Week 1

Mugi S -

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 decay concerns. Additionally, I visited Sapphire Dental Care to introduce myself and meet all the dentists and staff at the office. While explaining my project, I realized how tiring the sterilization process can be for dental assistants but how necessary it is to spend time and complete it with attention to detail. 

For context of why I chose this subject and project, I have interned with Dr. Nigam last summer at another dental office, Kierland Dental Arts. I wanted to pursue research in the dental field under him because I am very passionate about pursuing dentistry in the future. I plan on following pre-dentistry for the next three years and Dr. Nigam has fostered my interest in the subject by providing hands-on opportunities to work with patients as well as learn and utilize different dental materials. Initially, small and mundane tasks fascinated me and sterilizing tools became a fun task for me to do at the internship. Therefore, I decided to dive deeper into the different processes and consequences. 

During my initial background research this week, I have looked into a few short term negative outcomes if a dentist does not wear or use appropriate protective equipment when performing patient treatments. This also led me to become aware of a whole new concern I did not consider before: allergic reactions. Many people are already allergic and obtain skin irritation due to medical gloves containing latex but now there are dental materials, detergents, lubricating oils, solvents, and x-ray processing chemicals to consider as well!

These are my findings from the first week. I look forward to sharing more of my discoveries on site as well as information on allergic reactions and infections next week!!

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Comments:

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    neha_k
    This is very fascinating Mugi! I love how you took the opportunity to delve deeper into a task that most overlook as "mundane". What are the alternate options for people who may be allergic to latex gloves?
    February 14, 2024 at 5:12 pm -
    georgia_b
    Hi Mugi. I love the observations you made so far! What is an example of a piece of dental material that people may be allergic to? I'm excited to see your post next week!
    February 14, 2024 at 5:26 pm -
      Mugi Shembekar
      Thank you! The most common dental material that people may be allergic to is basic impression compound. Impression compound is composed of 47% of thermoplastic materials from natural or synthetic resin and waxes and patients often have symptoms such as itchiness and discomfort intraorally.
      February 19, 2024 at 11:25 am -
    Mariam S
    I’m intrigued, Mugi! I never knew how many considerations dentists had to make for individuals who may be allergic to dental equipment. What are the few short term negative outcomes if a dentist does not use the proper protective equipment?
    February 16, 2024 at 9:00 am -
      Mugi Shembekar
      This is exactly what my projects aims to do: bring awareness to more specific areas of improper practices! I am focusing on this for my next blog post but a few negative outcomes if a dentist does not use the proper protective equipment are increased exposure to infections, musculoskeletal disorders, psychological problems, dermatitis, and respiratory disorders!
      February 19, 2024 at 11:45 am -
    eric_p
    Great post, Mugi! I'm excited to learn more about your research into the sterilization process and its importance in the often overlooked but critical aspects of dental care. As you delve deeper into your research, how do you plan to address the issue of allergic reactions to various dental materials and chemicals? Are there specific strategies you'll employ to mitigate these risks for both patients and dental professionals?
    February 18, 2024 at 9:47 pm -
      Mugi Shembekar
      Thank you Eric! I plan on suggesting better, newer alternative options of dental materials. Some specific strategies I plan to implement are being more familiar with all products, especially the ones being used on a weekly basis as well as being extremely prepared with a patient's medical history.
      February 19, 2024 at 11:41 am -
    srivarun_v
    Hi Mugi, great post! How do you see yourself using your hands-on experience with dental professionals and your research on allergic reactions and infections in your future goals in dentistry, and what insights do you hope to learn during your project at Sapphire Dental Care?
    February 19, 2024 at 11:11 am -
      Mugi Shembekar
      Thank you! I'm excited to utilize what I have learned while studying pre-dentistry for the next three years! And I hope to gauge a better understanding of the daily experiences of a dentist and everything the field entails.
      February 19, 2024 at 11:28 am -
    Aydin D.
    Hi Mugi, interesting post! I never thought that allergic reactions could be caused by so many different things! Are these allergic reactions rare, or common enough where they are a big concern?
    February 19, 2024 at 5:43 pm -
      Mugi Shembekar
      Hi Aydin! I will be discussing this specific concern further in my next blog post, but these allergic reactions can be very common for materials such as latex, acrylates, and formaldehyde used in dentistry. It is a significant issue this project is aiming to bring more importance and consideration to.
      February 20, 2024 at 8:54 pm -
    Rayan Bitar
    Hello Mugi, this seems like an interesting project. I was wondering if you could define what sterilization from your perspective and situation. Also what sort of protective equipment is used to prevent these allergic reactions?
    February 20, 2024 at 8:02 am -
      Mugi Shembekar
      Hi Rayan! I will definitely explain what proper dental sterilization is in my next post! Instruments are cleaned before sterilized, and it is the process of removing bacteria and other living microorganisms. Dentists should always use gloves, face masks, protective eyewear, face shields, and protective clothing to prevent these allergic reactions.
      February 20, 2024 at 9:02 pm -

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