Funny Business

Well, we're all stressed out of our gourds.

So, when I see things like this...



I think the class of 2012 is finding ways to let off steam. What do you think?

It begins...

Here we are, the class of 2012!!! Wow, the last 5 weeks have been a whirlwind!

On the down side, I've never had so much to do in so little time. The classes I'm taking this semester are Intro to Dental Hygiene, Dental Radiology, Oral Anatomy & Histology, and Dental Clinic Emergencies. In addition, I've got a full day in clinic each week, a Radiology lab, SADHA meetings, and "Lunch & Learns." I attended a Greater Columbia Component meeting in Jefferson City last weekend, and we've got the MDHA Conference in Branson in October! And my class voted me president (sigh).

The work is intense, and I'm having a hard time finding a way to keep myself organized. With only two instructors, the classes seem to melt together in my head.

To say I'm overwhelmed is an understatement.

On the up side, it's exciting to finally be here!!! I'm no longer taking pre-requisites. I'm learning about teeth, wearing scrubs, and taking x-rays! (Oops, correct terminology is "exposing radiographs :) And I've got a terrific class. Such smart, beautiful, nice girls.

We're getting along great! Another up: an AWESOME husband! Kevin is so excited for me to be in this program, and he's taken on so much at home so I can study. He's cooking and cleaning and getting kids around. He's the BOMB!!!

And I really don't know what I'd do without the experience I had at Dr. Heath's office. It was only a year as a dental assistant, but it has made a HUGE difference in what I know and am prepared for. There are two students in our class with no dental experience at all; I'm not sure how they're doing it.

So, here I go -- ready or not!

Anxiety

School starts a week from today. I'm feeling a little excited/scared/worried. I paid $2823.75 for textbooks and supplies this week -- OUCH!!! I got a Hepatitis B shot and TB test -- OUCH!!! I've received multiple emails with homework assignments to be completed by the first day of class -- OUCH again!!!

I hope I know what I've gotten myself into.

Dexterity Test

I felt like I was back in preschool.



But with a timer.



I went in to take my manual dexterity test yesterday. I was told the results wouldn't get me kicked out of the program but would identify problems that could affect me in the program. Still, I wanted to do well.



It was pretty straightforward. The first test involved a metal box with three pegs. I was to use both hands to move two pegs from front to back, then turn the third over. I had to do it as many times as I could in two minutes.



The next test involved these small nut and bolt type things. I was to take the bolt thing out of the hole, put it through the nut, then put them both into another hole. Do it as many times as you can.



The last test involved a large electric pegboard with a probe and a pedal. I was to press the pedal, then put the probe into one of the peg-holes until a light lit up, then go to the next one. It was a little wierd at first, because it had to be done in that particular order -- pedal, probe, is light on?, go to the next. After that, I did it without the pedal, which of course, went faster.

That was it. The lady at the testing center said it's to screen for people with tremors, etc. I wasn't told if I passed or not, but I can't imagine I was the worst they've ever seen.

We'll see.

Back to School

So, I found out that State Fair Community College in Sedalia, Missouri has a Dental Hygiene program. That's a 35-minute drive from here. The next closest program is in Kansas City, Kansas -- an hour and a half. State Fair's program is two years, and you graduate with an Associate Degree and are ready to take state boards. Graduates of the program seem to do well at boards and in getting jobs in the field.

Once I decided to go back to school, I wanted to start right away. However, there were a few pre-requisites I had to take before I could apply. Kevin helped me make a plan for the classes I'd take. Now, I already have an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree, but I was a little weak on the math/science end of things.

So, in January of 2009, I started a Chemistry class. That was a HUGE struggle for me. But I had an awesome teacher who helped me through.

In summer of 2009, I took Anatomy. HARD CLASS!!! But I loved it! As opposed to Chemistry, I understood it. I had great study partners, which helped.

In fall of 2009, I took Physiology and Microbiology. Difficult but interesting classes.

I'm now finishing up the last of my pre-requisites: Public Speaking and Sociology. I've loved these classes. I've got one final left as of this writing.

It's been an interesting journey since going back to school. I was nervous that I wouldn't be as smart as the younger students. I wondered if I could keep up as I was also working and had a family to keep up with. But it has been SO good for me! Being older has made me a much better student, actually. I'm motivated, and I'm paying for college myself :). I also have so much life experience from which to draw on. I'm able to apply the things I'm learning. And an interesting side note is that Kevin says I'm more "interesting" to talk to since going back to school! :)

I was so worried that it would be hard on my kids when I went back to school, but surprisingly, It's been the opposite. Kevin has been hugely supportive, and the kids have had to step up to the plate and help with meals, etc. But I think it's been really good for them to see me study and get good grades. I hope I'm an example of the importance of an education at any age.

In the beginning...

It's funny how life has its cycles.

When I was newly married, I looked into becoming a dental hygienist. We were living in Spokane, Washington, and I was intrigued by the career field. I even interviewed with the director of the school there. My husband was supportive. But in the end, I was young and impatient. Two years seemed too long to wait to start making money! So, I got a job at a credit card center. I don't have any regrets about that -- it gave me a lot of confidence and many great experiences.

I worked for many years, then had three beautiful children. I've spent the last 17 years raising them, and that's been very fulfilling. As my husband, who was an officer in the Air Force, neared retirement, we did our best to make informed decisions for our future. But due to unforeseen events in the economy, he ended up unemployed for nine months. I got a job as a secretary at an elementary school but soon realized that it would be only a short-term solution. At the same time, I was realizing that I would be an empty-nester in a matter of a few years. I wondered what I would do with my time. It seemed obvious that I needed to think about a new career.

So, here I am today, revisiting dental hygiene.

I've researched careers. I want a flexible schedule, one that allows me to make it to cross-country meets or field trips. I want to make good money. I want to work with people; I loved that about the elementary school. I don't want to spend years in school either. Dental hygiene came up as an option over and over. The future of dental hygiene looks great! Baby boomers are aging, and people are keeping more of their teeth. I have a good friend that is a dentist; I asked him what he thought. He said it was a great idea and offered to help. I also found that a nearby community college has a dental hygiene program. This looks like the career for me!

Welcome!

I am beginning this blog in an attempt to chronicle my experiences as I train to become a dental hygienist. When I was researching the topic to find out more about it, I found very little first-person information about school and training. I thought it would be helpful to others to follow along as I learn. So, WELCOME! And hold on for the ride!

I got in!

Here it is! My acceptance to Dental Hygiene School! I'm one of only ten to be accepted for the school year beginning August 2010. I'm so excited!