Monthly Archives: August 2021

Reflecting on starting the term of ENGL 301 to now, I feel accomplished. In high school and throughout College, I have struggled to write my thoughts simple and concise. With the re-editing of the assignments and peer reviews, it is evident that this is a skill that needs to be continually practiced. I am glad that I took notes on the assignment, editing and peer review processes to reflect on as needed.

Some of the assignments, such as the ‘YOU attitude,’ has become incorporated into daily life in my career. Amazingly, it is useful in discussions with my employer, fellow employees, and clients. They appear to absorb and respect the input that I have to give, which motivates me to do the best.

Although, this is something that takes time to perfect I am glad that I now have the steps to move forward in my career and life.

For the final assignment a Webfolio to present all of the best work that was created during the ENGL 301 term was drafted. As I had kept up with most of the editing throughout the course, I felt this would be an easy task. The Webfolio outlined: a home and introductory page, best work assignments, online resume, application package, a blog, and LinkedIn profile.

Revising the original UBC blog I had created to revamp it into the Webfolio was meant to be straightforward. When creating the ‘revised’ products of my best works I discovered that I couldn’t figure out how to link it to my new webfolio. This proved a challenge for quite awhile. The forum appears to be so simple, but has so many features that are still being discovered. I think it is similar to the LinkedIn profile where it is something that needs to be perfected over time. Connecting the Technical Writing assignments, LinkedIn profile, UBC blog, and Webfolio they all represent the same thing; simplicity and conciseness.

A final thank you to the BADV team for all their support and expert advice. I would like to thank the professor as well for timely response and advice to questions I had and using YOU attitude. It’s clear how well it works (from my experience) for the reciprocator to feel motivated and empowered as well as comfortable to communicate unclear directions.

To: Erika Paterson, Professor, University of British Columbia

From: Alanna Mckeigue, Student, University of British Columbia

Date: June 14, 2021

Subject: Proposal for reducing occupational musculoskeletal disorders by implementing extracurricular yoga.

Introduction

In the dental industry, there is a high risk for developing occupational musculoskeletal disorders (from now on referred to as an MSD). Estimated population of dental professionals that suffer from MSDs is 86%; these include: dentists, dental hygienists, dental assistants, and receptionists. MSDs are mainly caused by the prolonged time of maintaining a static posture or producing repetitive movements in the dental setting. The areas of concern for dental professionals include the neck, shoulders, wrist, lower back and rarely the lower extremeties (less than 10%).

Aerobic exercise is said to be the best in prevention of an MSD. It is recommended to be practiced three to four times a week for at least twenty minutes to increase blood flow to the tissues in the body and improve their ability to use oxygen. Complimented with an stress-reduction technique such as breathing techniques, meditation, or massage it will create everlasting health for body and mind.

At the dental clinic I practice at, two dental hygienists have undergone radiofrequency rhizotomy (a surgery that inherently burns small nerves in the neck to reduce pain), which only treats the pain and not the problem itself. That being said, there is a direct relationship between decreased fitness levels and MSD. A challenge that is faced working a full-time career is the varying hours of fitness or yoga studios to access these classes, excluding the new regulations from COVID 19.

Statement of Problem

Musculoskeletal disorders are produced from the prolonged static posture or repetition of the same movement daily over a long period of time. With inadequate strengthening or stretching of of those muscles and facia (connective tissue), there is a very high risk of developing a MSD. This risk is not restricted to dentists, but subject to any career in the dental field.

Proposed Solution

A proposal for the solution of developing an MSD is a pilot project for the dental clinic I work at, that would implement an extracurricular yoga class once per week for the dental staff. To accommodate the entire staff, it would be a relaxation or yin yoga class that is directed at the neck, upper and lower back. This would be a private class for the dental staff to provide comfort with the new regulations of COVID 19, as it is a small clinic. To be accessible to the workplace, the studio will be no further than a five minute walk. Time of the class will be determined by the dental staff.

Scope

To assess feasibility of creating a pilot project for an extracurricular yoga class for the dental staff to decrease the risk of developing an MSD, I would pursue six areas of inquiry:

1. Would people feel comfortable attending a class after hours with the office staff?
2. What is the interest in the office to attend an extracurricular yoga class?
3. What would the cost for a private class for the office be?
4. Is the cost manageable for the office budget?
5. Is there a studio or space that would be willing to either put on a class or rent the space?
6. What time would be most suitable for a class? Morning, afternoon, or evening?

Methods

My primary research methods will be an anonymous survey to the dental staff to inquire about interest in attending an extracurricular yoga class. I will also perform proposals to multiple yoga studios in the area to assess the accessibility of a yoga class.

Secondary sources will include research studies on the percentage of dental staff developing MSD’s, different types of MSD’s, and prevention strategies of MSD’s that will be handed out before the anonymous survey to inform the dental staff. I will also incorporate health benefits of a yoga practice on MSD through respected journals and articles.

My Qualifications

Being an activist of health and prevention, I have attended many forms of yoga classes in my area. I am acquainted with many yoga instructors and studios, which allows me to connect with these professionals and foresee any possibility of producing a private class or renting a space for yoga. If there was no accessible teachers I am a qualified yoga teacher, that could guide classes if there was a space provided.

Conclusion

Clearly, a solution is needed to provide an accessible option for prevention of a Musculoskeletal disorder. By addressing the six areas of inquiry as mentioned above, I can determine the feasibility of the pilot project of an extracurricular yoga class, modified for MSD and stress-related muscle tension, available to the dental clinic. With your approval I will begin research.

Alanna Mckeigue

Comox, BC, V9M 2B7

Cell: 250-329-4388

Email: alanna.mckeigue@gmail.com

Objective

Position for a Registered Dental Hygienist at Children’s Oral Health Initiative delivered to First Nations Communities in Manitoba.

Education

2019-2022                 University of British Columbia, British Columbia, Canada

Dental Hygiene Degree Completion, May 2022. Grade point average of 3.50 of a possible 4.0. Completed and financially paid for while working a part-time job of 20 hours a week.

2009-2012                 Cambrian College, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Dental Hygiene Diploma, May 2012. Grade point average of 4.0 out of a possible 4.0. Completed attending full-time college.

Employment

2019-Current            Dr Sarah Johnston, Courtenay BC, British Columbia, Canada

Working in an education based Periodontal clinic, providing non surgical treatment therapy to clients in need; before or instead of periodontal surgery. Duties include plaque index, oral health education, and preventative therapies.

2019-Current            West Rock Dental Temp, Courtenay and surrounding area, BC, Canada

Providing dental services at clinics that need a fill in dental hygienist. Requires strong communication skills, self-initiating dental hygiene services, and critical thinking.

2016-2019                 Kimberley Family Dental, Kimberley, BC, Canada

Starting in a practice as a solo dental hygienist to building an interdependent team of four hygienists. Overseeing and providing dental treatment to clients with excellence where they feel safe and comfortable that they are receiving top quality care.

2013-2014                 Northern Health Authority, Fort St John, BC, Canada

Removing barriers to develop oral health initiatives in a variety of settings including: First Nations Communities (children in school grades 0-3), pre and post natal clinics for low-income mothers (babies 0-7 years), and scaling/ root planing for hospital dental sedation.

 Volunteer Initiatives

March 2012               Footprints Vietnam, Hanoi-Sapa, Vietnam

Volunteer initiative to implement oral health education to an orphanage and two Northern village schools.

April 2012                  Walk for a Smile, Sudbury, Ontario, Canada

Empowered low-income families with oral health education and provided dental services.

References

Periodontist                           Sarah Johnston. 453 Cumberland Rd, Courtenay, BC, V9N 2C5.

250 334 4480

skjjohnston@gmail.com

Dentist                                    Eric Nelson. 90 Wallinger Ave, Kimberley, BC, V1A 1Y5.

250 427 5366

kimberleyfamilydental@shaw.ca

Public Health

Dental Hygienist                   Suzanne Malanowish. 230-9900 100 Ave Fort St John, BC, V1J 557.

250 262 5204

DentalNE@northernhealth.ca