The most difficult clinical experience I have had thus far took place while I was performing community work at the Union Gospel Mission (UGM) in Surrey. At the UGM, which is a Christ-centered organization that provides basic living services to those in need. At the UGM my three classmates and I provided basic oral hygiene services to a vast range of people. Immigrants, refugees, native-born Canadians, educated individuals, individuals living in poverty, and those with alcohol or drug addiction came to the UGM, seeking our free services.
One client, in particular, was difficult for me in many ways. He did not speak English, he was a refugee from Somalia, and he had many medical complications. Born with epilepsy, he had eventually developed brain damage and would become angry when frustrated, and so I was to always have one of his family members with me. He did brush his teeth, though, for several minutes two to four times a day, with blood filling the sink each time. This man was 34 and had never been to a dental professional in his life.
Upon first examination of my client’s mouth, there was spontaneous bleeding occurring around many of his posterior teeth. The smell of his breath was distinct. Interestingly enough, he had no caries. Unsure of how to proceed, I did a periodontal assessment, to find periodontally involved pockets in each sextant that bled profusely. It was the type of case that should not be done in a community setting. After discussion with the family, the client’s wish and the wish of the family was to continue treatment in the community setting as best that could be done.
The debridement lasted a total of twelve hours, divided. Within those twelve hours I constantly had to attempt to accommodate my client, and his comfort. Though there was lack of spoken communication, body language can be clear enough. I did not push his comfort, and was able to use an ultrasonic, without which, I would not have been able to complete my client. My clinical skills doubled with this one client. I debrided in deep periodontal pockets, with use of instruments I had never used before, my favourite of which were the files.
Through this experience I gained an immense amount of knowledge. I now have more confidence when working with those of a completely different culture. Before this, I had never debrided so many deep pockets, nonetheless any 12 mm pockets. The experience also solidified my passions for helping people who need it most. The UGM has made a large impact not only on my clinical skills, but on my life.