Demonstrations in Preclinicals

[danhook]

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Lately I have felt lost in operative, not lost as in not understanding- but lost due to a lack of direction. Is this the way lab classes work in dental school? Kind of a trial and error learning curve? I am not worried that this will really hurt me as far as grades and evaluation go, but what if I am not using the curing lamp properly or using a 330 bur in the correct situation. You can only lecture about these topics so much, at some point I just need a demonstration of how instruments are used- not a description. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

 

[beezies]

i hear ya, same story at our school. it's basically just trial and error i guess. you guys don't have any professors actually demonstrate though? we have one show us something, like a class two amalgam, in about fifteen minutes in front of 161 people. it's not exactly enlightening but i guess it's better than nothing.

 

[INFNITE]

for us, the professor went over with us the basic techniques in lecture format. When we get to the lab, alot of it depends on trial and error to determine what's the best method for you. You can always ask the faculty for advice though on how to approach a cavity prep or you could always compare techniques with classmates or learn from upperclassmen. afterall, it's what technique you are comfortable with, and everyone has his/her own approach to a cavity prep.

 

[danhook]

We do have about 5 professors walking around for us to ask questions. It helps and is better than only having one person demonstrating. However, while I recognize everyone has their own form and approach- shouldnt we be given a visual demonstration to give us an idea on what to do? Clearly there is a kink in the system.