Can't hack dental school

[ElPedorro]

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Is there anyone out there that you guys know of that truly tried, but just couldn't make it in dental school? I'm worried I'm going to make it through the admissions process, because I'm reasonably good at interacting with people and have gotten decent grades in undergrad, but just won't be able to handle the amount of work dental students are subjected to. Do you guys know of anyone in that position? Did they fail out? Seek additional assistance? If you can't tell.... I'm a little worried about the (possible) next four years.

 

[DroppingBoxes]

I honestly wouldn't actively worry about not being able to finish. Is it difficult? Yes. Was it difficult to do well in undergrad? Yes. The only ones in my class who had issues weren't due to academic performance. Give up your free time, keep your nose in the books, and keep those legs moving. I bet 100 dollars* you graduate if you are accepted.


-Dropping Boxes







*amount (100 US dollars) must be paid on or before June 1st of the same year of graduation assuming standard lengths of educational experience.

 

[Atticus]

Is there anyone out there that you guys know of that truly tried, but just couldn't make it in dental school? I'm worried I'm going to make it through the admissions process, because I'm reasonably good at interacting with people and have gotten decent grades in undergrad, but just won't be able to handle the amount of work dental students are subjected to. Do you guys know of anyone in that position? Did they fail out? Seek additional assistance? If you can't tell.... I'm a little worried about the (possible) next four years.

I was really concerned (after getting accepted) that I wouldn't be able to hack it... And honestly, dental school has been so much easier than I thought it would be. There are times when it's stressful, but those moments are pretty limited.

Everyone that dropped out of our class that I can think of did it for motivation issues (ie couldn't mentally devote the time needed because they didn't like dentistry).

 

[DMDWANNABEE]

Is there anyone out there that you guys know of that truly tried, but just couldn't make it in dental school? I'm worried I'm going to make it through the admissions process, because I'm reasonably good at interacting with people and have gotten decent grades in undergrad, but just won't be able to handle the amount of work dental students are subjected to. Do you guys know of anyone in that position? Did they fail out? Seek additional assistance? If you can't tell.... I'm a little worried about the (possible) next four years.

Doing well enough to specialize is very difficult; passing dental school is not difficult.

You do not need to lose sleep over this. The most likely reason for you not to finish is a lack of desire on your end. Some people find fixing teeth to be incredibly boring. If you end up being one of those students, you might end up going to med school to become a doctor or whatever else you feel suits you.

 

[polkadds]

I know 4 people that dropped out due to academics. It seems to me that all but 1 had the same thing in common. They were given a spot in dental school, not based on their grades, but based on filling an underprivileged quota that schools have to fulfill. They dropped out because they couldn't get good grades in undergrad, therefore they couldn't keep up in dental school. The other person that dropped out was not a people person, so when it was time to be in clinic and deal with "people" he was too overwhelmed.

I'd say, if you had good grades in undergrad and got into school based on your academic merit/interviewing (people skills), you will be just fine

 

[docdean]

I wouldn't worry about.

Lots of us felt that same pressure but it does get better.

Personally I used that pressure as a source of motivation.

You'll do fine.

 

[Screwtape]

Worst case, you'll just get held back a year. Happens to a few people a year for various reasons, often academic or hand skills.

 

[bc12]

Worried I cant hack it (literally)... my hand skills seem to be awful. I am a D1 in my first semester and I have not done well on either of my first two waxing practicals. And the teeth I had to wax were not even hard ones... #8 and #7, I failed the first one (narrowly but still a fail) and second one is pending. Also we do Class I and Class II preps just to practice... It is like a 1 credit class just to practice using a handpiece. Essentially everyone passes this course but I do not think I will or at least have my doubts. After a few sessions I still cannot shape the prep even close to correct on #19 and have not come anywhere near producing a prep that could be deemed clinically acceptable. Other people in my class are struggling with the cavity preps also as we are first years who have never had to do this sort of thing before, but I struggle more than anyone I have seen in my class

My question: Should I drop out after semester one even if I pass ? Save the money and enter a field I can excel in? If I cannot pass or can barely pass basic waxing and cavity preps I feel like I will at some point fail some lab courses and may be better off dropping now to save myself the money, time, effort, pain etc.

Academically I am doing fine, I am quite smart and have no issue passing any sort of didactic exam, they are in most cases easier than undergrad exams. It is the hand skills that for some reason escape me. I have always thought I had good hands, played sports (and done quite well) worked in labs, etc.

Need the opinion of some people who may have been in my spot before. I know everyone improves, and the "light bulb" goes off for different people at different times, but if I am struggling this much with simple waxing and handpiece maneuvering I am starting to think I will struggle to ever be a good student, pass the boards and be a competent dentist.

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause

Thanks for your input!

 

[proxbox]

Worried I cant hack it (literally)... my hand skills seem to be awful. I am a D1 in my first semester and I have not done well on either of my first two waxing practicals. And the teeth I had to wax were not even hard ones... #8 and #7, I failed the first one (narrowly but still a fail) and second one is pending. Also we do Class I and Class II preps just to practice... It is like a 1 credit class just to practice using a handpiece. Essentially everyone passes this course but I do not think I will or at least have my doubts. After a few sessions I still cannot shape the prep even close to correct on #19 and have not come anywhere near producing a prep that could be deemed clinically acceptable. Other people in my class are struggling with the cavity preps also as we are first years who have never had to do this sort of thing before, but I struggle more than anyone I have seen in my class

My question: Should I drop out after semester one even if I pass ? Save the money and enter a field I can excel in? If I cannot pass or can barely pass basic waxing and cavity preps I feel like I will at some point fail some lab courses and may be better off dropping now to save myself the money, time, effort, pain etc.

Academically I am doing fine, I am quite smart and have no issue passing any sort of didactic exam, they are in most cases easier than undergrad exams. It is the hand skills that for some reason escape me. I have always thought I had good hands, played sports (and done quite well) worked in labs, etc.

Need the opinion of some people who may have been in my spot before. I know everyone improves, and the "light bulb" goes off for different people at different times, but if I am struggling this much with simple waxing and handpiece maneuvering I am starting to think I will struggle to ever be a good student, pass the boards and be a competent dentist.

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause

Thanks for your input!

I love realists!!! And I will be honest. You are fine. Forget waxing, just work on it, pass it, and move on. More importantly what is wrong with the preps? Struggling with establishing pulpal depth? Dropping boxes? Outline form? Do you hit adjacent teeth? If you have minor issues, roughness, sharp line angles, etc it will get better. But if you always seem to cut 0.5 mm into the adjacent teeth and you don't even realize you are doing it...now that is a huge problem! Until you give specific problems all I can say is for #19 is draw with pencil the prep outline on the tooth before you start. Follow the central groove, and extend the pencil marks facial-lingually and M-D as far as you are instructed. If you need to use 2 hands on the hand piece to start that is a good idea. One hand like normal and the other hand just use your thumb to steady the head of the high speed. Do this until you feel semi comfortable.

I suppose however I should have started with do you see yourself liking this stuff? Preps are going to be 50% of your career (unless specializing). If you think that you will enjoy it when it is not so stressful and you have the developed skills then keep at it. But if you really hate doing it and you don't see how you will ever get enjoyment from it then you may reconsider.

 

[bc12]

Well I am not drilling into adjacent teeth or gingival tissue or I am at least on the right tooth and can stay there lol, my problem is I cannot keep a consistent pulpal depth, my walls are not even close to smooth, my overall prep is always way too wide, my outline shape is never correct, and I can never get the wall angulation correct, other than that I am doing great lol. We are not very many sessions into this practice and I know I need to give it much more time before I give up but I am just worried I wont be able to do it. Any tips appreciated, for example drawing the outline on the tooth never even occurred to me so thanks for that tip I will try it my next session

 

[sgv]

My hand skills are garbage. In the middle of my class II prep for #14 on my 3rd try in Dentsim, I was seriously thinking about dropping out and going to med school. So serious that my hands started shaking. Hand skills, I think, are very improvable but I just started off being naturally terrible at it. Dedication and time management are two skills you will need not only in dentistry but in every other aspect of life. If you refuse to develop these two in dental school, you're probably not gonna have em' in your backup career.

 

[sgv]

Worried I cant hack it (literally)... my hand skills seem to be awful. I am a D1 in my first semester and I have not done well on either of my first two waxing practicals. And the teeth I had to wax were not even hard ones... #8 and #7, I failed the first one (narrowly but still a fail) and second one is pending. Also we do Class I and Class II preps just to practice... It is like a 1 credit class just to practice using a handpiece. Essentially everyone passes this course but I do not think I will or at least have my doubts. After a few sessions I still cannot shape the prep even close to correct on #19 and have not come anywhere near producing a prep that could be deemed clinically acceptable. Other people in my class are struggling with the cavity preps also as we are first years who have never had to do this sort of thing before, but I struggle more than anyone I have seen in my class

My question: Should I drop out after semester one even if I pass ? Save the money and enter a field I can excel in? If I cannot pass or can barely pass basic waxing and cavity preps I feel like I will at some point fail some lab courses and may be better off dropping now to save myself the money, time, effort, pain etc.

Academically I am doing fine, I am quite smart and have no issue passing any sort of didactic exam, they are in most cases easier than undergrad exams. It is the hand skills that for some reason escape me. I have always thought I had good hands, played sports (and done quite well) worked in labs, etc.

Need the opinion of some people who may have been in my spot before. I know everyone improves, and the "light bulb" goes off for different people at different times, but if I am struggling this much with simple waxing and handpiece maneuvering I am starting to think I will struggle to ever be a good student, pass the boards and be a competent dentist.

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause

Thanks for your input!

Do you have loupes? I do pretty well on carving and I hold the model tooth and my wax tooth next to each other using my left hand. First I look at them, simulatenously, from the facial and make sure they look as alike as possible. Second, I look at them from the mesial and the distal and reshape the wax. Then the occlusal and lingual. Finally, I look at them from mesiobuccal or mesiolingual, etc.

For carving, I think the skill that's most important here is putting wax on the tooth, not carving.

 

[slm266]

As a D1 are you in the mannequin simulation head or drilling table top on a typodont?

If you're in in the sim head maybe practice more just on tabletop (although sim head will eventually be easier). If you're on bench top make sure you can see adequately with lighting and magnification if necessary . For bench top I didn't have my loupes yet so I'd stack up my typodont on top of a box on the bench top so I didn't have to bend over far to see it.

If you're having a problem with hand-eye coordination when the bur is turning do practice movements before you actually hit the pedal. Practice sweeping that bur up and down the central groove before you actually cut. This works especially well when you're learning indirect vision for the first time.

Maybe try new bur sizes. Not sure what you're using but you can't go wrong with a 329 or 169L for those ideal preps you guys cut. Look into an inverted cone like a 33 to smooth out the floors and a hatchet.

If it's truly just the manual dexterity that is an issue you can develop your skills. The shaking hand probably had to do with anxiety I'd imagine. Make sure to eat well and keep the fluids up, spend time in the clinic just observing others how they hood the hand piece, position themselves, how they use finger rests to stabilize their hand. At home maybe practice drawing out ideal prep designs on different teeth to help you better visualize, and after drawing one work on identifying errors.

 

[or9654]

Worried I cant hack it (literally)... my hand skills seem to be awful. I am a D1 in my first semester and I have not done well on either of my first two waxing practicals. And the teeth I had to wax were not even hard ones... #8 and #7, I failed the first one (narrowly but still a fail) and second one is pending. Also we do Class I and Class II preps just to practice... It is like a 1 credit class just to practice using a handpiece. Essentially everyone passes this course but I do not think I will or at least have my doubts. After a few sessions I still cannot shape the prep even close to correct on #19 and have not come anywhere near producing a prep that could be deemed clinically acceptable. Other people in my class are struggling with the cavity preps also as we are first years who have never had to do this sort of thing before, but I struggle more than anyone I have seen in my class

My question: Should I drop out after semester one even if I pass ? Save the money and enter a field I can excel in? If I cannot pass or can barely pass basic waxing and cavity preps I feel like I will at some point fail some lab courses and may be better off dropping now to save myself the money, time, effort, pain etc.

Academically I am doing fine, I am quite smart and have no issue passing any sort of didactic exam, they are in most cases easier than undergrad exams. It is the hand skills that for some reason escape me. I have always thought I had good hands, played sports (and done quite well) worked in labs, etc.

Need the opinion of some people who may have been in my spot before. I know everyone improves, and the "light bulb" goes off for different people at different times, but if I am struggling this much with simple waxing and handpiece maneuvering I am starting to think I will struggle to ever be a good student, pass the boards and be a competent dentist.

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause

Thanks for your input!

I feel like I struggled majorly as a D1 doing preps (I'm a D2 now). I felt like I just was not able to work with the handpiece very well and didn't have the natural hand skills that some people seemed to have. I was able to hammer out some decent preps but it didn't come easy. However, I will say that eventually I did become much more comfortable (and better) in sim lab. I didn't have problems passing or even doing well overall in the class, I guess it was more of a personal issue and I really worried if I truly would get better. I'd say try some smaller burs (I even would sometimes begin preps with a 1/2 round just to be conservative until I had a good outline), work slowly and try not to rush yourself, listen to music (when/if you can), and keep your head up. I freaked out during D1 year a couple times just thinking I couldn't do it--but I'm still here and doing quite well! You can do it!

 

[beannaithe]

Worried I cant hack it (literally)... my hand skills seem to be awful. I am a D1 in my first semester and I have not done well on either of my first two waxing practicals. And the teeth I had to wax were not even hard ones... #8 and #7, I failed the first one (narrowly but still a fail) and second one is pending. Also we do Class I and Class II preps just to practice... It is like a 1 credit class just to practice using a handpiece. Essentially everyone passes this course but I do not think I will or at least have my doubts. After a few sessions I still cannot shape the prep even close to correct on #19 and have not come anywhere near producing a prep that could be deemed clinically acceptable. Other people in my class are struggling with the cavity preps also as we are first years who have never had to do this sort of thing before, but I struggle more than anyone I have seen in my class

My question: Should I drop out after semester one even if I pass ? Save the money and enter a field I can excel in? If I cannot pass or can barely pass basic waxing and cavity preps I feel like I will at some point fail some lab courses and may be better off dropping now to save myself the money, time, effort, pain etc.

Academically I am doing fine, I am quite smart and have no issue passing any sort of didactic exam, they are in most cases easier than undergrad exams. It is the hand skills that for some reason escape me. I have always thought I had good hands, played sports (and done quite well) worked in labs, etc.

Need the opinion of some people who may have been in my spot before. I know everyone improves, and the "light bulb" goes off for different people at different times, but if I am struggling this much with simple waxing and handpiece maneuvering I am starting to think I will struggle to ever be a good student, pass the boards and be a competent dentist.

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause

Thanks for your input!

It takes a long time before you get better at it. You don't need to drop out, but you will have to put in a lot of long hours.

For starters, don't worry about waxing. Pass the class and get out. I've practiced for three years now and have never used that skill whatsoever. Restoring teeth and carving anatomy out of composite and amalgam is far more important. Waxing is really just so you learn the anatomy that you should be putting into your restorations.

Everyone has a moment where everything they've learned just 'clicks.' It happens earlier for some than others.

When I took my pre-clinical courses, I had awful hand skills. I had to remediate one practical every semester first/second year and the ones that I did pass, I did so barely. But I kept practicing and practicing and slowly my hands got better. It took longer for things to eventually click for me, but when they did, I did pretty well. I went from a D in my first pre-clinical to mostly A's in the clinical portion. It just took a very long time to get there.

My advice would be to practice your preps on the tabletop until you get used to what they should look like. Then try them in the mouth. Try different burs (I like the 330 for cI's and 56 for cII's). Make sure you use a finger rest. Don't be afraid to ask someone to show you how they do it. And practice, practice, practice!

You'll get better...no worries. Just keep up with it. You'll improve.

 

[chemfan]

N/a

 

[wb1]

I had some problems with handskills too, but my main problem was in the anatomy lab part. I just cannot do well in the lab exams. I have spent hours in the lab, but do not know why I could not do well in the exams. Has anyone else had a problem with the lab? It is a major part of my anatomy grade. I am really worried.

Are you having trouble with identifying the parts and naming them? This has to do with recall memory. Try randomly picking parts and quiz yourself or have someone quiz you (don't go in orders). I'm not in dental school, yet so I won't be able to know how anatomy tests are being conducted.

 

[autoclavemonkey]

My suggestion would be to make friends with your row instructors. Ask them how they would approach doing some preps and actively show you. It will cut down your practice time just by closely watching what they do (ask your upperclassmen who the best row instructors are as well.)

If you also see your classmates doing beautiful preps/restorations, do the same. Just sit next to them and watch from start to finish. If you have specific issues with your prep (i.e. proper beveling, removing flash), ask how they handle those.

 

[ElPedorro]

I don't come on the site often, and I just checked back in on this thread. You guys are the best, thanks for giving me some encouragement! I guess this post will serve as a bump, in case anyone else who is freshly admitted to school has some similar concerns. Thanks again!

 

[str8ner]

Worried I cant hack it (literally)... my hand skills seem to be awful. I am a D1 in my first semester and I have not done well on either of my first two waxing practicals. And the teeth I had to wax were not even hard ones... #8 and #7, I failed the first one (narrowly but still a fail) and second one is pending. Also we do Class I and Class II preps just to practice... It is like a 1 credit class just to practice using a handpiece. Essentially everyone passes this course but I do not think I will or at least have my doubts. After a few sessions I still cannot shape the prep even close to correct on #19 and have not come anywhere near producing a prep that could be deemed clinically acceptable. Other people in my class are struggling with the cavity preps also as we are first years who have never had to do this sort of thing before, but I struggle more than anyone I have seen in my class

My question: Should I drop out after semester one even if I pass ? Save the money and enter a field I can excel in? If I cannot pass or can barely pass basic waxing and cavity preps I feel like I will at some point fail some lab courses and may be better off dropping now to save myself the money, time, effort, pain etc.

Academically I am doing fine, I am quite smart and have no issue passing any sort of didactic exam, they are in most cases easier than undergrad exams. It is the hand skills that for some reason escape me. I have always thought I had good hands, played sports (and done quite well) worked in labs, etc.

Need the opinion of some people who may have been in my spot before. I know everyone improves, and the "light bulb" goes off for different people at different times, but if I am struggling this much with simple waxing and handpiece maneuvering I am starting to think I will struggle to ever be a good student, pass the boards and be a competent dentist.

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause

Thanks for your input!

Worried I cant hack it (literally)... my hand skills seem to be awful. I am a D1 in my first semester and I have not done well on either of my first two waxing practicals. And the teeth I had to wax were not even hard ones... #8 and #7, I failed the first one (narrowly but still a fail) and second one is pending. Also we do Class I and Class II preps just to practice... It is like a 1 credit class just to practice using a handpiece. Essentially everyone passes this course but I do not think I will or at least have my doubts. After a few sessions I still cannot shape the prep even close to correct on #19 and have not come anywhere near producing a prep that could be deemed clinically acceptable. Other people in my class are struggling with the cavity preps also as we are first years who have never had to do this sort of thing before, but I struggle more than anyone I have seen in my class

My question: Should I drop out after semester one even if I pass ? Save the money and enter a field I can excel in? If I cannot pass or can barely pass basic waxing and cavity preps I feel like I will at some point fail some lab courses and may be better off dropping now to save myself the money, time, effort, pain etc.

Academically I am doing fine, I am quite smart and have no issue passing any sort of didactic exam, they are in most cases easier than undergrad exams. It is the hand skills that for some reason escape me. I have always thought I had good hands, played sports (and done quite well) worked in labs, etc.

Need the opinion of some people who may have been in my spot before. I know everyone improves, and the "light bulb" goes off for different people at different times, but if I am struggling this much with simple waxing and handpiece maneuvering I am starting to think I will struggle to ever be a good student, pass the boards and be a competent dentist.

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause

Thanks for your input!

Hand skills can be learned but the truly great ones in my class were never surpassed by anyone that started out struggling.

I can say from my own experience that the smartest guy in my class quit because he said he didn't know he would have to use his hands so much. Many of my peers thought it was silly and foolish but I didn't. He applied to medical school and started the next year. He fit in so well he was elected class president. I am certain he is happier and it is likely that he makes more money than the dentists that made fun of him.

You sound very similar. You are smart. I suspect you chose dental school over medical school rather than just not being accepted to medical school. Has it crossed your mind to give medical school a second look? Perhaps it would be helpful to schedule a chat with the head of admissions?

 

[mrwesson]

The few who didn't make it in our class 1 quit because he hated dentistry,2 failed then transferred(and later graduated).

Stop worrying.

 

[ElPedorro]

just reread some of the responses here to calm my nerves about starting school in a few months.... So i'm going to bump this thread in case someone else is having a similar concern and doesn't want to post about it.

 

[Shunwei]

Is there anyone out there that you guys know of that truly tried, but just couldn't make it in dental school? I'm worried I'm going to make it through the admissions process, because I'm reasonably good at interacting with people and have gotten decent grades in undergrad, but just won't be able to handle the amount of work dental students are subjected to. Do you guys know of anyone in that position? Did they fail out? Seek additional assistance? If you can't tell.... I'm a little worried about the (possible) next four years.

In all frankness, the dental school process tests a combination of your willingness to absorb the necessary knowledge as well as your ability to multitask, handle stress, and deal with challenges. If this is too tough for some people, well, then perhaps they should seek some other profession where it is less demanding. At some point you gotta be able to face the music if you want the stage. Having a good personality helps a lot in dentistry but by itself is insufficient to be a healthcare provider.

 

[Contach]

My hand skills are garbage. In the middle of my class II prep for #14 on my 3rd try in Dentsim, I was seriously thinking about dropping out and going to med school. So serious that my hands started shaking. Hand skills, I think, are very improvable but I just started off being naturally terrible at it. Dedication and time management are two skills you will need not only in dentistry but in every other aspect of life. If you refuse to develop these two in dental school, you're probably not gonna have em' in your backup career.

Our school saved our dentsim preps, and before we ventured into the clinics, we were given them and told to compare them with our most recent practical preps. It really put things in perspective. Few things up until that point have been so humbling. Keep calm and carry on!

I'll echo this sentiment that if you think of hand skills as "you have it or you don't" you are setting yourself up for failure. If you think of it as a skill that you can develop with practice and over time - then you will succeed. Work on comparing yourself to you, and not others. If you are worried about what your classmates think about your handskills - you are severely hurting yourself. Feel open to share your work with others, and be receptive of feedback. Likewise, be critical of your own work and your weaknesses. Everyone - even the person with the worst preps - has something to teach you, and the same of you to them.

 

[Contach]

Please be honest in your assessment of my situation. Do not sugarcoat if you think I should get out, I am a realist and can understand that some people just do not have what it takes, I just hope I am not one of those people lol.

One last thing I should add in: I am improving at waxing but still behind the majority of students in the class, I am working hard on my waxing, have come in outside of class, waxed at home, seeked instruction from students who are "naturals," taken tips from D2s and D3s.... so effort is not the problem, just wondering if I will eventually get better or if I am a lost cause.

I think you are doing great and asking all the right questions at this point. You'll do fine.

 

[17Soceerdoc]

The few who didn't make it in our class 1 quit because he hated dentistry,2 failed then transferred(and later graduated).

Stop worrying.

What school do you go to? Are you a current D1?

 

[dentalWorks]

Is there anyone out there that you guys know of that truly tried, but just couldn't make it in dental school? I'm worried I'm going to make it through the admissions process, because I'm reasonably good at interacting with people and have gotten decent grades in undergrad, but just won't be able to handle the amount of work dental students are subjected to. Do you guys know of anyone in that position? Did they fail out? Seek additional assistance? If you can't tell.... I'm a little worried about the (possible) next four years.

Its not easy to compare dental school to undergrad. My best GUESSTIMATING attempt is like saying passing dental schools with Cs is like obtaining 3.0 undergrand GPA under a science major with 15credits per term.

Getting into the admission process is more challenging than passing with mediocre grades

Now with regards to people who couldn't "hack it". Yes we've had a few students get held back 1 entire year because of performance issues. I don't think these guys had academic issues per-say, but had personal problems (example marriage falling apart, health issues, family, etc) that let their grades deteriorate beyond point of remediation.... And some of the students were flat out careless (basically didn't even try) and were forced to repeat an entire year. I have not personally seen anyone get kicked out of my school, just repeat the year.