Anyone nervous about performing procedures in dental school?

[EstherB]

---

Members do not see this ad.

This may sound strange coming from a pre-dent student anxious to get to DS but is it normal to feel a little anxious when thinking about performing procedures? Injections? Implants? Root Canals?

Do other people feel this way?

I've never been bothered by dental work and had TONS done. It's actually what turned me on to dentistry - being around it from a young age, asking lots of questions and watching procedures with a mirror. I just cant imagine getting there and not feeling up to it. Is it something that can be overcome?

 

[yuppers]

There is nothing to be anxious about especially at this time. A lot of that anxiety will go away once you become more knowledgeable in each of the procedures. But I just have to laugh whenever I hear stories about students giving their first injections since I know that I will be in a similar situation.

 

[newyorkblork]

I think we're all a little nervous... we don't really know anything about actually performing the procedures, and the thought of moving from that ignorance to actually being paid to do them in 4 years is a little intimidating 🙂

Just chill out, remember that there have been hundreds of thousands of dentists before you, and that the vast majority of them were not incredibly gifted - just willing to work hard and practice.

We'll get there!

 

[Doc Smile]

There is nothing to be anxious about especially at this time. A lot of that anxiety will go away once you become more knowledgeable in each of the procedures. But I just have to laugh whenever I hear stories about students giving their first injections since I know that I will be in a similar situation.

Dont be nervous, its not like you read about a root canal then jump into clinic and start doing it. You will practice in the lab or, even better, another classmate.

 

[thenextdentist]

Sometimes I get nervous when I think of all the complicated stuff we'll have to do, but then I remember that everyone started out not knowing anything, so I'm no different than anyone else.

 

[FutureDent020]

I think it's reasonable to be a little nervous about the operative aspect of dental school. It's new to all of us (unless you have worked in a dental lab). But I think just like everything else, after some practice we will be just fine.

 

[DentalTrain]

I am just worried that all the coffee I will be drinking to stay up for all-nighters studying for tests will make me shakey during procedures

 

[FutureDent020]

I am just worried that all the coffee I will be drinking to stay up for all-nighters studying for tests will make me shakey during procedures

Haha, I am right with you. I loaded up on coffee in undergrad, but had to stay away from it on the mornings I was interning as a dental assistant. In moderation it will be ok, but I definitely see where you are coming from.

 

[Near]

Nah. I'm ready to do everything like a mad scientist. Just kidding. I'm sure more confidence will come to everyone who has learned about the procedures.

 

[EstherB]

I mean nervous about not being able to stomach everything.... not nervous about not having the proper skills.

I just keep thinking I will finally get there and might not be able to handle all the blood and stuff. That type of fear.

 

[PChemGrad]

I am just worried that all the coffee I will be drinking to stay up for all-nighters studying for tests will make me shakey during procedures

just be worried about recovering from all the EtOH you will be consuming. Man did it suck going to lab the next day after a night of drinking and having to do a practical. But I was able to adapt to all of those shakes from still having the alcohol in my system. Some of my best preps were when I was hungover.

 

[newyorkblork]

I mean nervous about not being able to stomach everything.... not nervous about not having the proper skills.

I just keep thinking I will finally get there and might not be able to handle all the blood and stuff. That type of fear.

Oh! If you're afraid about that stuff, you might consider shadowing an oral surgeon?? I think their procedures will be a good deal 'grosser'/messier than you would see in the day-to-day GP stuff.

But I think you'll be fine 🙂