Pediatric And Orthodontic Dentistry Internship

Pediatric and Orthodontic Dentistry Internship
Caitlin Montgomery
College Park Scholars – Science & Global Change Program
Business Management Major
Introduction
During summer 2013, I shadowed Dr.
[email protected]; @SGCCaitlin
Madeleine Goodman at Amy Light’s
Pediatric and Orthodontic Dentistry office. College Park Scholars Academic Showcase; May 9, 2014
I have always been interested in medicine,
Activities:
and I wanted to learn more about the
On Orthodontia side, I observed:
science of dentistry and about dentistry as a
•  Spacers/palatal expander/lingual arch
possible career path. My only prior
•  Braces being put on, taken off, and adjustments
knowledge was my own experience of
•  Upper and lower permanent retainers
Future Work:
visiting my dentist and orthodontist.
•  Temporary Anchorage Device (TAD)
This internship has strengthened my passion for
• Retainers/ night guards
After observing, I learned about dental
dentistry. Thus, I’ve decided to plan to switch to
•  Invisalign cases
anatomy, hygiene, and the techniques
a General Biology Major in order to better
• Panoramic x-rays
orthodontists use to straighten teeth and
prepare myself for dental school.
On Pedodontist side, I observed:
align the jaw. Dr. Goodman used
Now, I strive to promote oral health to everyone
• Hygiene/cleanings
Evidence-Based Treatment (EBT) in
that I can speak to because it is important not
•  Pullings
figuring out how to treat her patients. EBT
only for your teeth but also for your overall
•  Sealants, Fillings with Waterlase
is the practice of using current scientific
health.
• Labial Frenectomy
evidence in guiding decision-making in
• Bite wing X-rays
dentistry. Dr. Goodman uses both the XI am still unsure if I would want to specialize in
•  Intraoral Camera pictures
rays and her own oberservations to view
pediatric dentistry, orthodontia, or something
• Assisted set up/cleaning chairs
the alignment of the teeth and roots to
else. I definitely enjoyed seeing kids at the
•  Used an autoclave to clean equipment
make accurate decisions.
office everyday!
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Site Information:
Amy Light, DMD, Pediatric and Orthodontic
Dentistry
9812 Falls Road, Suite 118
Potomac, MD 20854
Supervisor: Madeleine Goodman, DMD
Mission Statements:
We are passionate about helping children maintain a healthy smile and
strive to educate parents and children alike in what it takes to achieve a
healthy mouth for life. Our team is dedicated to providing both
children and adults with the highest quality of orthodontic care in a
patient-focused, family friendly environment. We offer a variety of modes of
treatment customized to meet you and your children’s needs. Impact:
Dr. Light’s office is very busy, especially after
school hours, so I was able to help seat patients
in their chairs before seeing the orthodontist or
dentist. The office is dedicated to maintaining a
friendly atmosphere that takes the fear out of
going to the dentist, so I was able to help young
patients feel more comfortable during their
procedures. Also, if a doctor needed an extra
hand in finding equipment, I helped.
I learned in orthodontics, there are many
different types of treatments kids and adults can
get in order to correct something. For instance,
not everyone can use Invisalign. In pediatric
dentistry, I learned about the importance of
sealants, which prevent cavities.
Acknowledgments:
I would like to thank Dr. Goodman for giving
me the opportunity to shadow her at Dr. Light’s
office.
I would also like to thank Dr. Light, Dr.
Sholander, Dr. Keaney, and everyone in the
office for helping me learn more about dental
health and care.
Last, but not least, I would like the thank Dr.
Holtz and Dr. Merck, as well as the Science and
Global Change and College Park Scholars
Program.