"Stick and Squirt"

This past weekend, I passed another hurdle in the dental school journey. On Saturday morning, everyone in my class met at school for the annual event, "Stick and Squirt." This is when all the 2nd year students learn how to give the local anesthetic injections. The only catch is that we have to practice on each other. It is certainly a favorite for the faculty at school, and always fun to talk with other people that have endured it.

We started the morning at 7:15 with a video demonstrating the proper techniques used for each injection, and then went down to the clinic. After another short demo, my partner and I watched some of the other students as they administered shots to their wincing partner and waited for our turn. With the aide of an oral surgery resident, I gave 10 shots to my partner. After he was completely numb, we switched out playing doctor, and he gave me 10 shots. A little "nerve-wracking" for both of us, but now 3 days later, it seems we made it out okay. No permanent damage! I have actually never had a shot in the mouth, and it actually wasn't too bad. The ones on the roof of your mouth hurt the worst. What a morning!

Here are some action shots of the day.