Perio Rotation

Today I had an interesting experience in the perio rotation.  I was able to complete an AP for a periodontal patient who had received multiple surgeries to restore some attachment loss.  I got to use the ultrasonic for the first time.  I was amazed at its efficiency.  It was a lot easier and more convenient than hand instruments.  I was asked to ultrasonic generally and then fine tune with hand instruments.  This made the job extremely easy and was very time efficient, even with the patient having a plaque free score of 30%.  I had 35 minutes to do an AP.  Though I was a bit nervous, I set to work, the periodontist was in and out to check on me and I slowly became confident with the new instrument.  The doctor gave me positive feedback and told me I was natural. 

I also had an issue with the patient.  The patient was asking me inappropriate questions, asking me for my personal contact information.  This made me uncomfortable.  Though I continued to work on the patient to complete my task, I thought this was highly unfortunate.  I talked to the periodontist and expressed my concerns.  He told me that this is an issue I will have to deal with and should know how to encounter such patients.  He told me I don't have to stand for that and to remind my patients of our professional relationship if this were to happen again.  He documented the incident.  It taught me a lot about myself.  Though I truly do care and want to help patients achieve great oral hygiene as a clinician, there are boundaries and limitations that need to be in check at all times between a patient and clinician.  When these boundaries are crossed, and when I feel uncomfortable performing a task, I need to take action and let individuals what is going on, like the dentist, and that I don't appreciate and will not stand for such behavior from the patient.  Overall it was a great learning experience and i can't wait to visit perio again.