Fresh Graduate

[DroppingBoxes]

That's right ladies and gentleman, I come to you as a recent graduate currently waiting on my license to be processed at which time I will begin private practice. Any questions I can help with while I am on vacation time between graduation and licensure? Dental school for me in a nutshell; the days were long but the years were short, A's were attainable (about the same level of commitment as it took for me to achieve As in undergrad), finals week was a bit rough, but I still had time each day to exercise and watch a little tv/computer and had time to 'go out' about every other week. You get to know your classmates very well, and you see them at their highs and lows. Entering the clinic was exciting but nerve rattling, and no I dont think you ever fully feel ready to enter, but in hindsight I guess I was. I worked my butt off in clinic, would get sick if I didn't have a patient to treat, and virtually finished my clinical requirements in a good solid year. Personally, instead of 'overachieving' my senior year (already had A's), I gave most of my cases to seniors in need and took time to relax and prepare, mentally and physically, for my next 30 year stretch of my career. My boy 'MCBEAST' and I always vowed to strive to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually each year, and that was my main focus. Graduation was bitter-sweet, I dont think anybody in the room would wish to have more school to complete, but I also think everybody was going to miss some aspect of the 'last 4 years'. I feel a bit strange when I check my school email now, still in student mode, thinking I may 'miss something!', but being hit with the realization that I'm a graduate, Im done, its official, I transitioned from student life (starting in preschool), and now I am a DENTIST!

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[darknightzzz]

That's right ladies and gentleman, I come to you as a recent graduate currently waiting on my license to be processed at which time I will begin private practice. Any questions I can help with while I am on vacation time between graduation and licensure? Dental school for me in a nutshell; the days were long but the years were short, A's were attainable (about the same level of commitment as it took for me to achieve As in undergrad), finals week was a bit rough, but I still had time each day to exercise and watch a little tv/computer and had time to 'go out' about every other week. You get to know your classmates very well, and you see them at their highs and lows. Entering the clinic was exciting but nerve rattling, and no I dont think you ever fully feel ready to enter, but in hindsight I guess I was. I worked my butt off in clinic, would get sick if I didn't have a patient to treat, and virtually finished my clinical requirements in a good solid year. Personally, instead of 'overachieving' my senior year (already had A's), I gave most of my cases to seniors in need and took time to relax and prepare, mentally and physically, for my next 30 year stretch of my career. My boy 'MCBEAST' and I always vowed to strive to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually each year, and that was my main focus. Graduation was bitter-sweet, I dont think anybody in the room would wish to have more school to complete, but I also think everybody was going to miss some aspect of the 'last 4 years'. I feel a bit strange when I check my school email now, still in student mode, thinking I may 'miss something!', but being hit with the realization that I'm a graduate, Im done, its official, I transitioned from student life (starting in preschool), and now I am a DENTIST!

if you feel like can you answer these questions.

1. what dental school did you go to?

2. from your post I guess you are practicing general dentistry. What helps you find confidence to start a private practice fresh off from school? where do you find patient pool or you bought the practice off of someone?

3. from your post I guess you are a stellar dental student. Why no specialization?

 

[Doctorman45342]

Lets say I just wanted to pass dental school (no A's needed, just passing.) How much different would it be? I am pretty good in undergrad thus far (don't get many B's).

 

[Mouthhole]

What texts/websites did you use to teach you how to prepare for opening a private practice?

 

[DentalDoge]

How well do you think dental school has prepared you for the business aspect of dentistry.

Thanks for doing this and congrats, enjoy your vacay.

 

[sjv]

I like your username.

 

[Incis0r]

That's right ladies and gentleman, I come to you as a recent graduate currently waiting on my license to be processed at which time I will begin private practice. Any questions I can help with while I am on vacation time between graduation and licensure? Dental school for me in a nutshell; the days were long but the years were short, A's were attainable (about the same level of commitment as it took for me to achieve As in undergrad), finals week was a bit rough, but I still had time each day to exercise and watch a little tv/computer and had time to 'go out' about every other week. You get to know your classmates very well, and you see them at their highs and lows. Entering the clinic was exciting but nerve rattling, and no I dont think you ever fully feel ready to enter, but in hindsight I guess I was. I worked my butt off in clinic, would get sick if I didn't have a patient to treat, and virtually finished my clinical requirements in a good solid year. Personally, instead of 'overachieving' my senior year (already had A's), I gave most of my cases to seniors in need and took time to relax and prepare, mentally and physically, for my next 30 year stretch of my career. My boy 'MCBEAST' and I always vowed to strive to grow physically, mentally, and spiritually each year, and that was my main focus. Graduation was bitter-sweet, I dont think anybody in the room would wish to have more school to complete, but I also think everybody was going to miss some aspect of the 'last 4 years'. I feel a bit strange when I check my school email now, still in student mode, thinking I may 'miss something!', but being hit with the realization that I'm a graduate, Im done, its official, I transitioned from student life (starting in preschool), and now I am a DENTIST!

Congratulations on making it through. You're an inspiration to us all!

Rewind yourself to the summer before the first year of dental school now. What advice would you give yourself at this point? What advice would you give the night before day 1 of dental school?

Thank you for coming back and sharing your experiences. It is highly appreciated.

 

[DroppingBoxes]

if you feel like can you answer these questions.

1. what dental school did you go to?

In an attempt to retain some anonymity I am hesitant to say (I was the only student to graduate our clinic in one year, and It would give my identity away), it was a state school. I had the option of attending HOLY SHAT! COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY which made me ecstatic initially, but not being from a rich background I couldn't stomach the additional debt and reluctantly declined for a more affordable (lol) institution. However, now that I am all done there is zero part of me that wishes I was saddled with that extra debt. I even met a few fresh graduates from the ivy leagues (and yes we should all be rich in due time), and I encouraged them "at least you're now armed with a great ivy league name ?!!?" They seemed more exhausted and drowned with debt, rather than excited about having a name. Ironically, 99% of the dentists I had to deal with outside of the school were from my school, so my institution helped me out. I would advise to go anywhere rather than decline all options due to finances or wanting to wait for ivy league acceptance etc.

2. from your post I guess you are practicing general dentistry. What helps you find confidence to start a private practice fresh off from school? where do you find patient pool or you bought the practice off of someone?

My fault, I will be associating with a dentist, not starting my own practice. I wouldn't say i'm too confident yet with being a ready-to-roll dentist. I picture my first patient coming in needing 5 molar endos right away, and that would take me the whole day I think (at best!), but I would be excited to take my time, stay calm, watch wind (you'll learn), and keep them anesthetized and comfortable. I also have bail-out options of crying to the senior dentist lol and yes the referral form. Patient Pool- I was told by many, open a practice and they will come. We all have teeth, and even if you dont, you ALSO need a dentist. Dental pain has brought in the biggest baddest marines who would never see a doctor about anything, but they will come see you, important to take blood pressure at each appointment to check for outliers due to this exact scenario. I also met a RICHRICHRICH dentist (netted 750k/year) who would use salivary analysis in his office to test for systemic disease. If able to diagnose a systemic disease he was able to bill patients MEDICAL insurance (at no cost to patient) for the diagnosis. Dentistry seems to be limited only by your individual creativity.

3. from your post I guess you are a stellar dental student. Why no specialization?

So everyone starts dental school NEEDING to specialize right? I too was the same. Keep your grades up initially no matter what you think you will want in 4 years, just in case. I started out knowing I was a gunner (a friendly help you out gunner, but a hard core studier in the deep dark area of the library, accompanied only by other gunners and cobwebs, food and books busting out of my backpack, but I would give you my study sheets etc. I didn't even mind or notice who did better or worse than me, I just wanted to do well personally- A trait I think distinguishes a hard working student 'gunner', vs a 'throw their classmates books out gunner'. The more I learned I started to love all areas of dentistry and was attempting to keep my grades up and patiently waiting for that eureka moment where my specialty came to me! Starting clinic I knew it wouldn't be pediatrics (no offense) but before dental school I contemplated becoming a dentist or psychiatrist, and I told myself in psychiatry there is NO dentistry, but in dentistry there IS psychiatry. Even on, if not more so, on the pediatric level. However, I just pictured myself talking to adults and treating adults (and the occasional kid, kept some magic tricks in my arsenal) in my practice. So pediatrics was out, that left endo (very intersted), oral surgery (LOVED it), prosthodontics (NEEDED IT!), perio (enjoyed it) etc.... For me it ended up being not what do I want to do the rest of my life, it was more what am I okay giving up??? Nothing but pedo. So general seemed perfect to me. I also like the idea of all patients coming to me, and me being able to determine what is getting referred and what is getting treated by me. I am interested in financial opportunity for sure, and i've met general dentists who make MORE than the specialists (and yes visa versa). In summary, i virtually liked all areas of dentistry, but kept my grades up and can still specialize in life If i chose, didn't want to give anything up, enjoy being the gatekeeper and training via continuing ed, and also think its neat that if I want I could just refer out the occasional patient that appears way hard. In fact, a bunch of the best students in my class also ended up going general (its not like general is the pits lol, its a different job than a specialist, and its more appealing for some). Lastly, I am in decent debt know, viscerally, it just feels right to start earning and paying my loan, instead of taking on another $100k+ (but i wouldn't let that stop me if I loved once specific caveat of dentistry)

Lets say I just wanted to pass dental school (no A's needed, just passing.) How much different would it be? I am pretty good in undergrad thus far (don't get many B's).

Tough to say, initially in the semester probably not at all, where you would be afforded more time would be finals week going in with all A's knowing hey just to pass I can kinda coast this week. However if you find yourself in that scenario I would suggest work hard one last week, get your A, and chill extra hard over the weekend lol. We had a kid who was able to cram in like a night and get a decent grade, at graduation though he hadn't even graduated cum lade, and he truly was very very smart, I dunno I worked hard and slept extra the week after we graduated, I bet we are each on the same 'rested level' now. If you need A's you know, study for a hundred, if you study for just an A, you get a B right, if you study for just a B, dont you get a C? Shoot for a C and you better hope you get it!

What texts/websites did you use to teach you how to prepare for opening a private practice?

For me, a personal weakness, I stay naive to things at times, saving cerebral computing space (a personal idiosyncrasy not explainable to all) but I haven't looked too much into that yet, for me one step at a time, passed school, passed boards, now be an associate, get my wings, then research owning a private practice. Dentaltown.com is a great site however, as is sdn

How well do you think dental school has prepared you for the business aspect of dentistry.

Literally, arguable zero... its unfortunate, but my dental school, and most, focus on the science of dentistry and the technical demands and the business is up to you... I hope it all comes down to, stay honest, treat each patient like its your child, and the money will come. I dont know one broke dentist fortunately, but I do know several who own literally over 20 vehicles, (and even they complain how the money isn't what it used to be lol, maybe true but come on). My cars been literally catching on fire lately, lol 20 seems excessive.

Thanks for doing this and congrats, enjoy your vacay.

Thank You! Just trying to keep the body safe, watch the lower back, watch the wrists and hands, and protect your eyes!!

I like your username.

Once we learned about dropping boxes, we always had a joke, ohh i cant man I need to go drop a big box!!

Congratulations on making it through. You're an inspiration to us all!

I hope so, luckily Im nobody super special, just a fellow human. Its an attainable feat, just open up the yellow pages to dentist!

Rewind yourself to the summer before the first year of dental school now. What advice would you give yourself at this point? What advice would you give the night before day 1 of dental school?

Personally I did read a few books on dental anatomy before entering, knew the basics, mesial/distal/buccal/lingual etc, it helped somewhat, didn't put me up and over or anything, but I was excited to start learning about the oral environment, and still enjoyed my summer. Id say shed any extra weight, take care of any emotional issues, be like Rocky before the fight, work on your top 3 weaknesses before entering. The night before, take this from my lineage. My grandfather always said no matter what is going on in life, when its time to go to bed turn your mind off and just go to bed. Try to learn to be able to master that, It will help eliminate those sleepless nights! It would of helped me before taking the NERB when I literally got about 90 minutes of sleep, couldn't turn off my brain!!

Thank you for coming back and sharing your experiences. It is highly appreciated.

No problem! I used this site before and during school, its the least I can do!

 

[DroppingBoxes]

1. what dental school did you go to?

In an attempt to retain some anonymity I am hesitant to say (I was the only student to graduate our clinic in one year, and It would give my identity away), it was a state school. I had the option of attending HOLY SHAT! COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY which made me ecstatic initially, but not being from a rich background I couldn't stomach the additional debt and reluctantly declined for a more affordable (lol) institution. However, now that I am all done there is zero part of me that wishes I was saddled with that extra debt. I even met a few fresh graduates from the ivy leagues (and yes we should all be rich in due time), and I encouraged them "at least you're now armed with a great ivy league name ?!!?" They seemed more exhausted and drowned with debt, rather than excited about having a name. Ironically, 99% of the dentists I had to deal with outside of the school were from my school, so my institution helped me out. I would advise to go anywhere rather than decline all options due to finances or wanting to wait for ivy league acceptance etc.

2. from your post I guess you are practicing general dentistry. What helps you find confidence to start a private practice fresh off from school? where do you find patient pool or you bought the practice off of someone?

My fault, I will be associating with a dentist, not starting my own practice. I wouldn't say i'm too confident yet with being a ready-to-roll dentist. I picture my first patient coming in needing 5 molar endos right away, and that would take me the whole day I think (at best!), but I would be excited to take my time, stay calm, watch wind (you'll learn), and keep them anesthetized and comfortable. I also have bail-out options of crying to the senior dentist lol and yes the referral form. Patient Pool- I was told by many, open a practice and they will come. We all have teeth, and even if you dont, you ALSO need a dentist. Dental pain has brought in the biggest baddest marines who would never see a doctor about anything, but they will come see you, important to take blood pressure at each appointment to check for outliers due to this exact scenario. I also met a RICHRICHRICH dentist (netted 750k/year) who would use salivary analysis in his office to test for systemic disease. If able to diagnose a systemic disease he was able to bill patients MEDICAL insurance (at no cost to patient) for the diagnosis. Dentistry seems to be limited only by your individual creativity.

Congratulations on making it through. You're an inspiration to us all!

I hope so, luckily Im nobody super special, just a fellow human. Its an attainable feat, just open up the yellow pages to dentist!

Rewind yourself to the summer before the first year of dental school now. What advice would you give yourself at this point? What advice would you give the night before day 1 of dental school?

Personally I did read a few books on dental anatomy before entering, knew the basics, mesial/distal/buccal/lingual etc, it helped somewhat, didn't put me up and over or anything, but I was excited to start learning about the oral environment, and still enjoyed my summer. Id say shed any extra weight, take care of any emotional issues, be like Rocky before the fight, work on your top 3 weaknesses before entering. The night before, take this from my lineage. My grandfather always said no matter what is going on in life, when its time to go to bed turn your mind off and just go to bed. Try to learn to be able to master that, It will help eliminate those sleepless nights! It would of helped me before taking the NERB when I literally got about 90 minutes of sleep, couldn't turn off my brain!!

Sorry about formatting, some of my responses stayed hidden in the quotes

 

[Muggsy Bogues]

1. what dental school did you go to?

In an attempt to retain some anonymity I am hesitant to say (I was the only student to graduate our clinic in one year, and It would give my identity away), it was a state school. I had the option of attending HOLY SHAT! COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY which made me ecstatic initially, but not being from a rich background I couldn't stomach the additional debt and reluctantly declined for a more affordable (lol) institution. However, now that I am all done there is zero part of me that wishes I was saddled with that extra debt. I even met a few fresh graduates from the ivy leagues (and yes we should all be rich in due time), and I encouraged them "at least you're now armed with a great ivy league name ?!!?" They seemed more exhausted and drowned with debt, rather than excited about having a name. Ironically, 99% of the dentists I had to deal with outside of the school were from my school, so my institution helped me out. I would advise to go anywhere rather than decline all options due to finances or wanting to wait for ivy league acceptance etc.

The bolded cannot be understated in its importance.

 

[DroppingBoxes]

How well do you think dental school has prepared you for the business aspect of dentistry.

Literally, arguable zero... its unfortunate, but my dental school, and most, focus on the science of dentistry and the technical demands and the business is up to you... I hope it all comes down to, stay honest, treat each patient like its your child, and the money will come. I dont know one broke dentist fortunately, but I do know several who own literally over 20 vehicles, (and even they complain how the money isn't what it used to be lol, maybe true but come on). My cars been literally catching on fire lately, lol 20 seems excessive.

 

[DroppingBoxes]

bump!

 

[BrazilianRider]

This might be a little too personal, so feel free not to answer it (but we're all totally wondering):

How are the job prospects on the other side? How's the initial salary/benefits/hours looking now that you have to worry about that killer debt?

 

[DroppingBoxes]

Brazil,

I feel like this ties into my graduating from clinic in one year. When I was a senior and the new juniors were entering, many would ask me about the requirements, and say things like ''how am i gonna get a patient to pay 300 for an endo?!'' or ''all my patients just say extract the tooth?! how will i ever get all my crowns?!''. Now just step back a second, how much would YOU pay to save a molar tooth?? Whats your top dollar amount to save #3 and #14??!?! Probably a lot! Whats the difference? You VALUE your teeth dont you?! The strategy I used was to instill this same value in my patients, i would KNOW that they had to save their teeth (was I 100% on my sell through? heck no, but a 89.45% is still an A right?!). Example, "that molar needs an endo and a crown, the cavity has grown to the point of reaching the nerve, thats why you're in pain, I need to clean out the root canals, and then crown the tooth for you. Pt: well how much is that?? Me: X amount of dollars.. Pt: Ohh i cant afford that! Me: Cant afford it?! '' .......'', so mr pt, can you really afford NOT to save the tooth??? The blank would be anything honest and truthful which conveys negatives about extracting a restorable tooth, adjacent teeth shift, now a food trap etc. hypereruption, loss of masticatory ability, etc. Conveying value is 90% of the game in my opinion. I was told to read the book Secrets to Closing the Sale by zig ziggler while in school ( a very funny joke to be encouraged to find time to 'read another book', but I bought the audio cds and would listen to them on my commute to and (sometimes) from school. I encourage this as well. So Brazil, how are the job prospects on the other side?? I can not answer that for the masses, but i can tell you the year you graduate, there WILL CERTAINLY be dentists who hire associates. Who will they hire? The ones who sell their way (or family lineage of course) into the practice. I personally found out where I wanted to live, then cold called the dentists in the area. "Hello my name is Dr. Pain lol, wanted to introduce myself as I am considering moving into the area and....... so, JUST WONDERING WHAT YOUR EXIT STRATEGY IS??. And I can honestly tell you, I had solid interview offers (week long interview offers) from the two dentists I contacted. This was sophmore year!!!! I am now officially taking one of those two jobs (ping ponged the salaries/benefits off each other, wasn't afraid to let one dr. know about the other, but walked that line very very carefully). The doctors need to find a new dentist just as bad (maybe not quite lol) as we need to find a place to start. Who knows what will happen, but with a solid salesmanship attitude, mastering voice inflection and verbage etc, and yes, first failing at 'the sale' millions of times, you should be fine. Lebron James missed hundreds of free throws in his life. Constant practice, constant training, never giving up. Bettering yourself as a clinician inside and outside of the scientific areas will always feel rewarding. I plan to have my loan paid off before I am 30, I feel rich already, I dont want for anything yet which is a major factor in me figuring my loan repayment. Buying a black and a white bmw this year would delay that plan. Living super frugal definitely isn't for everybody, but personally, at least right now, i enjoy it. Its all I know. You will be fine, the baby boomers are starting to retire, there is a shortage of providers, and more and more people are retaining and valuing their teeth longer than ever before!!

 

[hugomaaf]

Bump

 

[DentalDoge]

Brazil,

I feel like this ties into my graduating from clinic in one year. When I was a senior and the new juniors were entering, many would ask me about the requirements, and say things like ''how am i gonna get a patient to pay 300 for an endo?!'' or ''all my patients just say extract the tooth?! how will i ever get all my crowns?!''. Now just step back a second, how much would YOU pay to save a molar tooth?? Whats your top dollar amount to save #3 and #14??!?! Probably a lot! Whats the difference? You VALUE your teeth dont you?! The strategy I used was to instill this same value in my patients, i would KNOW that they had to save their teeth (was I 100% on my sell through? heck no, but a 89.45% is still an A right?!). Example, "that molar needs an endo and a crown, the cavity has grown to the point of reaching the nerve, thats why you're in pain, I need to clean out the root canals, and then crown the tooth for you. Pt: well how much is that?? Me: X amount of dollars.. Pt: Ohh i cant afford that! Me: Cant afford it?! '' .......'', so mr pt, can you really afford NOT to save the tooth??? The blank would be anything honest and truthful which conveys negatives about extracting a restorable tooth, adjacent teeth shift, now a food trap etc. hypereruption, loss of masticatory ability, etc. Conveying value is 90% of the game in my opinion. I was told to read the book Secrets to Closing the Sale by zig ziggler while in school ( a very funny joke to be encouraged to find time to 'read another book', but I bought the audio cds and would listen to them on my commute to and (sometimes) from school. I encourage this as well. So Brazil, how are the job prospects on the other side?? I can not answer that for the masses, but i can tell you the year you graduate, there WILL CERTAINLY be dentists who hire associates. Who will they hire? The ones who sell their way (or family lineage of course) into the practice. I personally found out where I wanted to live, then cold called the dentists in the area. "Hello my name is Dr. Pain lol, wanted to introduce myself as I am considering moving into the area and....... so, JUST WONDERING WHAT YOUR EXIT STRATEGY IS??. And I can honestly tell you, I had solid interview offers (week long interview offers) from the two dentists I contacted. This was sophmore year!!!! I am now officially taking one of those two jobs (ping ponged the salaries/benefits off each other, wasn't afraid to let one dr. know about the other, but walked that line very very carefully). The doctors need to find a new dentist just as bad (maybe not quite lol) as we need to find a place to start. Who knows what will happen, but with a solid salesmanship attitude, mastering voice inflection and verbage etc, and yes, first failing at 'the sale' millions of times, you should be fine. Lebron James missed hundreds of free throws in his life. Constant practice, constant training, never giving up. Bettering yourself as a clinician inside and outside of the scientific areas will always feel rewarding. I plan to have my loan paid off before I am 30, I feel rich already, I dont want for anything yet which is a major factor in me figuring my loan repayment. Buying a black and a white bmw this year would delay that plan. Living super frugal definitely isn't for everybody, but personally, at least right now, i enjoy it. Its all I know. You will be fine, the baby boomers are starting to retire, there is a shortage of providers, and more and more people are retaining and valuing their teeth longer than ever before!!

Aaaaaand, take a deep breath.

 

[CabbageKid]

Just read this whole thread! I have always had a passion of going into the healthcare field since I started undergrad. I never knew which "branch" of healthcare that was, but after reading your responses, it feels like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders (I'm picking dentistry!). Hoping to get many interviews this cycle and matriculating in 2016. Congrats on graduating and becoming a dentist! You're going to do awesome!