Over the past two weekends in San Pancho we have
completed six full days of clinic providing dental hygiene care to over one
hundred clients. This has been a life-changing experience with many rewards and
challenges. The clients expressed copious amounts of gratitude for the services
we provided which was the most rewarding aspect of our clinical experience.
We have a deeper appreciation for the comforts we
have at home. In Canada we tend to take for granted the access to care and
armamentarium available to us. Here in Mexico our makeshift clinic was
challenging to work in. Our operatory posed ergonomical and physical
challenges. Furthermore, many of our clients were more difficult
classifications than we have seen at home, and we were given a much shorter
timeframe to complete them. We were also unable to provide local anesthetic,
yet our clients demonstrated impressive ability to tolerate discomfort, always
leaving grateful and smiling. This motivated us to push through the difficult
times, even when we felt like giving up.
Due to the language barrier, we learned that
nonverbals are crucial, but the translators assisted us in delivering the most
important messages to our clients. Although removing the deposits was important
to short-term oral health, the education provided was paramount for providing
them with the skills to maintain long-term health for themselves and their
loved ones.
Overall, we discovered how much we love dental
hygiene. Although it can be very challenging, it is a rewarding profession that
provides life-long learning opportunities. Throughout our careers we will
experience continuous challenges, but learning to accept our abilities and
taking the time to self-reflect will allow us to grow personally and
professionally. We are grateful that we were given the opportunity to provide
dental hygiene care for those who would otherwise not have access. We feel a
sense of fulfilment knowing that we made a difference in their lives.
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