The use of Physics in dental school...

[hopefuldentist]

I was wondering if current dental students can answer whether or not you need to know any physics for dental school. I know it is a prerequisite, but is it just one of those "hoops" you have to jump through to get in?

I am wondering because I have the option to take a Physics course at an accredited university (BYU) that is taught at night and is MUCH easier than if I took it from my university (U of Utah) during the day. I've heard the teacher is basically a joke and you won't learn much at all. If I am never going to need to use physics again, I'd rather spend my time studying for the 5 other classes I'm enrolled in this semester.

Thanks -

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Mackchops]

Just get your easy "A". You don't need anything more than intuition (if a tooth is longer the crown will hold better) and basic concepts (cantilever bridges will have a fulcrum and will produce extrusive forces on certain abutments). You'll never use or need to know anything specific from undergrad physics -- even though the physical concepts are one of the most important parts of successful dentistry. Does that even make sense? I hope so... get the "A" and get into D-school and you'll see what I mean.

 

[lotexigeus]

Easy A ftw. I took Botany at a diff school than my undergrad (it was a gpa killer where i went) to get an easy A.

 

[DrJeff]

While we're not talking quantum physics theoretical stuff being applied to dentistry, force vectors can and do come into play from in many aspects of dentistry.

 

[small]

Haven't had it yet, but I imagine physics (radiation physics) also comes in to play when you start Radiology.

 

[reapply2007]

Radiation physics, materials, and classical mechanics are all helpful for dental school before starting. However, you could learn the necessary concepts in dental school and well in classes.

 

[stdmufin27]

Just finished my first year. It's a hoop. Everything mentioned above as far what you would use Physics in could be learned on the fly.

 

[OG1]

Hoop. The first of many. Brace yourself.