Time Honored Tradition

I have finally achieved old lady status!

Yesterday we had a Stake Humanitarian activity. Each quilt brought a quilt to tie and we collected small appliances, diapers, pjs, etc for the local Women's Shelter. This first picture is my ward's quilt. We had more sisters helping but they left to help load the trailer with all the collected items. 

This is the majority of the ladies tying quilts. I was sitting there and realized I was part of history. The Relief Society has quilted hundreds of quilts each year and probably millions over the years. It is a time honored tradition. We had a nice quick morning. We started at 10 am. Our quilt was done first--before 11 am. We had lunch at 11:15 am, had speaker, cleaned up chairs and tables etc and home by 12:30. It was a good day and proof that many hands--even old arthritic ones make light work. 

ISO dumping ground

I have been thinking about going to a therapist, a counselor, a paid friend, a shrink, whatever you want to call them. I need one. I cannot let myself trust anyone with my deep secrets and concerns. I dont want this therapist to tell me what to do. I just need to let some stuff out and know for sure that no one will know and that I wont be judged and condemned for my thoughts and feelings. I mean they are just thoughts and feelings not actions. I do not even feel comfortable writing on this blog, even though I only give access to people I trust.  Anyway, this has been a 4 year desire of mine and I keep finding excuses not to have this expense. The end.

Ethical or Money Maker

Well friends, here I sit, wondering who I am and what kind of dental hygienist I want to be/have been/will be. It is a deep question. In school I was frequently told that I do not talk to my patients professionally; while I thought I was having wonderful appropriate bonding conversations with may patients. I have constantly shifted gears to change my behavior to match the person in my chair. For example, I am silent and only talk to give information related to procedure for those who do not want to chit chat and just want silence. I chit chat about weather, indoor soccer, home school, local events, and ward boundary changes. I change to calling the suction a vaccum, the air/water syringe is also a squirt gun--it just depends on who is in my chair. I really try to individualize teeth cleanings. To make them fun, relaxing, a place to learn, a place to talk and share all depending upon the needs of my patients.

Working in Portland I got in the habit of not taking xrays very often. Dr Mueller did not think it was necessary to take xrays every 6 months or even every year. Some patient who had several years of cavity free visits then Dr M would put them on a 2 year xray schedule. Our treatment of the patient was 100% individualized. I had one patient who came every 9 months, one who came every 2 months. It was all tailored to what the patient needed to have a healthy mouth.

I move back to Utah and Dr Turnbow in Duchesne likes xrays every year. So that is what I do. I also work for Dr Monfredi who pays me on commission. It is customary to take xrays every 6 months no matter what. I did this because I did not want to rock the boat and I thought I was only there during a maternity leave. When I became permanent I have noticed that I have backed down. If the patient has not had a cavity in 2 years then I will not take xrays. Dr M has not said anything to me. I am sure he wants the production. I want the production. I mean I love the large paychecks I get with Dr M. I get bitter when I go to Duchesne and make an hourly wage which is low--but still more than flipping burgers--I get bitter. I know that the front office girl in Duchesne gets a bonus when the office makes production goals. I dont. So I do the bare minimum for Dr T. I do not take pano xrays unless I have to. I dont push for SRP 1-3 teeth, or fluoride treatments etc. But I do at Dr M. I have realized that do take more xrays just because insurance will pay for it. It is a spot I do not like.

Part of me says it does not matter, the patient does not pay for it, the insurance does. The other part of  me says I do not need to excessively take xrays. I love making $*00 to $^00 a day. I love it! It makes me proud to work hard and get paid well. I love having the goal and the reward. I do not want to be one of those over treatment dental professionals.  I want to treat each patient individually. I want to give them the best care that I can. My plan is to keep working hard, taking xrays, giving fluoride treatments and diagnosing periodontal disease. I am going to walk the fine line between needed treatment and making large paychecks. I feel that is the best choice for me. I am not going to feel pressure from co workers to bill differently. I am going to do what I know is right.