AMA Boston University D3

[Tooth Ferry]

3rd year Boston University dental student here to answer any questions you folks may have on BU or whatever else. I can't guarantee a quick response with school but I'll get to all your questions soon!

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[Gordo014]

Hey! Thanks for doing this. Clinical skills-wise, is there anything you feel doesn't get covered/you're not getting enough experience with?

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

What is the school’s culture like? In your opinion how does your clinical experience compare to other schools? What percent of the students specialize? Are a large amount of students on the HPSP scholarship? Will you be doing an aegd or gpr?

 

[Do Ray]

Interviewing here next Monday! What was the main deciding factor for why you chose to attend BU? Also, what is something you found out after starting D1 that you found that you liked or disliked?

 

[Tooth Ferry]

What is the school’s culture like? In your opinion how does your clinical experience compare to other schools? What percent of the students specialize? Are a large amount of students on the HPSP scholarship? Will you be doing an aegd or gpr?

I can't really compare the clinical experience since I'm not at other schools. We can place implants and do lots of CEREC crowns/bridges. They're really keen on trying to be a digital school. I'm sure other schools do more and others do less. We definitely have more classes than other schools do for 3rd years. I'm getting Invisalign certified and will learn Botox injections this year.

There's about 5 or 6 per year on the HPSP.

I'm planning to do an AEGD because the Army requires it.

 

[Incis0r]

D2 here. Any advice you would give yourself 1 year ago to help make for a smooth transition to clinic and seeing patients?

 

[Adlogin]

The Army requires applying for the AEGD, but doesn't require you to accept the AEGD.

 

[P0W3RL1FT3R]

you ever regret not going to medical school?
(not trolling)

Coming from a D1 who is in a first year med school curriculum, I am pretty freaking happy about choosing dentistry over medicine.

My Q: what have you done to prepare yourself for the business side of dentistry?

 

[Tooth Ferry]

D2 here. Any advice you would give yourself 1 year ago to help make for a smooth transition to clinic and seeing patients?

It depends on how the school orients you. We are generally just sort of thrown in and have to figure a lot out on our own. Spend some time there assisting upperclassmen to get a feel for things. Just be professional at all times in front of patients and you'll figure out the rest.

 

[Tooth Ferry]

Do you think having a masters degree (a science-based program) would be helpful in specializing?
thanks!

Probably not. It's all about class rank/GPA and letters of recommendation and research.

 

[Tooth Ferry]

Coming from a D1 who is in a first year med school curriculum, I am pretty freaking happy about choosing dentistry over medicine.

My Q: what have you done to prepare yourself for the business side of dentistry?

I worked in a dental office for a year prior to matriculating so that helped a lot. They have lunch and learns and career services people. The reality is that unless you're on the military scholarship, know a dentist and will have a job lined up, or have family that can pay for school, you're going to have to go corporate or work in a health center for at least a few years to pay off your loans.

 

[Tooth Ferry]

Interviewing here next Monday! What was the main deciding factor for why you chose to attend BU? Also, what is something you found out after starting D1 that you found that you liked or disliked?

I really loved all the people I met and I still do for the most part. The professors are generally good and genuinely want to help you and watch you succeed. Boston is also great.

D1 is a difficult adjustment for a lot of people, myself included. You really need to manage your study time well because it's going to be near-constant exams for a year. You're going to make good friends spending a ton of time in the library while doing minimal dental stuff.

2nd year is much less difficult than 1st year and so far (3 months in), 3rd year has also been tough just due to juggling classes and the clinic.