So, as soon as I started practicing, Covid hit. For the reserve I serve, the dentist : patient ratio is 1: 3500. Because of the strict lock down, only strict emergencies were allowed out of reserve. Technically the clinic closes at 5 pm but I had to keep the clinic open till 6 most day or even 7:30 pm on certain occasions.
Initially there were lots of emergency extractions, we eventually moved on to more emergency pulpectomies and root canals and it was an amazing experience. I also see lots of kids in my practice, I do extraction, SDF, GIC for kids till they have a chance to go see a specialist in Winnipeg, most young patients are on waitlist for the treatment under GA and pharmacological management is the only thing we can do in office.
The amount of PPE requirement because of Covid and extra time required for donning and doffing take a lot of time. The typical PPE I use is N95 mask, surgical cap, 4x loupes (not a part of PPE but I use them for every patient), face shield and surgical gown. The shield gets wiped down in between patients and gown gets changed after every patient. FNIH had provided nice reusable cotton gowns they get washed at the end of the day.
The chair gets wiped down with an approved spray with 1 minute contact time , barriers get changed, X-ray machine, all buttons, handles get wiped after every patient.
For me, the major burn out is caused by the fact that no regular dental assistant is available to work on reserve, so all of the cleaning protocol I mentioned , I do on my own.
I really enjoy doing surgical extractions, wisdom tooth surgeries, endodontics, preventative dentistry. It gives me the same high that I get when I go running during the summers (the runner’s high). The cases that I deem beyond my expertise, I refer out through FNIH’s referral program. I am really thankful to FNIHB for this amazing opportunity.
The revelation that I had when I started experiencing the burnout is that I need time for self care. I started doing regular yoga with Kylie Adele, and also follow yoga with Adrien and yoga with Kassandra and Cat Meffan on YouTube. Jessica Lee - Inspire Nation is my life coach and I attend online congregation arranged by Sri Guru Nanak Yog Mission every Sunday.
I work 3 weeks on 1 week off and really practice self care during my week off.
I hope you practice self care and love 💕 We are exactly where we are supposed to be and ‘we start where we are’.
Peace,
The Travelling Dentist