Impressions

I'm a little worried. I haven't worked as an assistant b/c I just had 2 kids. Dr. Friend called me to work next week. I haven't taken impressions in 5 years. Help. When you take impressions for the max do you put the back part of the tray in first, or do it all at the same time. I'm so nervous. I haven't worked in 6 years. I really need the money, so I'm going to do it. He has really high expectations. He's also paying me $19 an hour. Please, help me to remember and to feel better.
Thanks Amy

I'm not a dentist but have had impressions performed on my own teeth. I also know a bit about general molding techniques and have played with alginate for theatrical molds. I remember the tray being applied all at once. It stands to reason that if you started in the back, you would have no way to determine if the front teeth were going to end up too close to the front part of the tray or not. Anyway, my advice is to simply tell the Doc your concerns first thing. Obviously he/she is aware of your lack of recent experience. In any job situation (no matter what field) it is always better to ask for guidance as opposed to doing something wrong. If I were the patient, I'd rather hear you ask the Doc for advice than hear the Doc tell you that you have done it wrong and I gotta go through the mouth full of goop yet again. Even thoracic surgeons occasionally consult with peers for goodness sake. :)

hey im a good assistant

Amy,
Im a dental assistant. You put the tray in all at once. Just make sure you do first things first and dont forget to try in the tray before mixing your alginate! :) Hope this helps..let me know if you need any other advise!
-Amber

Amy in Houston, Texas said: I'm a little worried. I haven't worked as an assistant b/c I just had 2 kids. Dr. Friend called me to work next week. I haven't taken impressions in 5 years. Help. When you take impressions for the max do you put the back part of the tray in first, or do it all at the same time. I'm so nervous. I haven't worked in 6 years. I really need the money, so I'm going to do it. He has really high expectations. He's also paying me $19 an hour. Please, help me to remember and to feel better.
Thanks Amy

Amy,

You'll do fine. Yes you start from the back teeth first pushing until the tray is seated. Remember to pull the lips around the tray until the alginate sets.