A group of Pre-Dentistry students from University of Dayton observed and offered help at Good Neighbor House. They typically have seen dentistry from a private practice perspective. Being here, they are able to see a whole different world of care and need. We asked them to share their stories, and this is what one of them wrote:
Student #1
“The past two weeks of observation in Good Neighbor House have been very beneficial. I have observed Dr. Sutton perform all different types of procedures, including root canals, tooth pulling, regular cleanings, denture fittings, and many consultations. One of the best parts about this experience is witnessing what a great service Good Neighbor House is providing to their patients. In the past, I had only observed in private practices, so this is definitely eye opening.
What I loved most about this experience so far is that every day is different. The procedures are different, each patient is different, and the way of communication for each patient is different. Each patient has their own background and it is nice to see how the workers and the doctor interact with these patients. They do their absolute best to accommodate the patient in every way possible. They walk them through everything that is going to happen so that the patient understands what is to come and so they overall feel comfortable.
I have already observed and learned many different things during these past two weeks. I have seen that a dental office requires many different factors other than the doctor for it to be successful. The Good Neighbor House has workers who truly want to be there and help the patients better their lives. They provide the patients with any resources they might need.
I have started to establish relationships with these workers and Dr. Sutton. I am helping out where I can, whether I am wiping down the exam rooms, putting the dental instruments in the sterilizer, or just writing notes down. I am really enjoying learning how to do these different tasks, communication with the patients, and observing the doctor while she works and communicates with each patient. Like I said before, each day of observing is different and I look forward to it every week.”