Shadowing 2018

Spring Break:

Dr. Haines – General

-Dr. Haines was the first general dentist I’ve shadowed. Given that I’d only shadowed orthodontists, I wasn’t too clear on what general dentistry would look like. I was surprised at how many different procedures Dr. Haines was able to perform, and to see how he worked alongside with dental hygienists. I saw a lot of fillings and crown preps. I liked how Dr. Haines seemed very natural in the way he worked, and was very honest and calm towards his patients. His patients seemed to really enjoy him, and trusted him with their oral issues. Even the dental assistants commented on how good of  a dentist Dr. Haines was. He also gave me his input on why he chose dentistry over a specialization, which is something I am trying to deal with.

Dr. Emery – General

-Dr. Emery was probably my favorite dentist I shadowed of the three from break. He was super engaging in conversations, and talked through his procedures. He also showed me the different technologies he had in his office, including a Cerac machine. He also happens to work part-time at SIUE’s dental school, and his daughter (who graduated from the same high school as me!) also works at the office and the dental school as well! He was very encouraging and gave advice on dental school. Patients really enjoyed Dr. Emery. One notable one was the last patient I shadowed, who was a veteran and had not gone to the dentist in a long time. Dr. Emery was very understanding and made sure he explained everything to the patient so that the patient wouldn’t get anxious. Dr. Emery made sure to go the extra mile to make sure all of his patients were comfortable and informed of what was going on.

Dr. Hoover – General

-I finally got to shadow my personal dentist! I really enjoyed shadowing Dr. Hoover because she was the first female dentist I’ve shadowed. Not many dentists in the St. Louis area are female, so it was nice to see that someone who was the same gender as me. I wasn’t as engaged in the procedures, as she asked me to observe more from the outside (due to HIPAA), but she also talked me through how her practice ran, which was more old school. Dr. Hoover was also a non-traditional dental student, as she was a dental assistant for many years before deciding to take classes and then eventually dental school. I also got to see my first root canal, which was very interesting. She pulled out the nerves so effortlessly, she made it look easy.

Summer Break

Dr. Lori Logsdon – General

-A church friend of mine is actually friends with Dr. Logsdon and her dental assistant, so I was able to get a hold of her through that! She has a really nice office with very up to date technology. She is also a female dentist, which is even cooler! Very nice and talkative; able to hold conversations with her and asked her questions during her procedures. Got to see a root canal; I thought it was cool that she didn’t even need to use loops to see the hole!

Dr. Eric Emery – General

-got to shadow Dr. Emery again for two days! Already knew most of the information as he told me about it over Spring Break, but it was nice to see his patient interactions again and learn more about the procedures. Also learned to be careful about what to ask and say around patients, as some patients may be more anxious and don’t want to hear certain words/phrases as it may make them uneasy.

Dr. Justin Schlaikjer – Periodontist

-This was my first periodontist shadowing experience! Did not know what to expect (at first thought it was about root canals…which is actually endo). Was very blown away and interested after my first day shadowing. Dr. Schlaikjer is very good at explaining his procedures, and I got to learn about bone and gum grafts. Very interesting information, and I enjoyed the surgeries more than I expected (was afraid I would be really afraid).

Winter Break

Dr. Justin Schlaikjer – Periodontist

-Shadowed Dr. Schlaikjer again for two days over winter break. Got to review the certain types of gum procedures and saw how he incorporated laser technology and some serious cases regarding implants and receding gum lines. Got to see long surgeries and tissue grafts and also Dr. S placing implants in certain patients.

Shadowing 2017

Notes from Shadowing Experiences

Dr. Hough – Orthodontics

-shadowed my personal orthodontist again over the summer of 2017. Dr. Hough and his practice is mainly the reason as to how I began thinking of dentistry/orthodontics as a career. His staff is super friendly, and Dr. Hough himself is a very calming and chill guy. He makes patients feel very comfortable and happy to be at an orthodontic appointment. I was never excited to visit any type of dental office until I got braces with Dr. Hough. It was not a very busy day, so I didn’t get to see a lot of action in the office, but it was nice chatting with my old orthodontist and talking about school.

Dr. Helmkamp – Orthodontics

-this orthodontist recently bought an old practice. I found out about Dr. Helmkamp through OSU’s Alumni Association in St. Louis. Turns out, she is from Ohio, and attended OSU’s College of Dentistry. Dr. Helmkamp was very engaging with me when I shadowed her, and explained everything she did. It was very good time shadowing her, and I was very interested and invested throughout the entire time.