Mugi S's Senior Project Blog
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Project Title: Consequences of Ineffective Sterilization in Dentistry BASIS Advisor: Sergio Garcia Internship Location: Kierland Dental Arts Onsite Mentor: Dr. Sanjay Nigam |
Project Abstract
This senior research project addresses a critical aspect of oral medicine by diving into the repercussions of negligence in proper sterilization practices with the context of dental malpractice. Dental malpractice, concerning ineffective sterilization, poses severe and dangerous risks to patients. This also encompasses incorrectly sterilized instruments, patient procedural rooms, and the improper use of personal protective equipment. The significance of this project sheds light on the importance of effective sterilization practices and its potential complications in this crucial aspect of oral healthcare. I have conducted this research alongside Dr. Nigam at Sapphire Dental Care, where numerous dental procedures involving various instrumental tools are performed daily. By examining the intricacies of the sterilization process at this dental facility, specifically hand-on experience with sterilizing rooms and tools, the project aimed to contribute valuable insights into the challenges and consequences associated with improper sterilization standards.
Conclusion
Hello everyone! First off, I want to say I have really enjoyed listening to everyone’s feedback and I am so thankful for your continued interest and curiosity. I have really learned a lot over these past ten weeks and I can’t wait to take all these findings and experiences with me to dental school in... Read More
Week 10
Hello everyone and welcome to week ten! At internship this week, I observed many simple and routine procedures such as seating crowns and fillings. When the general dentist is seating a crown, it means he is placing the permanent crown and removing your temporary crown. This is a relatively shorter patient visit but involves the... Read More
Week 9
Hi everyone and welcome back to week nine! I hope you had a great week, this week was very busy and eventful at internship. I got to attend the Western Regional Dental Experience with my on site advisor last Friday. The Western Regional Dental Experience is an annual (and the largest) dental meeting in Arizona... Read More
Week 8
Welcome to week eight, we are nearing the end! I hope everyone had a great week, the dental office was very busy. I wanted to discuss the legal consequences of improper dental sterilization this week. Dental malpractice is when the dentist did not follow the standard of care that is required by the profession, and... Read More
Week 7
Welcome to week seven! This week I dove into the core of my project and researched long term consequences of ineffective sterilization in dentistry. In healthcare facilities, sterilization is completed by physical and chemical means such as steam sterilization, dry heat, ethylene oxide gas, hydrogen peroxide gas plasma, vaporized hydrogen peroxide, and liquid chemicals. First... Read More
Week 6
This week, I wanted to discuss the process and sterilization required when dental assistants take impressions and complete molds of the patient’s mouth. Essentially, dental impressions are imprints of a patient's teeth, gums, and surrounding oral structions that are very critical in order to create diagnostic models of a patient’s mouth. These include dental restorations,... Read More
Week 5
Hope everyone had a great spring break! During week five, I got to spend a lot of time on site and even observed my favorite procedure a couple times: extractions!! Tooth extractions are a dental procedure in which your tooth is completely removed from its socket. Dentists are always trying to preserve a patient’s natural... Read More
Spring Break
This week is spring break, so there are no updates for now. Blog posts will continue next week. Have a great spring break!! Read More
Week 4
Welcome to Week 4! This past week, a couple dentist assistants were out sick and there was a minor staff shortage at the office, however, this meant that I got to help out more and I even got to hand Dr. Nigam instruments and suction during a couple routine check ups and fillings. Also, I... Read More
Week 3
Welcome back to week three! On Monday this week, I spent eleven straight hours on site at Sapphire Dental Care. I got to stay for all open hours of the office and shadow so many different types of procedures, treatment plans, and daily processes such as sterilization. Many of the patients came in for limited... Read More
Week 2
During week two, I have backtracked a little to clearly compile an explanation of the foundations of my project and better understand the sterilization process myself. So what is sterilization and what does the process for dentistry include? By definition, sterilization is the process of completely removing and destroying all microbial life. For dentistry, it... Read More
Week 1
This week, I created a project outline for my on site hours, which will include shadowing Dr. Nigam, working with dental assistants and hygienists to better understand the sterilization process, and assisting with patient care, as well as the allocated time for my individual research on specific medical concerns surrounding infections, diseases, and long term... Read More
Introduction
Hello everyone! My name is Mugi Shembekar and my research project will focus on the consequences of improper sterilization in dentistry for patients and professionals. After shadowing procedures and even assisting dental assistants in sterilizing operation rooms for the next patient or cleaning tools, I have learned how critical this meticulous process is. I aim... Read More