As both a visual and kinesthetic learner, online classes didn't really suit me well. I had a hard time grasping concepts and absorbing knowledge during the pandemic. Two years and I'm on the verge of asking myself how would I survive if we're back to normal – this means if we're gonna go back to school and resume face-to-face modalities of learning.

I am George, an incoming 4th year Dentistry student, and I am very weary of my future. I admit that I really didn't learn a lot, given that I acquire information the best when lectures are written on a whiteboard on the course of discussion or if it's hands-on, set with deadlines.

Hence, when I saw a dental clinic near our place where I usually have my cleaning, a brilliant idea came across my mind. In that dental clinic run by two married dentists, I asked them a favor and told them if I can be their assistant, even for just a short period. I even said that if they don't allow me to perform anything, it's okay, as long as I can observe how they work.

Instead of moping in the house and counting my numbered days before face-to-face, I might as well use this for a healthy crash course, now that the pandemic restrictions have eased up.

"I want to learn and observe how dentists do things. I believe that I can apply this during my study and in the future," I tried to convince Dr. Elmer and Dr. Susan.

They looked at each other and then eventually smiled.

"We love a passionate assistant. You can start assisting us this Monday. But you have to observe first," Dr. Elmer said.

"Welcome to our dental clinic, George! I hope you can learn a lot," Dr. Susan also said.

I thanked the two married dentists and thought to myself that I was lucky they favored my request.

Monday came and as I parked my car, the nervousness I felt bottled up. I immediately inhaled and exhaled, trying to calm myself as I picked up my PPE and entered the clinic.

"Good morning, Dr. Elmer and Dr. Susan!" I greeted, the moment I saw both of them. I also muttered my greetings to the other assistants.

For my first day, a challenging case came into the clinic. It was a case for the patient, Mrs. Johnson, which required a combination of cosmetic and surgery procedures.

Dr. Elmer saw this as an opportunity to collaborate their individual expertise with his wife, Dr. Susan. Dr. Elmer is an oral maxillofacial surgeon and a pediatric while Dr. Susan is a cosmetic and orthodontist.

I was amazed with their discussion as to how they carefully planned the procedures need to be taken for Mrs. Johnson's dental needs. In the course of their brainstorm, they urged me to participate and share my insights. For the treatment plans, they ensured that it would cater to the patient's needs. They also leveraged each other's strengths to create a customized approach.

The integration of their specializations: orthodontic and orthognathic surgery treatments depend on a good diagnosis and treatment plan. During the course of their brainstorming and discussion, they were able to pull it off. They have performed satisfactory results on Mrs. Johnson's case.

I really learned a lot in my stay and I'm so glad to have assisted before, during, and after the case.