AWARDS & FELLOWSHIPS
Implant Study Club
In October of 2011, a classmate (Jared Weiss) and I decided to start our own club based on the study of implants at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. The overall goal of this club is to provide students with the opportunity to learn how to implement implants into a general practice setting. We soon realized that this club could provide information on implant clinic protocol at our school. With a growing population of patients that request implants, this club has recently taken on the challenge of increasing clinic efficency pertaining to placing and restoring implants, something that in the past has left students unsure of what they are required to do.
Our school’s current protocol involve numerous steps to improve the accuracy and decrease complications with placment of implants. Working with multiple Department Chairs, I began a project that will help students understand each step, help them prepare for each appointment, and have visual references throughout the entire process. This project, to be called Implant Clinic Guidebook, will include a detailed PowerPoint with pictures, live patient videos, and important clinic forms to lead students through the entire process. We hope that students use this reference to prepare for appointments, boost their patient presentations, and understand what lab work they are required to prepare.
Below is an attached document that outlines this project. We started with an example of a single implant placment on the lower posterior. We walked students through the first consultation to the restorative process. In the document you will notice the details involved; from what type of material to use to the specific codes to treatment plan (all according to the clinic protocol).
Today, the club still continues. As the dental school prepares to move to its new location, this club will continue to help students understand the procedure and requirements for placing implants and their restorations successfully and predictably.
Mentorship
My mentor, Dr. Mike Clark, is a general dentist in my hometown of Yakima.
Dr. Clark was the first person to challenge me to explore the dental field. He allowed me to job shadow him whenever I came home. I was a sophmore in college when Dr. Clark became my childhood dentist’s associate. He eventually bought his practice and has been a great resource and friend these past six years.
During my job shadowing, I was able to see the other side of the dental chair. As a patient I only remembered cleanings and sealants (no cavities, thank you). Watching Dr. Clark interact with his team, his patients, and other dentists inspired me. He showed me how successful dentists can be when they care for the whole person–not just the teeth and gums. I can honestly say that without Dr. Clark, I would never have realized my passion for dentistry.
Recently, Dr. Clark explained to me how he and a local oral surgeon collaborate on implants and implant retained prothesis. Most of his work has been implant overdentures with the occassional fixed implant complete dentures. He continues to learn through this collaboration and hopes to dedicate one day a week to patients with removable and fixed complex needs, something I hope to incorporate into my future practice.