Ask a 4th year dental student anything :)

[OSUkid]

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How do I become sympathetic?
IM BATMAN

 

[Bereno]

How do I become sympathetic?
IM BATMAN

Sit in your classmate's dental chair if you want to learn to be sympathetic. 😉

 

[gsquared]

I would also like to hear about your feelings on intraoral cams and Aniki or Aniki-like programs.

It's tangential, but how do you explain the importance of flossing to non-dental people in a succinct and impactful way?

 

[postpitadh]

Do all/most dental schools record all lectures? My undergrad did this and it saved my butt when I was pressed for time. @Bereno

 

[tayloreve]

Aww Bereno! I remember when you were applying and now you are a D4. I'm happy for you! I'm a D2 now as well. We have come a long way! Woot.

 

[Faux]

Anki flashcards are amazing since they only test you on what you don't know - much more effective than physical cards (for me).

Anki looks intimidating and I'd had trouble using it. I'll give it another go. I've used quizlet.com through college but I understand the benefit of Anki is to space out the material and to save time going over material you need to know.

 

[Faux]

Thank you for doing this, I have appreciated reading all of the questions and your responses so far.
1. When did you learn Spanish?
2. Would it be plausible to self-teach myself some rudimentary Spanish during D1/D2 using Rosetta or Pimsleur?
3. Have you used an intraoral camera to make a portfolio of your work while in dental school and if so, what was your setup?
4. Do you think you would have liked a Anki-like program containing modules that are tailored specifically for certain classes such as anatomical courses, pathology classes, radiology, diagnosis/treatment of oral disease, other visual subjects, and course terminology (disclosure: I'm in a research project seeking to develop such an app for the school I attend)?

http://www.dentalcare.com/media/JCDB/audiosp/sp_hb_2007.swf

also look into Fluenz Spanish on amazon.

 

[Bereno]

I would also like to hear about your feelings on intraoral cams and Aniki or Aniki-like programs.

It's tangential, but how do you explain the importance of flossing to non-dental people in a succinct and impactful way?

Intraoral cams such CADCAM, or intraoral as in taking a photo of the mouth? lol I like anki, others like Firecracker, some like Quizlett.

I ask the patient where food gets stuck, they say between their teeth. I then ask them if a toothbrush can get between their teeth, and they say no. I then tell them that bacteria feed off leftover food, so flossing gets the food out, and makes them less likely to get a cavity. This approach usually works well for me.

Do all/most dental schools record all lectures? My undergrad did this and it saved my butt when I was pressed for time. @Bereno

I doubt all dental schools do, though I am not sure on which ones do and which ones do not.

Aww Bereno! I remember when you were applying and now you are a D4. I'm happy for you! I'm a D2 now as well. We have come a long way! Woot.

Hey!! I remember you 🙂 Congrats on being a D2; that was a good year for me, so I hope you enjoy it!

 

[Bereno]

Anki looks intimidating and I'd had trouble using it. I'll give it another go. I've used quizlet.com through college but I understand the benefit of Anki is to space out the material and to save time going over material you need to know.

Just sit down and try to play with it for a little while, then go on YouTube and watch a few videos. That's what I did. 🙂

 

[htorres89]

Hey! Thanks for doing this. I have 2 questions.

1.What was your hardest/most difficult class you have taken so far in dental school?

2. Do you recommend any courses we should take prior to dental school?

 

[sb1993]

why did you switch from finance to biology/ why did you choose dentistry?

 

[deleted659902]

why did you switch from finance to biology/ why did you choose dentistry?

Look at the evidence.

1) Background in finance
2) Finds dentistry "boring" and applies to 4-yr OMFS programs, not 6-yr ones

 

[Bereno]

Hey! Thanks for doing this. I have 2 questions.

1.What was your hardest/most difficult class you have taken so far in dental school?

2. Do you recommend any courses we should take prior to dental school?

1) Probably oral pathology
2) Nope, just enjoy undergrad and enjoy your summer! They will teach you what you need to know 🙂

why did you switch from finance to biology/ why did you choose dentistry?

I was going into law and I decided that law was not the lifestyle that I wanted. I also wanted to work with my hands a bit. Also, my older sisters are in the medical field and the reason I did not initially go into medicine is that I did not want to just follow them. That said, a medical field where I can work with my hands, but have the option to manage my own business appealed to me - which lead me to dentistry over law.

Look at the evidence.

1) Background in finance
2) Finds dentistry "boring" and applies to 4-yr OMFS programs, not 6-yr ones

Lol, are you implying that my career goals are influenced by income? Because they are haha

 

[deleted659902]

 

[Bereno]

Hahahaha, I would not say that I am a Grinch. Having financial motivation for pursuing a certain career is not wrong or immoral (though it does get a bad rep here on the forums). I think the greater question is if financial motivation is the only motivation for pursuing a certain career. As you may have read, I really enjoy surgery, I think I have something to contribute to the field, and I believe it would fit me and my personality better than general dentistry. 🙂

 

[ajj70]

Hahahaha, I would not say that I am a Grinch. Having financial motivation for pursuing a certain career is not wrong or immoral (though it does get a bad rep here on the forums). I think the greater question is if financial motivation is the only motivation for pursuing a certain career. As you may have read, I really enjoy surgery, I think I have something to contribute to the field, and I believe it would fit me and my personality better than general dentistry. 🙂

Financial motivation is not a bad thing....look at how many people want to be engineers (and fail)...not because they like engineering, but because they want to earn a good salary. There is nothing wrong with that, but like you said, if it is your ONLY motivation.....go into sales.

 

[deleted659902]

Having financial motivation for pursuing a certain career is not wrong or immoral (though it does get a bad rep here on the forums).

Financial motivation is not a bad thingThere is nothing wrong with that

Um Mr. Gekko, could you repeat that one more time?

 

[ajj70]

Um Mr. Gekko, could you repeat that one more time?

Greed is not the same thing as wanting to have a comfortable life...🙄

 

[Bereno]

Um Mr. Gekko, could you repeat that one more time?

Why would I repeat that since you just quoted me lol. I understand you want to troll this out a bit, but I think the point is clear. 🙂

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

Let's not hate on people for wanting to make some money to feed their starving families.

My dad always told me I can be whatever I want, as long as what I'm doing makes me over 200k a year.

 

[OSUkid]

Do you like my teddy bear @tooth knockn ?
This is a rare sighting of him and his family
y

 

[dp93]

W0uld you agree that the term "comfortable" refers to a condition deemed beyond essential?
Would you agree that "greed" can mean desiring something beyond what is essential?
Now, you tell me. Is "greed" the same as "wanting to have a comfortable life?"

not at all.

greed
ɡrēd/
noun
noun: greed

1. intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food.

more then essential =/= intense and selfish

 

[virtualmaster999]

Thanks for doing this!

Would you mind answering these questions?

1. What is the hardest part about dental school?
2 If you could give any advice to those aspiring to be dentists, what would it be?

 

[darknightzzz]

Was "financial motivation" the "only" motivation for deciding to apply for 4-year OMFS programs?
Was "financial motivation" the primary motivation for deciding to apply for 4-year OMFS programs?
Was "financial motivation" the primary motivation for finding general dentistry "boring?"

I expect the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

dude/gal go get a life and stop questioning people's motives for choosing whatever career they have chosen.
care about yourself first.

 

[Greyangel6]

Hahahaha, I would not say that I am a Grinch. Having financial motivation for pursuing a certain career is not wrong or immoral (though it does get a bad rep here on the forums). I think the greater question is if financial motivation is the only motivation for pursuing a certain career. As you may have read, I really enjoy surgery, I think I have something to contribute to the field, and I believe it would fit me and my personality better than general dentistry. 🙂

Great quote, I will save it for my application process into OMS in 4 years ^^

 

[ajj70]

W0uld you agree that the term "comfortable" refers to a condition deemed beyond essential?
Would you agree that "greed" can mean desiring something beyond what is essential?
Now, you tell me. Is "greed" the same as "wanting to have a comfortable life?"

I guess my 800+ hours of volunteer work just screams "greed"....give it a rest. Can you honestly say that the income you will make as a dentist was given zero consideration when YOU applied???

And no, greed is not wanting something beyond what is essential. Greed is only looking out for yourself and achieving your goals no matter what the cost. If we only lived for what was essential, you would live in a one room house with no running water, grow you own food, make your own clothing, walk everywhere, never shop in a store, etc, etc, etc. I highly doubt that is how you live your life.

 

[deleted659902]

I guess my 800+ hours of volunteer work just screams "greed"....give it a rest. Can you honestly say that the income you will make as a dentist was given zero consideration when YOU applied???

And no, greed is not wanting something beyond what is essential. Greed is only looking out for yourself and achieving your goals no matter what the cost. If we only lived for what was essential, you would live in a one room house with no running water, grow you own food, make your own clothing, walk everywhere, never shop in a store, etc, etc, etc. I highly doubt that is how you live your life.

Income wasn't my primary motivation when I was considering a career. That may not be the case for you, but try to understand that not everyone's chiefly motivated by $$$.

When I think of greed, I think of excess. Anything in excess of what is needed can be considered greed. In contrast to the extreme examples you've laid out, a more realistic case of "excess," and hence "greed," may be a dental student whose primary motivation for applying to specialty programs is born of financial gains, not of genuine interest and aptitude in a field, even when general dentistry may suffice the student's financial need (note that I didn't say "want"). By extension, someone with disingenuous interest in a field would most definitely opt for training of shorter length (e.g. 4yr rather than 6yr).

 

[ajj70]

Income wasn't my primary motivation when I was considering a career. That may not be the case for you, but try to understand that not everyone's chiefly motivated by $$$.

When I think of greed, I think of excess. Anything in excess of what is needed can be considered greed. In contrast to the extreme examples you've laid out, a more realistic case of "excess," and hence "greed," may be a dental student whose primary motivation for applying to specialty programs is born of financial gains, not of genuine interest and aptitude in a field, even when general dentistry may suffice the student's financial need (note that I didn't say "want"). By extension, someone with disingenuous interest in a field would most definitely opt for training of shorter length (e.g. 4yr rather than 6yr).

No one said their primary focus was financial...where are you getting this?????

 

[Bereno]

Was "financial motivation" the "only" motivation for deciding to apply for 4-year OMFS programs?
Was "financial motivation" the primary motivation for deciding to apply for 4-year OMFS programs?
Was "financial motivation" the primary motivation for finding general dentistry "boring?"

I expect the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Calm down there tiger, save your energy for an argument you can win.

Thanks for doing this!

Would you mind answering these questions?

1. What is the hardest part about dental school?
2 If you could give any advice to those aspiring to be dentists, what would it be?

1) Keeping organized and on top of the floodgate of stuff to do. That, and learning how to please everyone haha
2) Learn when to focus on something and learn when to let it go. Dental school has a lot of hoops to jump through, so if you can recognize the hoops, you might be a little less frustrated. Also, enjoy yourself 🙂

Great quote, I will save it for my application process into OMS in 4 years ^^

Cant tell if honest or sarcastic lol.

... try to understand that not everyone's chiefly motivated by $$$.
... someone with disingenuous interest in a field would most definitely opt for training of shorter length (e.g. 4yr rather than 6yr).

You should take your own advice here.
While it is true that if someone who was disingenuous would want a shorter training period, it is a logical fallacy to assume those who want a shorter training period are disingenuous.

 

[kayden28]

Income wasn't my primary motivation when I was considering a career. That may not be the case for you, but try to understand that not everyone's chiefly motivated by $$$.

When I think of greed, I think of excess. Anything in excess of what is needed can be considered greed. In contrast to the extreme examples you've laid out, a more realistic case of "excess," and hence "greed," may be a dental student whose primary motivation for applying to specialty programs is born of financial gains, not of genuine interest and aptitude in a field, even when general dentistry may suffice the student's financial need (note that I didn't say "want"). By extension, someone with disingenuous interest in a field would most definitely opt for training of shorter length (e.g. 4yr rather than 6yr).

I disagree with this. There may a number of other reasons people opt for a shorter program, for example, other life goals like starting and raising a family or moving or traveling. Additionally, not everyone likes being in training for extensive periods of time. When you've been in school and in training for so long, it's fair to want a change in lifestyle and priorities as long as shortening the years doesn't make you a shoddy healthcare provider. Yes, people may factor in the opportunity cost of training longer vs. having an extra few years to make an income, but that's not always the sole factor.

 

[OSUkid]

you havent answered my previous question

 

[Bereno]

you havent answered my previous question

I answered the one aimed at me lol. 🙂

 

[NMC2010]

Cat or dog? Which to get

 

[NMC2010]

Income wasn't my primary motivation when I was considering a career. That may not be the case for you, but try to understand that not everyone's chiefly motivated by $$$.

When I think of greed, I think of excess. Anything in excess of what is needed can be considered greed.

I know you're a troll, and I shouldn't feed you. But sometimes I can't resist lol.

Anything in excess is greed? Excess to one person can be deficiency to another. Excess is completely subjective. If I say I want 3 wives, 5 children, and 64 cats, that might be perfect for me, but excessive for you. The $200,000,000 mansion I need to accommodate all of them might seem excessive to you, and you might think I'm greedy. But come on - 3 wives? $200,000,000 might not even be enough.

Also, who cares what your primary motivation is for a career. If you want to be the Mother Theresa of dentistry, good for you. If someone else wants to make their fortune off doing 50 implants a week and is good at what they do, good for them. I won't argue about what is VS isn't a "good motivator" for happiness in your life, because that's a somewhat different topic.

Edit: This quote is also ridiculous: "W0uld you agree that the term "comfortable" refers to a condition deemed beyond essential?" Sure, I agree. Let's say it's essential that you have more than 4L of circulating blood in your body to stay alive. Even though 4L is essential for life, you'd be much more comfortable at the normal 5L of blood. You try to make it sound like comfort is a bad thing. Per your logic, you should just stay at the essential level, and hope you don't go into hypovolemic shock.

 

[Bereno]

Cat or dog? Which to get

A dog-sized cat. But please, no cat sized dogs...

 

[Holymolar14]

.

 

[Bereno]

Thank you so much for doing this! I'm sure you are super busy, so I really appreciate it.

My question is a bit odd. I'm just really curious how common it is for people to meet and date in dental school?

I don't think its an odd question at all. People date classmates all the time. Its easy since we have a common ground with our peers, and we understand the stresses of what we are going through, and we are close by. The thing is that I would not recommend dating in the same class as yours since that would mean you have to see them all the time. Dating in the same class simply does not work way more often than it does. I usually recommend dating the class above or the class below haha. 🙂

 

[Nikj]

Thank you for taking time for all of us Bereno!

1. May I also pm you for motivational sources?
2. How have you liked UConn and what are some pros/cons of the school?
3. I live near Farmington and I was curious if they was anytime toward the end of this month (August) you'd be willing to show me around the school?
4. Other than not going to lecture classes, do you have any other tips on studying, like differentiating what material is a waste of time to study and what material is important to study?

 

[Bereno]

Thank you for taking time for all of us Bereno!

1. May I also pm you for motivational sources?
2. How have you liked UConn and what are some pros/cons of the school?
3. I live near Farmington and I was curious if they was anytime toward the end of this month (August) you'd be willing to show me around the school?
4. Other than not going to lecture classes, do you have any other tips on studying, like differentiating what material is a waste of time to study and what material is important to study?

1) Sure, but I don't have much to offer haha
2) Yeah, I have liked UConn. Pros and cons is a tough one since the main pros also carry some of the same cons. If I had summarize:
Pros - small class, med school curriculum, specializes a lot of students, cost.
Cons - small class, med school curriculum, specializes a lot of students.
3) Possibly, depends on how busy I am. Remind me then and I will see what I can do for you.
4) I did mention learning what is and is not important earlier in the thread, but this would be a good time to reiterate that. If you can, use notes from previous upperclassmen to see what was emphasized and what was skimmed over. Always helped me. 🙂

 

[hajin]

This is a great thread. Thanks man.

I'm a non-traditional student and one of the most important things for me going into school is the atmosphere. I mean, I don't mind it being academically challenging and I'm looking forward to the education, but I really don't want to deal with sadistic professors, disrespect, crazy egos and weird political nonsense if I can help it.

1. What have you heard about other schools? Which dental schools have a reputation for being "laid back"?
(Again, not necessarily EASY, just with a chill atmosphere)
2. Speaking of easy though... Going to a pass / fail school sounds like it would be way easier, but do you think it really matters in terms of difficulty (especially somewhere like UConn)?
3. Have you heard about any issues at other schools with abusive crazy faculty recently or is that kind of drama more an issue of the past?
4. Have you seen many older, non-traditional students specialize?

Thanks again

 

[Bereno]

This is a great thread. Thanks man.

I'm a non-traditional student and one of the most important things for me going into school is the atmosphere. I mean, I don't mind it being academically challenging and I'm looking forward to the education, but I really don't want to deal with sadistic professors, disrespect, crazy egos and weird political nonsense if I can help it.

1. What have you heard about other schools? Which dental schools have a reputation for being "laid back"?
(Again, not necessarily EASY, just with a chill atmosphere)
2. Speaking of easy though... Going to a pass / fail school sounds like it would be way easier, but do you think it really matters in terms of difficulty (especially somewhere like UConn)?
3. Have you heard about any issues at other schools with abusive crazy faculty recently or is that kind of drama more an issue of the past?
4. Have you seen many older, non-traditional students specialize?

Thanks again

First off, I have not heard of a "laid back" dental school. This is not to say that they don't exist, but the schools that I have heard about (mostly from their dental students) are all pretty intense at times. Every school is going to have the mean professor here and there, or the big ego. All will have politics lol.

1) I am not sure... Unfortunately, I will have to defer to SDN on this one. I have a strange feeling this has more to do with class dynamics than it does with the school administration - I could be wrong though.
2) No. Even though UConn is P/F, it is not easy to pass by any means. The school knows that it takes effort just to pass their curriculum, and they are very aware of the demands the curriculum puts on the students.
3) Abusive/crazy faculty will come and go, and you will always hear about "that one time" from the dental students at other schools.
4) Hard for me to say, since the class size at UConn is so small. I do not see why they would not... After all, age does not seem to keep them from pursuing their education, so why would that prevent them from pursuing a specialty?

 

[hajin]

Every school is going to have the mean professor here and there, or the big ego. All will have politics lol.

Politics never stop. I kinda knew that. Professor A ignoring everyone but the cute girls in lab and Professor B being convinced her degree makes her an infallible god... Human nature, right?

It just seems like some schools these days put a lot of effort into talking up how ultra professional their programs are and how they treat you like a colleague from day one, etc. It's good marketing at least.

"Welcome to Utopia Dental, a laid back happy school where everyone is nice." I want to believe the hype! lol

 

[Bereno]

Lol, yup!

 

[Greyangel6]

2. Speaking of easy though... Going to a pass / fail school sounds like it would be way easier, but do you think it really matters in terms of difficulty (especially somewhere like UConn)?

I hear from my friend that at some P/F schools, to pass you need a 92 on every exam and assignments. If anyone can verify, please do. But hearing that, I just know that dental school will require effort regardless lol. Should be stocking up on my water pills to prevent high blood pressure from all the stress XD

 

[hajin]

I hear from my friend that at some P/F schools, to pass you need a 92 on every exam and assignments.

Yeah, I heard from a guy at Roseman that a pass there means getting over 90. I guess they do a lot to help you get that grade, but it's still plenty challenging. Most of us on sdn are probably way too type A for this to apply (even if the idea of being lazy sounds nice lol) but if you really were all about "C's get degrees" and your only goal was to barely pass, I almost think a school with the traditional ABC grading system would be easier than an A or fail school. I mean, schools like Harvard, Columbia, UCSF and Uconn are P/F. Definitely not a lot of C students in that group.

 

[Bereno]

I hear from my friend that at some P/F schools, to pass you need a 92 on every exam and assignments. If anyone can verify, please do. But hearing that, I just know that dental school will require effort regardless lol. Should be stocking up on my water pills to prevent high blood pressure from all the stress XD

This is not how it is at UConn lol. The pass rate will depend on each class, and varies accordingly. It is never near a 92 though haha.

Yeah, I heard from a guy at Roseman that a pass there means getting over 90. I guess they do a lot to help you get that grade, but it's still plenty challenging. Most of us on sdn are probably way too type A for this to apply (even if the idea of being lazy sounds nice lol) but if you really were all about "C's get degrees" and your only goal was to barely pass, I almost think a school with the traditional ABC grading system would be easier than an A or fail school. I mean, schools like Harvard, Columbia, UCSF and Uconn are P/F. Definitely not a lot of C students in that group.

See above. 🙂

 

[rachelehu]

Are you from CT? If not, did you get to pay in-state tuition after one year? (if you are from CT, do you know anyone who did at UConn?)

 

[Scumbag_Steve]

.

 

[Bereno]

Are you from CT? If not, did you get to pay in-state tuition after one year? (if you are from CT, do you know anyone who did at UConn?)

I am a proud Washingtonian, so I had to pay OOS tuition for the first year. That said, after meeting certain criteria for CT residency, I now pay IS tuition. UConn has a tiered system where you can pay "Out of state", "New England", or "In-state" tuition, so most people at UConn pay either NE or IS tuition the first year (there are very few OOS students here at UConn), but essentially everyone gets IS after the first year. 🙂

People from outside of CT get to reclassify as CT residents after the first year. This is what I've heard from a large number of people.

Correct.

 

[jb305305]

I'm 20 years old. My science GPA is 3.03. Non science is 3.04. I am a chemistry major. I go to Florida International University. I have shadowed a pediatric dentist and general dentist. I've done a total of 120 hours. I have good letters, & I am doing the pre health committee process. I'm taking the DAT in a week. On practice exams, I have been getting: bio- 19, chem- 18, orgo- 18, math- 20, pat- 20, reading- 21. For natural sciences, I can boost up because I haven't finished memorizing some concepts. I will be sending my application late August. What are my chances of getting into any dental school? I plan on applying to schools that don't ask for a high GPA.