Tech Devices & Services For Students

A Guest Editorial

For busy graduate and professional students, there seems to be no end to work and communication. No matter how diligently you apply yourself to your work, there is always a new email to respond to, a new project to start on, or a new assignment to complete. But this is old news. Fortunately, with new technology coming out every year aimed at improving the ease and efficiency with which students and professionals alike conduct business, there are many devices, systems, and trends that you can take advantage of to help simplify your life as a student. Here are a few specific technologies and services you may want to take advantage of if you haven't already.

Smart Phones & Tablets
This is the obvious tip, but any discussion on devices and services that can simplify life for students requires mention of smart phones and tablets. Despite the popularity of such devices, many students have held off from purchasing them because they can seem pricey and unnecessary. However, it is increasingly true that students are expected to be accessible for work and communication at all times, and this level of connection can only be achieved with a portable smart devices with Internet access.

Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is one of the hottest trends in technology right now, largely for online businesses. However, cloud services offered by a company like ShareFile can also be very useful for a busy student. Essentially, cloud storage allows you to back up your work and projects "in the cloud" rather than on a specific device. This provides you with a sense of security, allows you to work remotely from any device that can access the Internet and log into your cloud, and also encourages easier collaboration with other students/workers.

eBooks
Another simple tip, but one that many students still have yet to take advantage of, is to invest in an eReader. Electronic reading devices allow you access to an incredible variety of textbooks, relevant magazines, etc. that can help you with your studies. The ease with which you can download and store these sources is well worth taking advantage of (and also saves you from having to lug heavy textbooks around!).

Professional Networking
Finally, when it comes to electronic services for students to take advantage of, nothing tops professional networking. Social media services like LinkedIn exist to help people make connections that can be useful in professional settings, and getting yourself connected can eventually make for a smoother transition to your eventual professional environment. In fact, even basic social media is worth mastering, as more and more professions are relying in some capacity on social networks.

IHS Externship Round Up

I had the opportunity at the tail end of my first year of dental school to visit the Indian Health Services (IHS) - White Earth Health Center in Ogema, MN. It seems like such a long time ago but I never really got a chance to make a post about my experiences. Although at that time I was not allowed to "touch" or work on patients, I went with some upperclassmen from my school and was their assistant for this 2 week externship experience.

The clinic/health center was in Ogema, MN and we had accommodations just a couple miles away in Fargo, ND. The facilities at the White Earth Health Center were state of the art and very up to date. Everything was digital which makes the practice very efficient.  The staff and doctors were very nice and friendly! They have many many years of experience and was able to teach us things we wouldn't have the chance of learning in dental school. My favorite was Dr. Woodard, she was very funny and very helpful. I love the fact she gave students the opportunity to work and show their skill-set without micro-managing them.

There were two other clinics a couple miles away in Bemidji and Naytahwaush, MN that we were able to visit. Both clinics were much smaller than that of the White Earth health center but serviced a smaller population.

 Just about 6 of us went on this trip and we all learned a great deal!

Me, and other participants (blocked out to protect their privacy)

Sometimes It was just easier standing! < Assisting> 

More assisting. I was a great assistant btw *toot

We also got the opportunity to visit two other IHS clinics - The Naytahwaush clinic in Naytahwaush, MN a few miles away and another in Bemidji, MN. They were much smaller clinics with smaller patient pools due to population of the area.

And of course we ventured out some 3+ hours to Minneapolis and visited the Mall of america and rode all the fun rides!

Downtown Minneapolis

It was overall a great experience and  would highly recommend anyone to apply for an externship with the IHS. The knowledge and experience gained is priceless!

*I had tons of photos but they were all group shots. I decided not to post them to protect the privacy of the group*

Listerine 21 day challenge

Did you know that brushing alone can leave up to 75%  of your mouth untouched causing bacteria to thrive? Listerine has teamed up with Oral Health America to donate to them $6.40 for each person who signs up for the 21 day challenge. Since it takes about 3 weeks to form a habit, the challenge is for you to start using mouthwash twice per day for 21 days. The Listerine brand will then donate to Oral Health America's Smiles Across America Program to help meet their goal of reaching 210,000 children in need of dental care.

And if keeping your mouth healthy while donating to a worthy cause didn't sound good enough, they are offering a coupon for Listerine when you sign up. Get more info on Listerine's facebook page then head over to sign up for the challenge here.

Giving Kids a Smile :)

The American Dental Association (ADA) began the Give Kids a Smile Program in 2003 as a way for members to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. This has become an annual event in dental schools across America. Each year, approximately 450,000 children benefit from the efforts of the dental students, dentists and other team members who volunteer their time

This year, my school - Howard University hosted the Give Kids a Smile Day on February 4th. Approximately 200 children from the Bruce Monroe Elementary School was treated. For some kids, it was their first visit to the dentist and we all made sure their visit was enjoyable! It was an exciting day giving back to the community and making sure the kiddies had wonderful, bright, healthy smiles.

Howard University College of Dentistry students and faculty, DC Dental Society volunteers
and community representatives are about to Give Kids A Smile Feb. 1, 2013.
                  Photo by Dr. Chester Stein


Sources: GKAS Partnership Thrives at Howard U.
Helping Children Through GKAS

Dental goodies on Pinterest

I am low key addicted to Pinterest. From the DIYs to fashion to fitness and all the dental goodness I have managed to find a way to make good use of my study breaks waste time when I am supposed to be studying.

I even have a "Dental Diary" board for all things dental. I couldn't resist. Take a look and follow if you like.

7 Hours of Study Tunes to get Through Studying!

Awesome gift for a dentist friend!

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Dental Humor

Click on any of the pics above to check out the entire board.

Same Book, Different Page...

I started the second semester of my third year a couple weeks ago. I am really excited to be moving right along with my dental school career. Before You know it it'll be graduation and I'll be your friendly neighborhood dentist (smile).
The pace this semester has slowed down tremendously, in terms of classes. I still have the second half of Pharmacology to get through which is probably my most challenging course. Besides that nuisance of a class, all my energy will be geared towards fulfilling my clinical requirements for the Junior year and begin the said for the senior year.

This whole process has truly been the ride of my life - with highs, lows and some emotions I don't know how to even begin describing. In retrospect, I am proud to have come this far and I am filled with glee at the prospects to come.

Thanks to all my readers for sticking with me, even through times when blogging became an after thought, and thank you soo much for all your wonderful emails of inspiration and praise.

Here's to semester 6 and a happy 2013!

The Safety of Amalgam Fillings

On a segment of The Doctors TV show, an investigation of the safety of amalgam fillings was conducted. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces that the fillings are not associated with adverse health effects, an interview was done with one woman who believes that these fillings contributed to her multiple sclerosis. See below:

See the recent video here: The Doctors TV show - Are mercury fillings safe?

Follow-up video:



According to the ADA: 

Should your patients ask you about amalgam fillings, consider the following points:

•  Amalgam has been used for generations to help save decayed teeth in more than 100 million Americans.

•  Amalgam has been thoroughly studied, and no properly designed research studies have linked dental amalgam to serious health problems.

•  (If appropriate) I have amalgam fillings in my mouth. 

• An amalgam filling is just one of a variety of dental filling options available to you. Let's talk about what's best for you.

 Source: ADA, The Doctors