Hello there friends and colleagues!
I got some really good news
Today (8/28/2018) at 12PM I got my Dental Hygiene License!!!
Talk about a great feeling!!
If you read my previous post you know I said VA had the most streamlined process for the RDH license application. Well, they delivered it!
Next POST...
I'm looking to temp and probably do couple of interviews in the next few days.
Tuesday, August 28, 2018
Tuesday, August 21, 2018
SO, WHAT NEXT AFTER HYGIENE SCHOOL??!!
Hello, there good folks! I hope everyone has been okay. I know I should have been writing more since I have had a breather from the hell that is hygiene school( It's actually not that bad!).
On the morning of July 26, 2018, I woke up in the Belfast United Kingdom(Northern Ireland) to the great news that I had passed my National Boards for the Dental Hygiene. What a way to boost my vacation mood!
Soon as I got back to the States I knew I had to hit the ground running as far as licenses application goes. I am getting a license for DMV area, that is DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The application process turned out to be quite a task and also quite expensive.
Virginia was by far the easiest as everything is online and you can pay with your credit card. You can also monitor the progress of your paperwork on their site using your account as they have a checklist.
For DC and Maryland, the application is expensive, you have to have the money, no credit cards as you have to use a money order, you have to download law exams print them and do them. Take them to the notary and then send them in with the application. The cost for Maryland for the law exam was $50 and the rest of the application was $275. If you send your documents and one is missing, you will have to pay an extra $50 everytime they contact you about it! You also have to go get your passport photo taken and have it certified that that is your true picture.
The originally sealed transcript from school is the most challenging part as the school only gives one original copy. If you want another one you will have to pay an extra $20 for each copy.
Anyhow, this process has been completed and now the next thing is to wait...and wait. The reason for getting the 3 licenses is because I will be living right on the border of the 3 states and I would like to get the experience of both places and also because I will be tempting I will not be limited to one small area. I have sent out a couple of applications and got a number of calls back. Also, there are a few places that want to interview me after my license come in.
This past Sunday I had a chance to do my first ever podcast interview with Dr. Darwin Speaks. I was super excited as I am a big fan of Dr. Darwin Channels online and his pages. He's big on motivating doctors, students and pretty much anyone in the dental field is a dentist himself understands the ins and outs of the whole struggle in dentistry. You can check it out HERE. That was quite high for me!
For now, I'm expecting my license in the mail anytime and start temping or doing some interviews. I'm super excited about this phase of my life an keep it here to know when I get my license and start working.
On the morning of July 26, 2018, I woke up in the Belfast United Kingdom(Northern Ireland) to the great news that I had passed my National Boards for the Dental Hygiene. What a way to boost my vacation mood!
Soon as I got back to the States I knew I had to hit the ground running as far as licenses application goes. I am getting a license for DMV area, that is DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The application process turned out to be quite a task and also quite expensive.
Virginia was by far the easiest as everything is online and you can pay with your credit card. You can also monitor the progress of your paperwork on their site using your account as they have a checklist.
For DC and Maryland, the application is expensive, you have to have the money, no credit cards as you have to use a money order, you have to download law exams print them and do them. Take them to the notary and then send them in with the application. The cost for Maryland for the law exam was $50 and the rest of the application was $275. If you send your documents and one is missing, you will have to pay an extra $50 everytime they contact you about it! You also have to go get your passport photo taken and have it certified that that is your true picture.
The originally sealed transcript from school is the most challenging part as the school only gives one original copy. If you want another one you will have to pay an extra $20 for each copy.
Anyhow, this process has been completed and now the next thing is to wait...and wait. The reason for getting the 3 licenses is because I will be living right on the border of the 3 states and I would like to get the experience of both places and also because I will be tempting I will not be limited to one small area. I have sent out a couple of applications and got a number of calls back. Also, there are a few places that want to interview me after my license come in.
This past Sunday I had a chance to do my first ever podcast interview with Dr. Darwin Speaks. I was super excited as I am a big fan of Dr. Darwin Channels online and his pages. He's big on motivating doctors, students and pretty much anyone in the dental field is a dentist himself understands the ins and outs of the whole struggle in dentistry. You can check it out HERE. That was quite high for me!
For now, I'm expecting my license in the mail anytime and start temping or doing some interviews. I'm super excited about this phase of my life an keep it here to know when I get my license and start working.
Friday, June 29, 2018
LAST DAY OF DENTAL HYGIENE SCHOOL!!!
Today, Thursday the 28th of June 2018 at 12:15 PM marks my last day of dental hygiene school. The last 21 months have been a walk in the park!!( That's a bad joke). They have been the most torturous and enduring 21 months of my life. The total number of breaks I got from those months are all less than 3 days with the longest being a little over a week and it was only the 2017 Christmas.
We have been tested and pushed to the limit but we came out shining like diamonds. We have the graduation or the pinning ceremony set for this weekend Saturday.
The greatest relieve is having to sign the form that states you have met all the requirements for the clinic.
Next step is to work for the NBDHE national exam which is set for 11th of July. After that It's time to look for license. Thinking of moving back to Maryland,D.C,Virginia area.
But before that I will be taking a nice 10 day vacation in Ireland to de-stress!
I will keep everyone updated on what next!
We have been tested and pushed to the limit but we came out shining like diamonds. We have the graduation or the pinning ceremony set for this weekend Saturday.
The greatest relieve is having to sign the form that states you have met all the requirements for the clinic.
Next step is to work for the NBDHE national exam which is set for 11th of July. After that It's time to look for license. Thinking of moving back to Maryland,D.C,Virginia area.
But before that I will be taking a nice 10 day vacation in Ireland to de-stress!
I will keep everyone updated on what next!
Friday, June 1, 2018
I DID MY CLINICAL BOARD EXAMS TODAY!!!
Hey guys! Just a quick update here!
I did my exam 1 of 3 today! Patient never had a cleaning all his life! he had lots of calculus. One of tooth selected was rejected due to its apice not being visible on the printed radiographs! I was however given a chance to choose another tooth! Cant wait to know the results!
Next Saturday the 11th of June 2018 Will be sitting for my computer simulated clinical also known as the regional Board exam. I cant wait to be done with the program. 21 months of non stop tests and quizzes!
For other candiates out there good luck and please print or take real good radiographs. I will write a more comprehensive post on my experience today later! 👊
I did my exam 1 of 3 today! Patient never had a cleaning all his life! he had lots of calculus. One of tooth selected was rejected due to its apice not being visible on the printed radiographs! I was however given a chance to choose another tooth! Cant wait to know the results!
Next Saturday the 11th of June 2018 Will be sitting for my computer simulated clinical also known as the regional Board exam. I cant wait to be done with the program. 21 months of non stop tests and quizzes!
For other candiates out there good luck and please print or take real good radiographs. I will write a more comprehensive post on my experience today later! 👊
Sunday, April 29, 2018
BOARD EXAMS BOOKED!
Hey guys! Just a quick update.
My clinical Board exams have been booked for 1st June 2018. That is exactly a month from today. The regional boards which is the Computer Clinical exam have been set for 9th of June which is the weekend following the clinical board. I have2 patients for clinical board exams and looking forward to have either of them. This week I will bring in the guy for teeth selection. He has not had a cleaning for a long time and same as the other patient both qualified. Girl smokes the guy doesn't. I have heard some people say it makes a difference if one is a smoker or not. Either way I think both qualify and will be screening them this week and next week for teeth selection.
For now I'm trying to get my other requirements finished. I still need to take a couple of radiographs and do some sealants as well. I have some diagnodents to do too. I have been thinking of scheduling for my National Boards sometimes in early July and if all goes well get a well needed vacation. I also will be volunteering at Missions Of Mercy PA in Reading PA from 17th of May to June 19th. I'm still trying to see if I can Get in some reading done will up there. Its like 5 hrs drive from Erie. I enjoyed participating in the other one so much that I can't wait to get to this one too and learn and also help.
Probably by the time of next posting I will have finished my exams and I will be posting some GOOD news!! Keep me in your prayers and thoughts!!
My clinical Board exams have been booked for 1st June 2018. That is exactly a month from today. The regional boards which is the Computer Clinical exam have been set for 9th of June which is the weekend following the clinical board. I have2 patients for clinical board exams and looking forward to have either of them. This week I will bring in the guy for teeth selection. He has not had a cleaning for a long time and same as the other patient both qualified. Girl smokes the guy doesn't. I have heard some people say it makes a difference if one is a smoker or not. Either way I think both qualify and will be screening them this week and next week for teeth selection.
For now I'm trying to get my other requirements finished. I still need to take a couple of radiographs and do some sealants as well. I have some diagnodents to do too. I have been thinking of scheduling for my National Boards sometimes in early July and if all goes well get a well needed vacation. I also will be volunteering at Missions Of Mercy PA in Reading PA from 17th of May to June 19th. I'm still trying to see if I can Get in some reading done will up there. Its like 5 hrs drive from Erie. I enjoyed participating in the other one so much that I can't wait to get to this one too and learn and also help.
Probably by the time of next posting I will have finished my exams and I will be posting some GOOD news!! Keep me in your prayers and thoughts!!
Sunday, February 11, 2018
Almost Done with Dental Hygiene School!!
First post of 2018!
Things have been moving so fast that I barely had time to post a blog post. First Semester of 2018 ends tomorrow (Monday 2/12/18). This was officially one of the hardest semesters we had in DH school so far. Dental pharmacology 2, Dental local Anesthesia 2, Periodontics 3 and dental seminar 4 while still seeing patients in clinic was really tasking. Good thing is that we at least have finished that and we will soon be officially able to administer local anesthesia to our patients in the clinic.
It also means we don't have to go home numb every Wed after practicing getting each other numb.
We have less than 5 months to complete our 21 months of study to become RDH (That comes after passing the board exams). They are life changing 21 months. You learn so much not just academic but also professionally as well as social as you basically almost live with your classmates. You spend almost all your days together and its especially not easy in some cases.
I decided not to go for Board Exam Review and bought a book which I'm using to review for my exam. I also have an App that has really good questions and also relying on previous class notes to get ready for the exam which I plan to take in July. June 1st is the day to take the clinical board exam and so already placing a plan in place to find a patient who will fit clinical class 4 level patient who is required for board exams. Its not uncommon for students to pay $100 to get the patients to come in for the screening and see who fits as an exam candidate.
I'm also looking forward to Mom-N_PA dental Mission in May which is a volunteer chance to help people in the community. Last year it was in Erie but this year it's in Reading PA. Anyone interested can register here. It was such a satisfying and life changing experience.
We have a day off on Tuesday before the start of another semester and I look forward to spend the day getting my citizenship interview done.
Things have been moving so fast that I barely had time to post a blog post. First Semester of 2018 ends tomorrow (Monday 2/12/18). This was officially one of the hardest semesters we had in DH school so far. Dental pharmacology 2, Dental local Anesthesia 2, Periodontics 3 and dental seminar 4 while still seeing patients in clinic was really tasking. Good thing is that we at least have finished that and we will soon be officially able to administer local anesthesia to our patients in the clinic.
 |
| Getting my Sealants done by Brissa. |
It also means we don't have to go home numb every Wed after practicing getting each other numb.
We have less than 5 months to complete our 21 months of study to become RDH (That comes after passing the board exams). They are life changing 21 months. You learn so much not just academic but also professionally as well as social as you basically almost live with your classmates. You spend almost all your days together and its especially not easy in some cases.
I decided not to go for Board Exam Review and bought a book which I'm using to review for my exam. I also have an App that has really good questions and also relying on previous class notes to get ready for the exam which I plan to take in July. June 1st is the day to take the clinical board exam and so already placing a plan in place to find a patient who will fit clinical class 4 level patient who is required for board exams. Its not uncommon for students to pay $100 to get the patients to come in for the screening and see who fits as an exam candidate.
I'm also looking forward to Mom-N_PA dental Mission in May which is a volunteer chance to help people in the community. Last year it was in Erie but this year it's in Reading PA. Anyone interested can register here. It was such a satisfying and life changing experience.
We have a day off on Tuesday before the start of another semester and I look forward to spend the day getting my citizenship interview done.
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
Of Keystone Dental Seminar and Second year first semester.
Howdy good folks?!
Its been a short while since I posted something here. Short while? Right!
Anyhow I hope everyone has been doing great and thanks for stopping by.
Finally made it out of second semester of hygiene school alive....kidding! Its not that bad. The oral pathology 2 was over yesterday and same for Dental pharmacology. I promise you I had fun with Dental Pharm! Same can't be said of the Oral Pathology. But I ended up doing better in Pathology than Pharm. Happens all the time.
Last week I had a chance to attend the Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene Association Keystone Dental conference. This was held in Lancaster, PA. The 5 hour drive was no fun but the event was. I had a chance to meet a number of people who are followers of this blog. I had the chance to meet one of my mentors in this field. It was first time meeting her in person .I'm talking about Speaker and writer Jasmin Harley. The owner of 'Beyond the Prophy LLC and another podcast called MOMgienist. You can follow and listen to the very informative podcast here and you can check out the Beyond the prophy here. She had a talk to present so we didn't have a lot of time to talk but we had time for a quick chat and a photo.
I didn't present my project as it was not among the top 3 that were to present from our school. Kelly and I manned the sales desk and we sold a number of things. I think Kelly is in the wrong profession. Why!Anyone who made a mistake of stopping by our sales table ended up buying something. Now, anyone who can sell candy and chocolate to Hygienists and other dental professionals can sell anything! Way to go Kells! You know with such a a talent you don't have to be trapped in the dental operatory.
My other classmates rocked the table clinic presentations. Maria with her fluoride project, Nikki and Ashante with Electronic Cigarettes and Sara, Catherine and Laurel with their project on Hypophosphatasia
In the evening I attending the talk hosted by the nationally acclaimed motivational speaker Linda Larsen. Very inspiring talk on "Staying the Right Side up -When everything's Upside Down". By the time for the "Get your Glow on Party" at 7PM all my classmates and left and was already tired. I went out to see Lancaster Night life and the first Irish pub I stopped right next to where the conference was held, the first thing I saw was "Kenyan Food and Music". At first I thought someone was playing a very bad plank but on getting inside I was in for a surprise. Kids from Kenya were performing and singing. Most of these kids are orphans and come from very poor single parent families and live in a group home called Maisha.This is Swahili word which means life. I ended up meeting a lot of people from Kenya and had a great evening of food, great talk and some great dancing to traditional Kenyan music. A lot of people from Lancaster came out to support the kids. The event was dubbed a Night fro Africa and I bought a T-shirt to show my support. You can check out their website here and support them if you can.
The Maisha Kids
Special thanks to our program director Mrs Dana Shaffer for working tirelessly to make the event happen and for being there with us all though to make it sure everything went on as planned. Also shout out to Kelsey and Kailee from our sister school-Fortis Scranton for being faithful followers of the blog and for finally meeting you in person! We forgot to take a picture but next time...there will be many pics!
Let me enjoy my one day break before getting back to start second semester tomorrow.
6 more months to go till done with the program! Let the count down begin.
Its been a short while since I posted something here. Short while? Right!
Anyhow I hope everyone has been doing great and thanks for stopping by.
Finally made it out of second semester of hygiene school alive....kidding! Its not that bad. The oral pathology 2 was over yesterday and same for Dental pharmacology. I promise you I had fun with Dental Pharm! Same can't be said of the Oral Pathology. But I ended up doing better in Pathology than Pharm. Happens all the time.
Last week I had a chance to attend the Pennsylvania Dental Hygiene Association Keystone Dental conference. This was held in Lancaster, PA. The 5 hour drive was no fun but the event was. I had a chance to meet a number of people who are followers of this blog. I had the chance to meet one of my mentors in this field. It was first time meeting her in person .I'm talking about Speaker and writer Jasmin Harley. The owner of 'Beyond the Prophy LLC and another podcast called MOMgienist. You can follow and listen to the very informative podcast here and you can check out the Beyond the prophy here. She had a talk to present so we didn't have a lot of time to talk but we had time for a quick chat and a photo.
 |
| Bottom Left,Jasmin, Kelly and I |
I didn't present my project as it was not among the top 3 that were to present from our school. Kelly and I manned the sales desk and we sold a number of things. I think Kelly is in the wrong profession. Why!Anyone who made a mistake of stopping by our sales table ended up buying something. Now, anyone who can sell candy and chocolate to Hygienists and other dental professionals can sell anything! Way to go Kells! You know with such a a talent you don't have to be trapped in the dental operatory.
 |
| Kelly and I repsentin' |
 | |
| Nikki and Ashante rocking! |
 |
| Maria was ready! |
 | |
| Catherine,Sara and Laurel were all set. |
Special thanks to our program director Mrs Dana Shaffer for working tirelessly to make the event happen and for being there with us all though to make it sure everything went on as planned. Also shout out to Kelsey and Kailee from our sister school-Fortis Scranton for being faithful followers of the blog and for finally meeting you in person! We forgot to take a picture but next time...there will be many pics!
Let me enjoy my one day break before getting back to start second semester tomorrow.
6 more months to go till done with the program! Let the count down begin.
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