My Letter For My Dentist Visit

In elementary school, one of my favorite days in grade school would be when my mom came in for her oral hygiene lessons. Even though my mom could have easily demonstrated proper techniques on how to brush and floss teeth with a dental model for my classes, she knew how excited I would always get when she called on me to personally demonstrate. I would brush in confidence those tooth surfaces, at a 45 degree angle and with small circular strokes. Promptly in the lesson, I would put the toothbrush vertically for those inside surfaces of my front teeth. My mom would end the brushing technique with a friendly reminder to brush for a full two minutes, twice a day. She also told the kids to think of triangles and to floss along the mesial and distal surfaces of their teeth, rather than straight down and cutting their gums. With every upcoming yearly demonstration, I honed that routine of mine, ensuring to my classmates the best way to keep the plague out. Even to this day, I have still got my middle school sketchbook in my desk drawer, where I had illustrated the cover as, “Dr. Pham, DDS”. Starting in my high school summer, I had my first shot to assist my parents with what I have always known to be as, “The Office.” In the day-to-day, I strove to follow my dad’s office procedures. Imagine, my young, impressionable self holding onto the large suction and water syringe as a patient’s wisdom were extracted; gums cut, that red blood flowing throughout the procedure.

The sharp antiseptic tang was my first taste of dentistry. After receiving orthodontic and root canal treatment, I've realised dentistry is not just about the mechanics of the mouth; obtaining successful dental treatment can not only improve a person’s self-confidence but also their quality of life. Due to my treatment, aesthetic nature, as well as my flair for science, I have been motivated and inspired to look further into the scope of dentistry.

I fought the thoughts of not being able to breathe and allowing myself to have a panic attack. I have never been very religious, but it got to a point where counting didn’t help and the moment that destroyed my health replayed over and over. It was the few seconds prior to blacking out, to when I looked up at my rearview mirror and saw a truck coming right for me because he fell asleep. These thirty minutes of darkness symbolized the endless emotional and physical pain I had endured and my return to the darkness, which I cannot explain. So I prayed, hoping that even though I couldn’t remember all the verses, it would end the spinning and the torture. These moments of fear were more than claustrophobia; it was also a concoction of sadness. Sadness, that uncovered my weak and fragile human being self to the world because I had still not healed. As these thoughts deepened, the bed of the MRI machine began to move outward and I knew it was over. I hadn’t realized that my body was trembling until they took the thick white sheet off me. It revealed my shaking legs covered in Goosebumps and so, I pulled my fuzzy green socks up and with their help got off the bed. I wondered if that’s what it was like to live through a traumatic event or was it me being dramatic? Either way, I shut the door leaving the loud and terrible noises behind me. As I walked out, I could never see myself laying in that room again, unable to escape the endless

Dentistry offers the ability to apply my interests in science whilst having the opportunity to communicate with people and to make a positive contribution in their lives. I developed my interest in dentistry during my regular check-ups where I got to know my dentist and build up a relationship with them. I believe that with my dedication and work ethic alongside my extensive volunteering, I have the ability to become a reputable dentist. An aspect of dentistry that I enjoy is the ‘hands on’ experience obtained and the teamwork involved alongside the mentally and physically challenging demands of the profession.

“Don’t be afraid. You can squeeze my hand anytime you feel pain”, said the dental hygienist. I was seven years old and due for a cavity filling. Unsure of the process, I felt uneasy. As I sat waiting for the dentist, tears began rolling down my cheeks.

When I was about 5-years-old, I was the only one in my Kindergarten class that was not frightened of the dentist. I was the only child for as long as I can remember who absolutely adored going to see my dentist; I thought it was better than going to the Science Center, which was a big deal for a child in my generation. Growing up, I watched people’s faces twitch with (terror, panic, dismay) as I explained that it was my ultimate dream to become a dental hygienist. “What if a child bites you?” “The human mouth is disgusting! Do you not realize the horror of this occupation?” Listening to people question and insult my dreams only enhanced my dedication to this occupation even more. I was determined to prove them wrong; to prove that this was

The waiting room attendant immediately brought me back to a room. As I laid in the hospital bed, I felt a calm wave come over me, as I thought this meant my pain was about to be extinguished; I thought too

The stigmatism attached to going to the dentist goes out the door when meeting the dental staff and their ability to get patient’s minds off of the procedure they are about to perform.

ith a weary face and sweaty palms, I walked into the gloomy dental offices as a yearly ritual. The intimidating environment of the office made me feel knots in my stomach. As a child I never enjoyed visiting dentists because I was convinced that these humans were merciless people who could not care less if I was in pain. Ironically, the lifetime career I seek for now is the career I disliked before. The decision to become a dentist developed when I had the desire to give children a better experience and a different perspective on professionals of this field. From my experience, the dentists were not gentle and did not give me time to collect myself before pulling a tooth out. Orthodontics is a profession that I am pursuing since I have consistently desired to work in a healthcare career that enables me to help people by using my interest and talents in hand motor and communication skills. I strive for perfection and work patiently, as well as diligently, which will help me throughout this profession. There are skills that I need to obtain such as shadowing or volunteering in a dental office, which is also part of the educational preparation needed for dental school. All of these talents combined are essential for a typical day in dentistry in which I need to create a safe and comfortable environment for the excessive amounts of patients daily

The first appointment was pretty much like a dentist appointment, they checked to see what was up along with what they could do for me. Nevertheless, I was sweating bullets. Thankfully, as you would see today that they were able to work on me. I was informed that I had a high palate and that it would need stretching for six months! My mom was left with the duty to do the clicking/stretching with a ‘key’ every night since I wasn’t able to do it myself. Which wasn’t so bad at first, then my mouth would start moving and there's the pain.

I was sore everywhere. I could barely move. The doctor runs inside moving his fingers in front of my face. I follow them then blink a couple of times.

Through this experience, I learned how to remain emotionally confident while performing procedures, handling different clinical situations in a timely manner, accepting feedback, and making positive changes in myself. In preparing for a dental program, I have taken certification courses like Introduction to Dental Medicine and Pre-dental Clinical Simulation Course and Caries Management by Risk Assessment. I have also had the opportunity to practice class I amalgam and composite restoration, detecting inter-proximal caries on x-rays, and tried dental high-speed instruments. Currently, I am learning intra-oral radiographic techniques. Another way I have enriched my background is by volunteering with America’s Tooth Fairy Smile Drive and visiting elementary schools around San Francisco to teach about dental risk factors and preventions. Overall, these experiences have illuminated a continued need for dental awareness and outreach throughout the

However, once we arrived at the hospital and the waiting began, anxiety began to creep in again. My parents tried to comfort me with small talk, but I couldn’t focus. I could only think about the surgery, particularly how the surgeon would stab an IV into my hand. I kept envisioning the stabbing pain that would carry from my hand up my arm. The surgeon finally came in and asked if I had any questions and to tell me that the operation would start shortly. “Is there any way I can wear a mask instead of having a needle? I hate needles.” My surgeon, a kind looking older gentleman said gently, “No, you’re too big for that. We can give you laughing gas though if you-” I nodded enthusiastically. “ Alright, laughing gas it

“You love teeth and oral hygiene, go be a dentist!” was my husband’s candid yet, inspiring remark to me. Since hearing those words, I have been excited and motivated to make strides towards becoming a dentist. This remarkable journey has included accomplishing milestones, experiencing personal growth, and excitement of what my future holds. Furthermore, I am thrilled to seek admission into the Masters in Medical Science Program at Hampton University. Acceptance into this extraordinary program will not only prepare me to be a competitive applicant for dental school, but instill a standard of excellence that will carry over throughout dental school and into the dental profession.

When first informed that I was expected to undertake this task I felt anxious and concerned. I was aware that I had not brushed anyone’s teeth outside of my family before and that the mouth is an intimate and personal part of the body which is not usually exposed to anyone other than myself or the dentist. I was concerned about how my partner (whom I did not know well at that stage) would react to me examining his mouth. Writers have described such intimate physical assessments as creating a potentially intrusive situation (Lewis 2006, Sturdy 2007) which might cause the patient to feel uncertain and inadequate. I was also concerned that my own anxiety was shared by my partner who also appeared embarrassed and awkward at the time.