Exhibit: Dental Class Discussion/ Asepsis Notes

Benchmark: Teamwork/Communication

Skills: TC104- Listen to different group members and ask relevant questions

           TC105- Express one’s point of view in a teamwork setting

 

            Being an avid listener is an important skill. Being a good listener is important because you are able to take direction sand apply them to what you’re doing. Not only can you use the information for directional and understanding purposes, but listening to others opinions either strengthens your idea, or weakens it. This can be a good thing because it brings out strong points and weak points in your idea. It is important to hear others opinions. Personally, I like to express my opinion in a group setting because I enjoy feedback, and I like everyone in the group to reach a middle ground. In my dental class we often take notes during our class lectures and discussions. I often will add to the discussion, I am very involved in the classroom.

            I like to express how I feel about a certain matter; I am a very opinionated person so I may feel differently about something versus someone else’s thoughts.  I am quite comfortable doing this in a group setting because I am comfortable with who I am and everyone likes to have their voice heard and their ideas valued. When coming to a common ground it is necessary to hear everyone out and really take in their ideas and opinions so you can either add or take away from yours. Everyone wants to feel as if their opinion is valued.

            When I participate in a group discussion, it is important to ask questions. If you wonder about something you’re unsure of and you don’t ask, you’re more likely to not accept it rather than if you have a good understanding of the matter. Everyone’s opinions and feelings on a subject are important and they should be considered.

            I personally am a good listener. In my Dental Occupations class we often have class discussions. When an idea is prompted that could go either way, for example my teacher asked us if a certain situation was ethical. She asked us whether or not we would treat a patient with a disease, such as HIV, AIDS, or Tuberculosis. A lot of people would say no because of the risks that come with those diseases and working with a person’s body fluids that are infected. A few people in my class said no because they felt as if they have the right to refuse in order to protect themselves, but in the healthcare field it is our job to treat each patient. We are taught through OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) to use precautionary measures such as wearing our full personal protective equipment. Wearing these barriers, it is like every patient you treat is infected. By doing this and wearing your PPE’s the possible risk of infection is significantly lower.

            I asked other classmates their ideas and we came to a common point on the situation. Listening and communication is important in life, and also in the healthcare field because ethics come into play every day. In dentistry, you are working with dozens patients that you often do not know. It is recommended that you visit the dentist twice a year. During this time it is important to get to know your patient because you do not see them every day. Conversation and a genuine interest in the patient eases their stress and fear of the dentist. This is a very important aspect of a dentist/ dental hygienist daily duties, getting to know the patient is part of the career. In college, these skills will remain important because in order to be successful in my career, I must learn techniques during clinicals that will be effective in my career.    The more questions you ask, the more knowledge you gain.