Dental Assistant Stories: Bites, Stabs, and More
Hi Paul, thank you for the A2A. Although a consumer of quality dental services, I am not a trained dental specialist. My field is elsewhere, and to the best of my knowledge, I have not been bitten by a client either.
However, as a chair-side assistant, I have witnessed several incidents that illustrate the challenges dentists and dental professionals face daily. While I myself have only experienced a minor bite from a young patient, these stories offer valuable insights into the field.
My Personal Experience
On a personal note, I’ve been bitten, but not severely. It happened with a young patient who was under nitrous oxide anesthesia. He wasn’t fully aware that he was biting my thumb. It bruised, but no blood was drawn. This story highlights the importance of being aware of patient movements and their mental state during procedures.
Common Dental Mishaps
No, I haven’t experienced a serious bite from a client, but other dental professionals have. As a chair-side assistant, both myself and my colleagues have encountered several dental mishaps that serve as valuable learning experiences.
Incident 1: Inadvertent Bites from a Cooperating Patient
One vivid incident involved a young patient with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I had successfully extracted one of their teeth a few months prior, and they were cooperative then. During a follow-up procedure, the patient was perfectly happy to see me but refused to lean back in the dental chair. After much coaxing, they finally did, and as I placed my finger in their mouth, they started talking, inadvertently biting my finger pretty hard. I quickly removed my finger, which had scraped through the glove and my skin. I washed my hands, donned new gloves, and completed the procedure with a lot of patience.
Lessons Learned: Since then, I avoid asking patients to shut up or close their mouths when I have my finger inside their mouth. Instead, I ask them to stop talking, as it is easier and avoids potential discomfort.
Incident 2: A Forceful Bite from a Newborn
Another incident involved a newborn with natal teeth, or small tooth-like structures that can appear in the gums of newborns. In such cases, we remove them if they cause feeding problems or if they are too loose. During one such removal, when I inserted my hand in the newborn's mouth, the infant instinctively closed its jaws on my fingers. Despite the lack of teeth, the infant's gums provided a surprisingly strong bite. This experience taught me that even the smallest individuals can exert considerable force, emphasizing the need for caution and patience.
Lessons Learned: Always wear appropriate protective gear and be gentle with newborns, as their gums can be both delicate and strong.
Additional Dental Mishaps
While less severe, other incidents have also occurred. I remember being stabbed by a syringe needle twice, once when a patient unexpectedly jumped, and another time when there was a sudden jostle from auxiliary personnel.
Lessons Learned: Always be vigilant and prepared for unexpected movements. Regular safety procedures and equipment checks are essential to prevent these incidents.
Conclusion
In summary, while dental professionals may face various challenges and mishaps, these experiences are opportunities for learning and improvement. By sharing these stories, we can better understand the demands of our profession and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and comfort of both patients and dental professionals.