Chase Bugbee ’27: Noxon Orthodontics
As a student with aspirations of entering the orthodontic industry, I was lucky to spend three weeks shadowing Dr. Stephen Noxon and the dental assistants of Noxon Orthodontics in Wellesley, MA. My main responsibilities included developing and packaging retainers, wiping down chairs after patient use, and supporting sterilization efforts of dental instruments. During slower periods of the day, I learned how Dr. Noxon develops individual patient treatment plans using x-rays and photos and the level of technical attention and detail that was required.
Another crucial part of working in healthcare was something I had not even thought about: people-skills. Being a high school student, just a couple years older than most of the patients, I had the ability to help ease kids’ anxiety of visiting the orthodontist. Whether it was sailing camp or the upcoming Patriots’ football season, a simple conversation about a patient’s area of interest can help them feel comfortable in an intimidating environment. This experience broadened my perspective on the medicine industry by demonstrating the importance of both technical and social skills.
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