Accepted Dental Student Looking for Useful Resources!

[iDentastic]

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Hi everyone,

I got accepted to Tufts School of Dental Medicine a little over a month ago. Currently, I'm not doing anything (besides taking it easy, working out, research) however, I'm really motivated to succeed in dental school. I know people are going to frown upon this and say to relax and all that stuff because dental school is tough, however, I really want to do some background reading to make the transition to dental school easier for myself. I want to familiarize myself with what I'm going to be dealing with ahead. I have no fear of burning out. I hear people say to take it easy now because anything I do at this point really won't help me in the future or make dental school an easier experience. That may be the case, however, it's a personal preference for me to be as prepared as possible and read up on things so that it really eases my anxiety when it comes to start dental school. I'm the type of person who wouldn't mind reading through Netter's Head and Neck Anatomy now because I have the time now (as opposed to the future when I WON'T have time).

Therefore, I was wondering if anyone could tell me about some useful book resources I could look over in my free time OR books you found extremely useful in dental school (maybe supplemental books you feel like you would not have succeed without 😀)? I've heard here and there that most dental school textbooks are a waste of money since most of the information you need is found in the lecture powerpoints or in supplemental resources. Please help me out!

One book that I heard was useful in dental school is Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple.

 

[goffdent]

You should ask your school what textbooks they list, and see if you can get perspectives of current students in the program so you don't buy books that you won't need in the future. If you're going to buy them, then you might as well buy the right ones.. Anatomy atlas, oral pathology, pharmacology, are some good topics to start with.. But.. like you already said.. it's likely a waste of time. Unless you have a ridiculous memory, you will forget most of what you read.

A condensed version of beneficial reading material might be a NBDE part 1 study book. That would be more beneificial of at least focusing the important stuff from the start. I have one unused study book that I could give you deal on.. lol. seriously though too.

 

[Golfguy]

Before I started I thought the same thing as you....but luckily I procrastinated a did next to nothing. Good thing though, because it wouldn't have helped me one bit.


The absolute best thing you can do is enjoy life to the fullest. I'm on my first semester break, and I don't even want to think about school till it starts in a few weeks.

You'll see exactly what I mean once you start.

 

[KittySquared]

^I am also going to do nothing and let my brain rest. I was ambitious after t acceptances and thought about going through all my old notes for advanced bio stuff and then said **** it. Going on several trips and chillaxing instead.

 

[budda10000]

Hi everyone,

I got accepted to Tufts School of Dental Medicine a little over a month ago. Currently, I'm not doing anything (besides taking it easy, working out, research) however, I'm really motivated to succeed in dental school. I know people are going to frown upon this and say to relax and all that stuff because dental school is tough, however, I really want to do some background reading to make the transition to dental school easier for myself. I want to familiarize myself with what I'm going to be dealing with ahead. I have no fear of burning out. I hear people say to take it easy now because anything I do at this point really won't help me in the future or make dental school an easier experience. That may be the case, however, it's a personal preference for me to be as prepared as possible and read up on things so that it really eases my anxiety when it comes to start dental school. I'm the type of person who wouldn't mind reading through Netter's Head and Neck Anatomy now because I have the time now (as opposed to the future when I WON'T have time).

Therefore, I was wondering if anyone could tell me about some useful book resources I could look over in my free time OR books you found extremely useful in dental school (maybe supplemental books you feel like you would not have succeed without 😀)? I've heard here and there that most dental school textbooks are a waste of money since most of the information you need is found in the lecture powerpoints or in supplemental resources. Please help me out!

One book that I heard was useful in dental school is Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple.

If you really really want to do well, learn how to study high volume material. Study skills are waaaay more important than background info in a subject.
There are many decent articles about study routines for med and dental students, the skills are interchangeable so read up.

 

[Duriel]

Get a dental anatomy and occlusion book and some wax. Wax up some teeth, I used a pocket knife and a candle. But don't pick up any bad habits.

 

[Golfguy]

This is what I would recommend. Waxing is pointless....you'll have more than enough time to get good at it.

If you did well in undergrad there is no reason you would do poorly in professional school. It's mostly about effort.

They'll likely regret reading material that won't be on exams when they could of been taking vacations, spending time with friends/family, etc....

 

[Golfguy]

If you really really want to do well, learn how to study high volume material. Study skills are waaaay more important than background info in a subject.
There are many decent articles about study routines for med and dental students, the skills are interchangeable so read up.

It's not complicated. Make a calendar with google or Apple, fill in tests and assignments, and boom, you're organized. Now study at least a little every night.

No books needed. 😉

 

[dreaming2k5]

don't worry too much. I forgot most of it eventually

 

[KillaCam]

Read First Aid NBDE Part I cover to cover and then take the boards during the 2nd week of school. No mercy.

 

[TJNova2011]

Best thing you could do is to start saving some money! Get a second job.

Hi everyone,

I got accepted to Tufts School of Dental Medicine a little over a month ago. Currently, I'm not doing anything (besides taking it easy, working out, research) however, I'm really motivated to succeed in dental school. I know people are going to frown upon this and say to relax and all that stuff because dental school is tough, however, I really want to do some background reading to make the transition to dental school easier for myself. I want to familiarize myself with what I'm going to be dealing with ahead. I have no fear of burning out. I hear people say to take it easy now because anything I do at this point really won't help me in the future or make dental school an easier experience. That may be the case, however, it's a personal preference for me to be as prepared as possible and read up on things so that it really eases my anxiety when it comes to start dental school. I'm the type of person who wouldn't mind reading through Netter's Head and Neck Anatomy now because I have the time now (as opposed to the future when I WON'T have time).

Therefore, I was wondering if anyone could tell me about some useful book resources I could look over in my free time OR books you found extremely useful in dental school (maybe supplemental books you feel like you would not have succeed without 😀)? I've heard here and there that most dental school textbooks are a waste of money since most of the information you need is found in the lecture powerpoints or in supplemental resources. Please help me out!

One book that I heard was useful in dental school is Clinical Neuroanatomy Made Ridiculously Simple.

 

[Duriel]

It's not complicated. Make a calendar with google or Apple, fill in tests and assignments, and boom, you're organized.

Luckily my class secretary takes care of that

 

[Duriel]

This is what I would recommend. Waxing is pointless....you'll have more than enough time to get good at it.

If you did well in undergrad there is no reason you would do poorly in professional school. It's mostly about effort.

They'll likely regret reading material that won't be on exams when they could of been taking vacations, spending time with friends/family, etc....

Some people in my class really struggled with waxing and it added some extra stress. I see why you would consider it a waste of time, and partly agree with you.

 

[Golfguy]

Oh no doubt. Some will struggle with it. I think in my class only a small handful had to re-take a practical, and I don't think anyone scored worse than a C after that.

Taking what you said into consideration, I'll change my advice to: If you have the time, use simple materials and learn to manipulate wax. Honestly, that is more beneficial than reading books or other materials when one doesn't know what will be emphasized and forget it anyway.

 

[Amyda]

I gree with the last one, learn to wax, learn the shape.

 

[7 Iron]

I disagree with "learn how to wax." If you were not taught the tooth anatomy and you don't know how to use the PKT tools, you are just going to learn poor habits that you will then need to unlearn in dental school. I would recommend reading Dentaltown.com in some of your spare time to learn about the issues that will affect you when you're done with dental school.

 

[Duriel]

I disagree with "learn how to wax." If you were not taught the tooth anatomy and you don't know how to use the PKT tools, you are just going to learn poor habits that you will then need to unlearn in dental school. I would recommend reading Dentaltown.com in some of your spare time to learn about the issues that will affect you when you're done with dental school.

If anything, the whole point of waxing is to learn the anatomy. At least get you used to the terminology, which isnt that hard to get anyway.

 

[Dor17]

Read First Aid NBDE Part I cover to cover and then take the boards during the 2nd week of school. No mercy.

LOL that's a good one👍

 

[quocstazz]

Is there anything you guys wish you guys would have known before entering dental school?

Sent from my SPH-D710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[BinIndy]

Just my two cents:
I agree with getting a job (or a second job). I'm doing that myself now. I've completed undergrad and am just waiting for my program to start in July. With all the summer costs (computer, supplies, kits, moving, etc) it would be nice to have some money saved up. I'm also trying to read up on dental blogs and reading for pleasure in my spare time. As for waxing and what not, I'm avoiding that stuff. I'd hate to learn bad habits before Day 1. Enjoy your time and vacation if you can!

 

[iDentastic]

Thanks for all the help. You guys rock! I guess, for me, I'm not trying to prepare beforehand to make my entire dental school experience easy. Clearly, that would happen.. it's going to be extremely tough. My plan was to prepare for this upcoming semester ONLY (where my primary didactic courses would be biochem, human anatomy, and head/neck anatomy) with the transition and all. But yeah, thanks for all the helpful tips!

Quick question, what dental anatomy and occlusion book would you guys recommend I get and, this might be weird, but what type of wax do you guys use to carve your teeth if there is a certain kind? I use "wax" in my research lab but it's like a dark brownish color. I wouldn't mind looking at that stuff and doing some waxing with the extra time on my hands.

 

[Bobby Fischer]

Thanks for all the help. You guys rock! I guess, for me, I'm not trying to prepare beforehand to make my entire dental school experience easy. Clearly, that would happen.. it's going to be extremely tough. My plan was to prepare for this upcoming semester ONLY (where my primary didactic courses would be biochem, human anatomy, and head/neck anatomy) with the transition and all. But yeah, thanks for all the helpful tips!

Quick question, what dental anatomy and occlusion book would you guys recommend I get and, this might be weird, but what type of wax do you guys use to carve your teeth if there is a certain kind? I use "wax" in my research lab but it's like a dark brownish color. I wouldn't mind looking at that stuff and doing some waxing with the extra time on my hands.

Chad's videos has a section on d school and waxing. I watched them the other day. Don't know if they were free for me by luck or because I paid for Chad's videos last summer but I was able to watch them. The d school student demonstrates waxing several teeth and explains a couple of different choices in waxes, instruments, and heating devices. Seemed like an excellent tutorial of the overall idea and a lot of detail, too:

http://www.***********.com/videos/DAT/waxing-videos-19/

^^ it says 100 dollars for the vids but I signed in with my old Chad's video account and I was able to watch even though my account expired awhile ago. Maybe part of the reason I am putting this plug in is because I am glad I didn't have to pay twice👍