This internship has made me realize a couple of things about myself that I think I wouldn't have discovered otherwise. I personally feel like I've grown so much as a person. Getting to learn what the adult world is like has definitely changed my perspective on what really matters.. I am living my life for myself and in the end I should be doing what I'm passionate about, not what others are passionate about. If I do decide to pursue a career in the dentistry field, I would probably strive to be an orthodontist. My internship taught me that I would work better in a space where I am always moving, creating and doing hands on tasks. I don't want an office job because I learned it's not something I want to be doing for the rest of my life. I am still open to exploring jobs in the medical field like being a nurse or a surgeon but if I am sure of wanting to be an orthodontist, then I think I have a plan. I would have to finish my four years, then go to school for my specialty. One of my coworkers at my internship gave me some advice on the college proccess. She said I should definitely strive for something big, and even if it seems like a lot of school, it will be worth it in the end. I am still learning about myself everyday so I am not 100% sure if I want to be an orthodontist. I might end up doing something completely different if I learn I am passionate about seomthing else. I know that no matter what, I will be happy and successful as long as I focus on a goal. As for colleges, I think that I want to stay close to home, but I am still open to the idea of going somewhere far like New York or Hawaii. I think I would have to go on a vacation to these places and visit colleges to really see if I feel like that's whats right for me. I did a lot of observing throughout the four weeks at my internship, and I've learned a lot from my mentor and colleagues. They all seemed passionate about their job, and they were all so hardworking. Everyone in the office inspired me in some way, and I've noticed some qualties about them that I would like to develop myself. Academically, I feel like it doesn't really matter what I choose to do. Anything is possible, and I can achieve anything I put my mind to. So as long as I'm passionate and happy with what I want to study, then I will do a good job academically. As well as prioritizing my school work and dedicating time to study. Having my priorites straight will help me go far academically. My goal is to find what I love, which I know some people never really realize this until they are older.
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How was your work as an intern meaningful to your education:
My work as an intern was meaningful to my eduction because I learned a lot in the short month of being here. I practiced some of my skills as an intern that I wouldn't have ever thought I'd use. I have never had a job, so being with coworkers and learning communication skills was really important to m education. Doing periodonal charting was important to my education because it taught me one of the tasks I would be doing if I worked at a dental office. I learned that it is important to enjoy your job because you will be spending most of your time there. How did your project go from an idea or inspiration to a final product?: Months before internship, I wasn't too sure of what project I could do to help my company as an intern. After meeting with my mentor, she suggested doing marketing as my project. I was really open to this and espcially because I liked the idea of putting together referrals and handing them out. I thought it would be interesting having me talk about my internship experience with potential new patients. It was definitely challenging talking to some people but I'm glad I was able to hand out the referrals. What did you learn about your own work from your internship project?: Before I started my internship project, I was used to having my project designed by teachers at school. Creating and planning my own project was a new experience that I learned a lot from. I learned that I am capable of creating a successful project, as long as I put my mind to it and stay determined. Being on my own for a month, I have had a lot of time to reflect on myself. Being in a new environment, I've learned that I can adapt really well with new people and a new setting. Even if I don't enjoy something, I am able to remember that no matter what I'm doing I am still learning. I like being so open minded about the space I am in, it helped my project be so successful. Handing out referrals for my project, I learned that I still need more practice with skills like public speaking. Overall, I did a good job with my project. What qualities or characteristics did you see in the people around you that you want to develop in yourself?: I noticed that everyone in the office stayed on task and did what they had to do. I realized that being a hard worker will get you places and it was really inspiring seeing everybody do their job. Another quality I want to develop is being really passionate, and being able to source where my happiness comes from. I know that by knowing what I am really passionate about, it may help me determine my future. Another quality I saw while I was in the office that I want to develop is being positive. It is very normal to not be positive all the time, but I like that my peers knew how to let out only positive thoughts. I know that I am the type of person that will complain which isn't good, but there is a way to do that in a positive manner, which I am learning how to do. How did your view of life beyond high school change or develop during your time as an intern?: During my time as an intern, I came to a realization that not everything I think is important or spend time worrying about will matter after high school. I worry about other's opinions, etc, which I now finally realize is a waste of time. In the end, I am living my life for myself and to pursue a career based on my passions and interests. I learned that I need to get my priorities straight, which are doing good in school and everything else that will help me for my future. As an intern, I also learned that after high school, I won't be surrounded with the same people. I will be in a new setting, which will take some getting used to. Because of internship, I know what it's like to be in a new environment with new peers. How might internship influence the direction of your life? Personally, I enjoyed being at my internship even if I didn't do any work in the back. I am still appreciative that I got to observe all aspects of the dental office. This internship taught me new skills, that I will now be using to help me determine my future. I got many things out of my internship that will hopefully influence the direction of my life. I didn’t really advocate for myself the first couple of days. I was too nervous or thought I shouldn’t bother. I recognize that this is not a good mindset to have but it is a skill that I will develop over time. I just personally have never been the type of person to ask for help or advocate for myself. I know that right now is the best time to start learning how to do this. I’m going to try to advocate for myself even more this week by stepping up. One of my peers mentioned in my “Mentor Interview” blog post, the best way is to step up if you want to be heard. Put yourself out there and take charge because it’s your life on the end, and you should be striving to be successful even if it means asking for some guidance. Being confident has always been a struggle but I know that putting the best parts about me out there is important. I can personally self advocate at my internship by shadowing more, even if the orthodontist isn’t in the office. I still enjoy being in the front because anywhere I am, I am still observing and learning. After taking to the orthodontist, I became intrigued in this career and although I will not be able to shadow him, I can shadow other cool specialists as well. I’ve definitely seen advocacy in other situations. For example, when someone needs help in the front they ask each other for help. Sometimes they don’t even have to ask because someone will just offer their help. It’s really nice seeeing people in the office be so open and kind to each other. This makes self advocating easier for them because they are more comfortable in the setting they are in. I’ve been doing a good job in my opinion, following the “how to be an intern everyone remembers” sheet. I subconsciously have been following the tips even though I had forgotten about the sheet. The one thing I am going to try is the note taking tip. I am going to buy notebooks and pens because I’ve realized how important it is to write down what I am learning. I keep a kinder with all of my sheets like the time sheet, etc to stay organized.
My main project is to do marketing, with the main goal of handing out referrals. Brightnow Dental is a great organization, and I feel like I've personally had a great experience as a patient. Interning here has made me trust my doctors, and feel confident because they are overall caring and generous people. Since I am a patient here, and am also working here, I am a good candidate for marketing. I've experienced the work side of the office and the patient side. What I will be doing is getting more people to come and get work done here at Brightnow Dental. One important skill I need in order for my project to be awesome is to be confident and genuine always. Being honest, genuine, and confident is important when talking to people, because they trust that you are being truthful. Giving my positive and honest perspective of Brightnow Dental, I can introduce people to the office. Another skill I'll need is to be organized. Being organized helps me complete my tasks in a better way, and also allows for me to be able to be flexible. I think I should create a chart of the people I've contacted to be organized, etc. I will need support from students/family members who are open to going to a new dental office. It would be nice if they told their family members as well. This would help me a lot with referrals and promoting this organization even further.
Blog post #3
For this blog post I collected responses from my mentor, and other coworkers! Elizabeth Jimenez: WHAT ARE YOUR MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES? “I deal with the day to day of running a proficient dental office. I am responsible for all my employees; I make sure we meet budget and that we have a positive EBITA, I oversee labor and keeping the cost is in control and I am also responsible in dealing with any issues. Whether they come from a patient grievance or an employee conflict; even with regards to our providers.” WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO WORK HERE? “Mainly, I love people I have always been around customer service since I started my first job. I feel that the health business in any aspect of it is only going to continue to grow. Teeth will always play a major role to most people. I see it as an in-demand career. It is a job that I feel has "job security" and dentistry from when I started to how it is advancing in cosmetic dentistry will only make it grow.” IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU’D REALIZED ABOUT THE WORLD OF WORK WHEN YOU WERE MY AGE? “Absolutely, know your worth, know how to speak highly of yourself be able to show all the positives you bring to your job. Always grow be happy with your future career. When there is an opportunity just take the opportunity. Learn along the way. No one expects that you know everything, but if someone sees your potential and they believe in you just say YES.” Brisa and Cami: IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WISH YOU’D REALIZED ABOUT THE WORLD OF WORK WHEN YOU WERE MY AGE? “It’s definitely different, don’t be in a rush to grow up though. It’s more stressful. You get to make your own adult choices and decisions, but it’s all on you in the end. Money makes a big difference as well. Spend more time learning about yourself so you’re not lost when you’re older. Definitely finish school, waiting or being set back will only bring you back a couple of years. Go to school right away, don’t wait. Being the youngest at dental school comes with an advantage, like still being used to all the testing and note taking.” WHY’D YOU CHOOSE THE JOB YOU HAVE NOW? “Mainly because of scheduling, and family reasons.” “I prefered going the paper route instead of working in the back office.” WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU START IN THE FRONT BUT WANT TO MOVE TO THE BACK? “Every time there’s an opportunity, step up and take it. It’s appreciated and it’s helpful pressing the issue. Always be willing to take on any tasks in the back if that’s where you want to be.” Internship Journal A connection I can make between my internship and what I’ve done in school is working with peers. Communication is really important working in a dental office. Even if you are doing your own personal work, it’s still key to get along with your coworkers. Making sure to hear everyone out and make your own voice heard is something I learned at school and have been doing at my internship. I’ve learned that Bright Now Dental has the best workers ever and they care a lot about their patients. They seem really passionate about their jobs and are always ready to help. A skill I am developing is being productive and motivated through it all. I may have rough days but it’s important to be positive to get my work done. I’ve also noticed that there is a lot of thinking time when you are on your own. I use this time to self reflect because I don’t usually do that when I’m at school. At school I am surrounded by people, and can choose to talk to anyone, where as at my internship I am on my own. Being on my own in the professional world, I think about what I want to do and have noticed that my worries are different when I'm at school. There is a lot of other things I should be focused on and I'm glad that this internship is teaching me life lessons like this. What strikes me the most about my workplace is that it seemed calm and not busy the first day. I’ve noticed there are days where the business is really busy and others, the day goes by more quietly. What strikes me most about my colleagues is that they are very nice, kind and helpful. They make me feel welcome and help me with anything I need. They are always doing something important in the office and deserve a lot of credit in my opinion. I really appreciate them taking the time to talk to me and teach me about their jobs in the dental office. What strikes me about the job I’m doing is that I need to learn the terminology to be able to understand what is going on in the office. I also learned that each job varies in difficulty. Although I am not doing any hands on work, I am still learning by shadowing and observing. I am excited to finally know if I will enjoy pursuing a job in this career field. Once everyday starts to feel like a normal day then I will know if I feel comfortable working in a dental office or not. Either way, I’m excited to learn about myself and my interests. I’m not really worried about anything other than my POL, but that’s something I’ve always been worried about. I’m not worried about anything else because I know my colleagues are here to help me.
From the couple of hours of being at the site, I got to observe almost every job in the dental office. They clock in, then they have to set up. They sterilize all of the instruments they're going to need for the rest of the day. At the beginning of the day, there were no patients in the office. Ana the RDA gave me a tour of the dental office and showed me where everything was. I was also introduced to everyone working there, which was nice. Ana talked to me about what her job consists of as an RDA. Her job is important because she makes sure everything runs smoothly, and that everything is functioning properly. For example, two of the computers weren't working, so she called a department that helped her solve this problem. It was also the first day of the month, so she needed to order supplies for the month and check in with everyone to make sure she wasn't missing anything.
I'm not sure what the general work policies might be because it's a company. Unless someone is doing something consistently like being really late for their shift all the time, then that's when I think they get strikes until the company has had enough. There's plenty of people that are looking to get hired in a dental office, but I'm sure that the company doesn't want to go through the whole hiring process and replace a worker. I asked about the dress code, but they only told me I had to wear a coat, glasses, mask and gloves in the areas that require that. Other then that, I didn't get any specific do's and don'ts, but I think that I should be dressing in professional blouses and pants. My career day went by really smoothly. Prior to coming in, I had never met anyone that works there. I was very nervous, but after I was introduced to them I felt very welcomed by everyone. I got to help the hygienist with periodontal charting, which was a challenge at first. Hopefully, when I come back I'll get the hang of it. I'm excited to come back and get to learn more about the different job opportunists in this career field. A skill that I learned in math class that I can apply to this profession is being detailed when writing. For the write ups, they are pretty similar to the blog posts that we'll be doing throughout our internship. I want to make sure I'm being detailed and math has definitely prepared me for that. Especially since we use habits of a mathematician, I feel like those will come in useful when trying to explain the skills that I will be practicing. There's also some note taking to do which biology class prepared me for. In biology, I learned how to include the important information, and how to abbreviate sayings to shorten my notes. I also learned how to practice using terminology, which will come in handy. During career day, I was being introduced to new words that I am sure I will learn over time. Spanish class prepared me by helping me perfect some of the words I didn't know how to use. Spanish is very important for me because I can help people that speak it. Humanities class prepared me by showing me how important it is to stay organized. For example, the College Knowledge portfolio helped me stay organized. I will be doing a lot of charting and worksheets so this is a key skill. |