September 21,22......Hitting our stride, setting a rhythm

 We had a full staff meeting Wednesday morning to discuss with both Palauan doctors and staff that we aren't here to see THEIR patients but to help them carry the load and work with them on new techniques.  I think it answered a lot of their questions and made them more at ease with our presence.  Also, I think we are more productive with the local doctors either assisting or observing us as we worked.  

I have noticed as the week has progressed that they are booking Rick and me tighter and tighter.  First, I don't believe that they have been doing root canals for sometime; saving them all for us!  Then, they have started to book me on the half hour instead of on the hour.  And, frequently I am double booked.  

They will set the charts in the room as the patients come in.  At one point on Thursday, I had 5 charts in my room.  I was seeing one patient with four waiting!  I then have to get up, find the Palauan dentists 'hiding out' and get them to see THEIR patients!  Hmm.    Anyway, the patients are great, (except for the betalnut chewers).  Routine dentistry, good assisting, the Palauan dentists continue to be more engaged in watching our techniques as the week goes.  

The chief dentist (she doesn't see patients, just stays in her office on the computer) would like me to work with her on ordering.  They can only order once a year (?) from just three suppliers.  I have to figure that out first, then see if they can streamline that.  We see mounds of supplies all over that they don't use and many products are outdated.  A mess.  I have discovered that Palau is part of the US Mail System, so you gotta think it shouldn't be such a challenge.  Plus, Amazon?  The Covid reason/excuse is starting to wear a bit thin.

You may or may not want to see the following x-rays, but an interesting case.  This middle aged man appears with an abscess around a front tooth.  X-ray reveals an upper incisor was broken, probably in childhood then the root migrated over the years away from the tooth.  The dark area is an infection.  So, I decided to do a root canal on the remaining part!  Not exactly textbook work but if the infection clears in a month or two, a home run.  If not, the tooth will have to come out, but this is worth a try.