with a gold 3/4 and gold-to-porcelain pontic and retainer. Interesting, I know.

From Nicaragua with love

It's hard to describe how fantastic it is to go on a mission trip, especially one that is well planned. This is what hopefully started the legacy that is soon to come of a Latin American clinic I want to start. I'm giving myself a thumbs up because I didn't make her cry. Good anesthesia technique - Dr. Carpenter, you are the Jesus of dentistry.

Wax - a man's best friend.

Knowing what teeth look like is kinda important... being able to recreate them is even more so.

First year activities: WAXING.

Long - 1st to publish about C.R. Record

Clinic is fun. It really is. My first two weeks of actual multiple patient appointment was NOT. The only adjective to describe it is, well, tired. There is something about the stresses - not knowing where things are, not knowing who to talk to, not knowing how the process works, not knowing any of my patients, wanting to throw my required laptop in the toilet, and then applying previous lab/class knowledge to HUMANS - that is tiring. Only now can I come home from clinic and not need to collapse. If there was ever a time where TV would be a needed prescription, it was those two weeks of clinic.

Now though, clinic is a different story. Seeing patients is a joy. I struggle with unfamiliarity, and now that the awkward phase of my clinic love story is over, I think the future is looking pretty solid. Of course there are things to work on, but when is there NOT things to work on? thought so...