Ask a Maryland D4 anything!

[CMistry]

Ask away.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Illfavor]

Which year has been the worst and why?

How would you tell someone who's pre-dental to prepare for the future work loads?

How prepared do you feel for the business side of things?

What's one thing you wish you had done differently in your undergraduate?

^.^ Thanks for any replies!

 

[CMistry]

Which year has been the worst and why?

It's different for everyone (many people say D1 or D2) but for me it was D3, because I don't like managing patients and this is when it begins.

How would you tell someone who's pre-dental to prepare for the future work loads?

Relax for now and expect the worst. As long as you are willing to dedicate the majority of your time to DS it won't be too bad.

How prepared do you feel for the business side of things?

Not prepared. Dental school teaches you dentistry, not business, and even that's hard to do in four years. So honestly not at all.

What's one thing you wish you had done differently in your undergraduate?

Before I got in? Studied harder. After I got in? Partied harder. I look back at college and think I didn't have enough fun. Once you start dental school everything you need will be provided for you, so there's really no need to study or try to get a head start now.

 

[thyagar3]

What are your plans like after graduation?

 

[Lady Jack Wills]

Ask anything?

I haven't heard anything from the school since my interview in December. Is there still hope?

 

[CMistry]

What are your plans like after graduation?

Pending my graduation, I'll be attending an OMS residency in Dallas TX.

 

[CMistry]

Ask anything?

I haven't heard anything from the school since my interview in December. Is there still hope?

Yes there is, I was accepted in March.

 

[21312632]

Ask away.

First off... Thank you so much for your long, very detailed suggestions about Maryland in the other thread. I appreciate it.

Here are some more questions...

You said you were out of state as well. What kind of things did you have to do qualify for in-state tuition? I'm assuming change you ID, etc? You said you got it during your first year so that means you paid out of state D1?

I do have aspirations of specializing and my immediate interest is prosthodontics, even though I realize that might change once I'm exposed to other fields in school. And since Maryland has a Pros program and Temple does not I feel that would be another advantage for me with Maryland. Do the Maryland graduate programs like to accept Maryland undergrads?

My biggest concern is that I want to go to a school where I feel the most comfortable and happy b/c I think that perfectly equates to how successful one can be in school. When I interviewed at Maryland I felt there was tons of camaraderie between students and faculty.

Also, do you happen to know how many people that are usually accepted during big acceptance days this late in the game? I have an undergrad friend who interviewed and still waiting to hear back.

Finally, just curious if you even interviewed at Temple back when you applied?

Again, thanks for your input...

 

[CMistry]

First off... Thank you so much for your long, very detailed suggestions about Maryland in the other thread. I appreciate it.

Glad it was helpful.

You said you were out of state as well. What kind of things did you have to do qualify for in-state tuition? I'm assuming change you ID, etc? You said you got it during your first year so that means you paid out of state D1?

I'm a weird case. But people who get instate status do change their license, file taxes here (if applicable), change their vehicle registration, etc. and then apply. Basically you should have no ties to any other state. Once you pick up the application from the registrar you can clearly see what all you need to change to get it.

I do have aspirations of specializing and my immediate interest is prosthodontics, even though I realize that might change once I'm exposed to other fields in school. And since Maryland has a Pros program and Temple does not I feel that would be another advantage for me with Maryland. Do the Maryland graduate programs like to accept Maryland undergrads?

Yes. You will find that most schools like to take their own students into their residencies - it is a safe bet for the schools since they know these applicants better than the rest. One of my classmates was accepted into the prosth program here, and I know one was last year as well. Also I've heard from several people that our prosth residency here is excellent.

My biggest concern is that I want to go to a school where I feel the most comfortable and happy b/c I think that perfectly equates to how successful one can be in school. When I interviewed at Maryland I felt there was tons of camaraderie between students and faculty.

I agree, I also needed to go somewhere comfortable to succeed.

Also, do you happen to know how many people that are usually accepted during big acceptance days this late in the game? I have an undergrad friend who interviewed and still waiting to hear back.

I have no idea.

Finally, just curious if you even interviewed at Temple back when you applied?

I interviewed and was accepted there, and I thought it was a great program.

 

[385835]

What is something you wish you had known when comparing dental schools as an applicant that you know now as a D4?

 

[lillified]

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in dental school?

 

[orthosm2021]

can you tell me about general specialization rates? About how many people apply and how many match every year? Thank you!

 

[ALLDAYYY]

Besides great GPA and great NBDE part 1 scores,

What are other activities or tips you can give towards having a well rounded application and better shot of gaining admission to residency programs after dental school?

 

[CMistry]

What is something you wish you had known when comparing dental schools as an applicant that you know now as a D4?

What are the problems in clinic? How efficient is your time there? Who are the "good" and "bad" professors? (compare ratios) If you want to specialize, see if the school likes to take their own dental students into residencies. If you want to be a GP find out how many people do an AEGD/GPR vs. straight into practice - this helps to judge preparedness. Also it would be nice if other students in the school share your extracurricular activities.

 

[CMistry]

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently in dental school?

Nah not really. There are lots of people that I wish I knew better but such is life.0

 

[CMistry]

can you tell me about general specialization rates? About how many people apply and how many match every year? Thank you!

Are you asking about Maryland specifically or in general?

I think overall about 20% of dentists are specialists, with about 10% going to the specialty residency right out of school. Our school follows this trend as well.

For the statistics you are looking for, check here: http://www.natmatch.com/dentres/sumstats.htm .

 

[CMistry]

Besides great GPA and great NBDE part 1 scores,

What are other activities or tips you can give towards having a well rounded application and better shot of gaining admission to residency programs after dental school?

I'm sure this varies A LOT depending on what residency you are interested in. But for OMS it would be externships, research, and leadership activity. Grades/boards land you the interview, and then they want to hear all the great things you've done outside of the classroom. If you're interested in a residency you should speak with your program's director and ask him what you should do to improve your application. From my experience they are always happy to see people interested early.

 

[dng785]

Are you Circumsized?.....jk

I'm currently teaching 6th grade in Asia until d-school starts this fall. Your caption "Ask me anything" reminded me of one of my students. The first day of class, I also told the students to ask me anything they wanted. And one boldly asked, if I was circumsized haha.


On a more serious note; with the boards changing to P/F, have you heard anything about whether specialties will now give standardized tests regarding to admissions? I heard a rumor that some specialties will require some type of specialized test similar to the DAT when evaluating applicants.
thanks

 

[CMistry]

On a more serious note; with the boards changing to P/F, have you heard anything about whether specialties will now give standardized tests regarding to admissions? I heard a rumor that some specialties will require some type of specialized test similar to the DAT when evaluating applicants.
thanks

Some specialty programs already require the GRE, and I'm sure many more will soon. OMS is requiring applicants to take a USMLE prep test called the NBME.

 

[21312632]

Yes there is, I was accepted in March.

You said you were accepted in March. What month did you interview?

 

[385835]

What are the problems in clinic? How efficient is your time there? Who are the "good" and "bad" professors? (compare ratios) If you want to specialize, see if the school likes to take their own dental students into residencies. If you want to be a GP find out how many people do an AEGD/GPR vs. straight into practice - this helps to judge preparedness. Also it would be nice if other students in the school share your extracurricular activities.

Thanks for the response

 

[CMistry]

You said you were accepted in March. What month did you interview?

February.

 

[JcRoughriders]

Thanks for the help!
So what are the problems in clinic for Maryland? Other guys kept referring to the YouTube video, but I wasn't sure if the video was 100% accurate and it didn't really specify any serious problems

 

[CMistry]

Thanks for the help!
So what are the problems in clinic for Maryland? Other guys kept referring to the YouTube video, but I wasn't sure if the video was 100% accurate and it didn't really specify any serious problems

Honesty it's tough to understand the problems until you're in clinic. I'll suffice it to say that it's not easy to get things done because there are so many checks and balances. Also it's difficult to know all the rules as it seems new ones pop up all the time. Like I mentioned before though, these are problems with most dental schools (not just Maryland).

 

[Predent25]

How do you feel about your loans? I am currently a full-time researcher making an ok salary and the prospect of living off loans seems scary (however necessary). Although the burden of debt is somewhat a rite of passage for aspiring dentists, but despite prolonging your repayment 6 more years for OMS residency, does the potential salary you will make overshadow your loans? I suppose what I am really asking is the average graduate (GP) or post-residency specialist able to earn a comfortable living? I am in state. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I have considered HSPS but it is honestly not for me. I am considering OMS as well, but will not truely know for sure till I get my hands dirty.

 

[CMistry]

How do you feel about your loans? I am currently a full-time researcher making an ok salary and the prospect of living off loans seems scary (however necessary). Although the burden of debt is somewhat a rite of passage for aspiring dentists, but despite prolonging your repayment 6 more years for OMS residency, does the potential salary you will make overshadow your loans? I suppose what I am really asking is the average graduate (GP) or post-residency specialist able to earn a comfortable living? I am in state. Thanks for taking the time to do this. I have considered HSPS but it is honestly not for me. I am considering OMS as well, but will not truely know for sure till I get my hands dirty.

No matter what you decide to do, academics or private practice, you will be able to pay off your loans and live comfortably. Making 200k a year (I'm using this as an arbitrary lifetime average, most OMS make more) you can easily pay off 350k in loans. Of course if you go into private practice you will pay this off faster and live a more opulent lifestyle, but by no means is it your only option. Don't let the loan demons weigh you down - in dentistry you can do what you like and you'll be fine.

 

[Predent25]

No matter what you decide to do, academics or private practice, you will be able to pay off your loans and live comfortably. Making 200k a year (I'm using this as an arbitrary lifetime average, most OMS make more) you can easily pay off 350k in loans. Of course if you go into private practice you will pay this off faster and live a more opulent lifestyle, but by no means is it your only option. Don't let the loan demons weigh you down - in dentistry you can do what you like and you'll be fine.

Thanks for the encouraging words. I feel a bit more at ease even though loans scare the hell out of me. Another question. Do you have to pay for the medical school portion of your residency? Just curious. Thank you for taking time to help us newbies out.

 

[CMistry]

Thanks for the encouraging words. I feel a bit more at ease even though loans scare the hell out of me. Another question. Do you have to pay for the medical school portion of your residency? Just curious. Thank you for taking time to help us newbies out.

Yes you do have to pay for the medical school portion of your OMS training. Fortunately my program's tuition is really cheap. ($13k/yr), but at some programs the tuition alone can be as high as 120k.

 

[Predent25]

Thanks! How about a real question? How did it feel to be a brand new d1 student? Did it take a while to adapt to this new role? Was it exciting?Does the school warmly welcome new students? Thanks again for the insight. Very kind of you.

 

[NDPitch]

Thanks for doing this!

Putting all of your tact and politeness aside for a moment, could you tell me how smart you consider yourself to be? Seriously, be honest, haha. I have a thought that only the gifted people have the opportunity to gain admission to competitive programs and specialties. And by gifted, I mean the people that can read something once and have it memorized for the test, or the people that have that uncanny ability to always get As. These are the types of people that make us think that there's always someone ranked higher than you, with a higher GPA, with a better back story, with a better application, etc etc.

I've always been the guy that does pretty well, but seems to have to work harder than these "gifted" people to attain the results (re-read things, take more notes, study longer, etc). That's always been fine to this point, but I feel like in professional school, there's just not going to be enough hours in the day to always have to put in the extra time, because you'll just find yourself falling behind.

So, be frank! Did you go through your 4 years knowing that you'd be close to the top of your class, and that you'd probably get to specialize in a competitive field, or do you look back on it and say to yourself "wow, I worked incredibly hard and completely deserve getting to this point, and I'm damn proud of myself"?

 

[CMistry]

Thanks! How about a real question? How did it feel to be a brand new d1 student? Did it take a while to adapt to this new role? Was it exciting?Does the school warmly welcome new students? Thanks again for the insight. Very kind of you.

It feels great to be starting D1. There was a lot of camaraderie in my class, and LOTS of happy hours / social events the first few months. Although the classes are more stressful than college, we were eased into them so it wasn't terrible. The school does warmly welcome the D1s but there is no official event for the rest of us to meet them. Overall first semester D1 year here is an excellent adaptation socially and academically to dental school, and second semester is when it gets rough.

 

[CMistry]

Thanks for doing this!

Putting all of your tact and politeness aside for a moment, could you tell me how smart you consider yourself to be? Seriously, be honest, haha. I have a thought that only the gifted people have the opportunity to gain admission to competitive programs and specialties. And by gifted, I mean the people that can read something once and have it memorized for the test, or the people that have that uncanny ability to always get As. These are the types of people that make us think that there's always someone ranked higher than you, with a higher GPA, with a better back story, with a better application, etc etc.

I've always been the guy that does pretty well, but seems to have to work harder than these "gifted" people to attain the results (re-read things, take more notes, study longer, etc). That's always been fine to this point, but I feel like in professional school, there's just not going to be enough hours in the day to always have to put in the extra time, because you'll just find yourself falling behind.

So, be frank! Did you go through your 4 years knowing that you'd be close to the top of your class, and that you'd probably get to specialize in a competitive field, or do you look back on it and say to yourself "wow, I worked incredibly hard and completely deserve getting to this point, and I'm damn proud of myself"?

I don't consider myself to be exceptionally smart or gifted, but I do envy those people. I do not have a photographic memory and I do not understand everything the first time I read it. But I do make the effort to learn what I am supposed to and I have become reasonably good at taking exams. I always put in extra effort to do well in classes, which often meant I studied longer hours than my classmates (even many Friday/Saturday nights). I graduated high school with a 2.66 GPA. I graduated college with a 3.6 GPA. So no, I did not expect to be near the top of my class in dental school (nor do I think you always have to be there to specialize). But it turns out I thrive in small competitive environments and I enjoyed studying the material (most of the time). So if I had to pick one of the options you left me with, it would be the latter. Many people think they're willing to work really hard in dental school, but once knee-deep they realize they're not. It can be socially, mentally, and physically exhausting. So the question is, how well do you work when you're exhausted? And how badly do you want it?

 

[paymaant]

During your first 2 years, in between all the hours sitting in lecture and in lab, how did you find time to go to the gym?

 

[Predent25]

How hard is it to obtain clerkships? How much do you get to customize your education? Also, how was your experience in perryville?

 

[CMistry]

During your first 2 years, in between all the hours sitting in lecture and in lab, how did you find time to go to the gym?

I couldn't care less for the gym, but people do find time. Sometimes it counts as your "study break" and sometimes people wake up extra early to put it in their schedule.

 

[CMistry]

How hard is it to obtain clerkships?

Clerkship's aren't terribly difficult to obtain. As long as you finish your junior requirements on time (or even a little delayed) and let the professor know you're really interested, there's a very good chance you'll get it.

How much do you get to customize your education?

Basically it's 30% of the required clinic time (as a senior) that you'll be doing advanced cases as a clerk. You can potentially gain a ton of extra experience in certain fields. O.S., pedo, implant, and fixed/remo clerkships in particular offer a ton of hands-on training as long as you put the effort in. It's been my favorite experience in dental school by a mile.

Also, how was your experience in perryville?

Perryville is awesome. Not only do we get a good amount of requirements done out there; not only is it a nice break from the city/school; not only are we fed breakfast and dinner and given beds to sleep in out there, but you are given a great amount of autonomy. In the Perryville clinic you will actually feel like you are a practicing dentist rather than a student, because you will call the shots.

 

[Predent25]

Sounds great, getting really excited. One last question and I'll leave you alone, and open the floor up for others to ask their questions. How important is research experience for obtaining a specialty? I hbe quite a bit, and trying to justify it. Thank you again for answering all of my questions. I really can't wait to begin my new life.

 

[CMistry]

Sounds great, getting really excited. One last question and I'll leave you alone, and open the floor up for others to ask their questions. How important is research experience for obtaining a specialty? I hbe quite a bit, and trying to justify it. Thank you again for answering all of my questions. I really can't wait to begin my new life.

It depends on the specialty and the specific program, but overall I wouldn't say its terribly important. More of a checklist item or something to bring up at interviews.

 

[FairytaleDMD]

Thanks for all your responses

Is the pre-D1 summer research program an unspoken requirement for specializing?

Is the DDS/MPH dual degree program favorably viewed by students?

I hope this question doesn't sound d-baggy; several students from Penn & Harvard have told me that during MATCH, the name brand was a significant factor -- whether through impressions or networking. In your opinion, does Maryland's (outstanding) reputation fare equally well? I just want to hear a MD dental student's honest opinion, from the inside.

And just for kicks, what's the dating scene like? Incestuous? Lots of people already in serious relationships? Non-existent? Do long-distance relationships work out?

Haha, I appreciate your honesty!

 

[CMistry]

Thanks for all your responses

Is the pre-D1 summer research program an unspoken requirement for specializing?

No, not at all. In fact I think everyone who did that in my class did not go on to specialize.

Is the DDS/MPH dual degree program favorably viewed by students?

Don't really know much about it. One of our classmates took the year off to do it between second and third year, and I think she's happy with her decision.

I hope this question doesn't sound d-baggy; several students from Penn & Harvard have told me that during MATCH, the name brand was a significant factor -- whether through impressions or networking. In your opinion, does Maryland's (outstanding) reputation fare equally well? I just want to hear a MD dental student's honest opinion, from the inside.

Maryland doesn't have a name to specialty programs like UPenn and Harvard do. Honestly if you look at their classes over 50% go on to specialize, whereas it's around 10% here. I think we do have a reputation for putting out excellent general dentists but I'm not sure specialties care too much about that (they're more interested in board scores and your rank). If you want to specialize you will have to work hard and get excellent grades/scores... no matter where you go. I think Harvard and UPenn have better names to specialties because so many of their students have completed residencies successfully. I can imagine that it is more difficult to do well at those schools, since you are surrounded by such ambitious people. Don't get me wrong, coming from a big name school doesn't give you a "golden ticket" - at most it will get your shoe in the door. That being said, Maryland got me where I wanted to be.

And just for kicks, what's the dating scene like? Incestuous? Lots of people already in serious relationships? Non-existent? Do long-distance relationships work out?

D. All of the above?? People date within the school, between other schools, lots of singles, couples, married people, etc. A big mix. From what I've seen not many long distance relationships work out.

 

[Predent25]

How do you like baltimore? Have you or anyone you know have any problems in the city ( robberies, harassing, violence etc) ? I'm currently looking into canton or fells. Those areas seem great. I like the city, but haven't spent extended periods of time there. Just curious. Thanks.

 

[CMistry]

How do you like baltimore? Have you or anyone you know have any problems in the city ( robberies, harassing, violence etc) ? I'm currently looking into canton or fells. Those areas seem great. I like the city, but haven't spent extended periods of time there. Just curious. Thanks.

Baltimore grows on you through the years, especially once you find the nice areas. To be honest I'm not the biggest Baltimore fan but many of my classmates love it. I've heard of mild harassing/thefts but thankfully no violence directed to students. Don't get me wrong there is plenty of violence that happens nearby but normally it's pretty isolated.

Obviously you've done some research because the areas you mentioned are great (safe, good nightlife, self-sufficient). However more of my classmates live in Federal Hill, which isn't as classy but houses a more fun, younger crowd. Not to mention it is the bar district where your class will go out every weekend, so I'm sure it's nice to stumble home on weekends. But really there are plenty of nice areas to rent around the city, I encourage you to visit them and it should be obvious what's right for you.

 

[GatorDDS]

CMistry is a beast and has great advice for all of you concerning maryland

I am also a D4 from maryland and can answer any questions concerning the school/clinic/the city. I might be able to give a different perspective from his answers (although i feel they are fairly similar)

I am also the classmate im assuming he is referring to that got accepted into the prosth program here at maryland so I can shed some light on that subject for whoever was asking.

 

[Predent25]

How was your gross anatomy course? Is it a computer sim or the real deal? What D1 course gives students the most trouble? Thanks.

 

[CMistry]

How was your gross anatomy course? Is it a computer sim or the real deal?

It is the real deal, you have 3 sessions a week in the cadaver lab dissecting everything north of the waist. Overall it's a very good course, but long and tiring as it covers so much material.

What D1 course gives students the most trouble? Thanks.

Either gross anatomy (for the mass of information) or general pathology (for the extremely difficult/nitpicky questions).

 

[lillified]

Everyone has their own study techniques and habits for these classes. How did you study for them? Any learning methods that you or friends found most helpful?

Also, would you mind shedding some light on what your first year class/study schedule was like?

Thanks!

 

[JcRoughriders]

Where do u suggest we live that's within the walking distance? Thanks!

 

[21312632]

CMistry,

I remember you said you were accepted in March. Were you placed on the wait list first then accepted, or just accepted? Thanks.

 

[babak49]

what brand of dental material used in american dental schools?

 

[Predent25]

What is the first semester schedule like? ( classes,days/ times in class etc).
Thanks!