It is a pleasure and an honor to host students, the future of our profession. The following information is being shared to help prepare students for their visit with us.
Team :
Our doctor team consists of Dr. Kernaghan, Dr. Cortez, and me. Dr. Kernaghan and Dr. Cortez are seasoned small animal general practitioners who are following their passion by pursuing a residency in Dentistry & Oral Surgery. We have an experienced, wonderful team of technicians and assistants. Please feel free to ask any questions that you may have; we work together as a team to provide care and teach students/DVMs.
Schedule :
Typically, Monday-Thursday, from 8am to 6pm. We plan for students to shadow us 4 days a week. Generally, that is Monday-Thursday. If students prefer a different day off during the week, please let us know.
Lunch :
Students may take an hour for lunch at any time during the day. Most students take a lunch break between surgeries, sometime between 12-3pm. We have a break room and a fridge. There are local places to eat, including a Schlotzky’s within walking distance.
Dress :
Please wear scrubs and bring a stethoscope. It can be chilly in our clinic; I recommend a sweater, jacket or white coat. We offer eye protection, or you can bring your own. Closed toed shoes are required. My residents and I prefer to wear a bouffant. These mouths can be yucky. Just something to consider – not required. I bought mine for $10 off Amazon. Suggestion: the surgical caps with the buttons increase comfort when wearing surgery masks – it takes pressure off your ears.
Expectations :
My goal is to meet with students for a few minutes on the first day of your externship to discuss your goals, questions, needs, etc... If your first day is when I am not here, that could either be later in the week or with my senior resident, Dr. Cortez. We are here to help you. Most students come in and say they need to “learn everything”. That is great. Just try to soak up as much as you can. If you have specific goals, please give us a list of items so that we have an action plan to work through during your visit.
Under your externship, I am required to fill out a survey that grades your “performance”. If you would like for me to be able to answer certain questions, let’s discuss that early in your externship. I want to empower you to lead the way with your specific goals. We are often busy, and things can get lost in the shuffle if we are not intentional about meeting your goals.
Pre-Rotation Learning :
I recommend completing the University of Illinois Veterinary “Clinical Small Animal Dentistry" modules prior to your rotation. This will give you a foundation of knowledge for us to build on. It will augment your time with us. You can pay for this online, or you may be able to get access to it at a reduced price through your vet school +/- dental club.
https://illinois.catalog.instructure.com/browse/veterinary-medicine/cou… animal-dentistry
Cadaver Work :
This is optional. During your externship, usually in the second week, our goal is to provide you with protected time for cadaver practice. Please scroll to the bottom if you opt in for cadaver work.
We have three surgeons, multiple techs, and all of the most up to date equipment in the hospital.
My goal is to meet with you for a few minutes on the first day of your externship to discuss your goals, questions, needs, etc... We are here to help you. Most students come in and say they need to “learn everything”. That is great. Just try to soak up as much as you can. If you have specific goals, please give us a list of items so that we have an action plan to work through during your visit.
Under your externship, I am required to fill out a survey that grades your “performance”. If you would like for me to be able to answer certain questions, let’s discuss that early in your externship. I want to empower you to lead the way with your specific goals. We are often busy, and things can get lost in the shuffle if we are not intentional about meeting your goals.
3901 Long Prairie Rd
STE #120
Flower Mound, TX 75028
United States