Discouraged 2nd Dental Student Help!

[UofAMike412]

I am just about finished with my second year of dental. This year has been the worst year of my life. I was constantly stressed out and depressed. I spent so much time in lab and still my work maybe average or a little below. Sometimes I feel like maybe dental school is not for me. However, I already spent nearly 2 years of my life and would actually like dentistry or wouldnt mind it if I was decent at it. So i don't think quitting is an option especially with nearly 80,000 in debt already. I thought about quitting but dont really have any other interest that I would like. Medicine was an option but that road is too long and im pretty burnt out with school. I really feel like clinically im in the bottom five of my class. It can get pretty discouraging especially if you have classmates that never spend time after hours and Im in there all the time. Going into third year I dont know how I will finish my requirements since Im so slow at doing anything clinical. In preclinicals 2nd year I struggled with everything from crown preps to operative to dentures. Just wondered if there are any other students out there that feels the same way. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

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[Sweeti8286]

It's never a shame to ask for help. I'm sure you have friends within your class as well as in the older classes. Ask them for tips/tricks/advice. Maybe next time you're in lab, ask if they mind you watching them do the crown prep, making the temp, etc. You'd be amazed how differently people do things...remember, you're in school to learn...the more tricks you have in your bag, the easier things become. 🙂

And in the real world practicing dentistry, there are many different gadgets you can use to make your life easier. 🙂

 

[unlvdmd]

Don't get so down. I am a true believer in if you're bragging about yourself, you don't have a pot to pee in. Those who brag about being able to do procedures crazy fast are just saying that (for the most part). Don't get so down. We ALL are new at this, and if you are slower than the rest WHO CARES! We will all have the same job when we are out of here. Your speed will get up there, so keep your head up! Once the speed gets going, the enjoyment will follow cause the stress will drop.

 

[drhobie7]

You know, it's funny...very often the people who are at the bottom of the pack in dental school become the most successfull. After just spending 5+ hrs in lab waxing up dentures I feel your pain. Dental school sucks a lot of the time. In some ways it'll get worse this year, and in some ways it'll get better. It really is a great profession, that you will probably love once you're out a few years. You've only got 2 more years. Stick with it. It will put you in a better position than any other path. I know it's easier said than done, but it helps to not dwell on the bad aspects/struggles. Hang in there.

 

[accidental]

Paxil

 

[Demeter]

2nd year was difficult at my school. Tons of lab work, and being burned out reading pathology etc...
3rd year will be very different.
You probably have not experienced much Dentistry during the first 2 years.
Treating patients is a lot more fun then doing lab work. Hang in there for at least another 6 months before you throw in the towel.

 

[drhobie7]

Treating patients is a lot more fun then doing lab work.

You're gonna have patients that make you long for the days of typodonts.

 

[Mangocat]

I hear ya...second year is tough. Hang in there..as you enter clinic you will get more hands on experience and build up speed. Don't let a few setbacks get in the way-I was def. one of the slower people in my class and all those extra hours I was forced to spend in lab helped me speed up. I have friends who felt they were slow when graduating but during their residencies (gprs), they learned how to work faster. But you're about to enter a better year 🙂

 

[t-man]

i think 2nd year is the hardest usually for most school, clinical work is a lot different from lab work as previous person had mentioned. You don't have to be the best in your class (unless you want to specialize..), if you can pass, even though you said you are bottom five (can you verify it?), you still have good enough skills to pass (skills will gradually develop, some are just faster than others).
In end of your four years, as long as you graduate, what is the differences between first / last??? 😉 Both going to be call a Dr. Just try your best... you are half way there!!! It is almost over 🙂

 

[QCkid]

Dude, I hear you. I'm finishing my first year and feel that my work is subpar at most. I take it, most dental students feel this way and there is obvious the elite group. Don't feel bad, you will graduate with your class and finish!

 

[gatorfan99]

Hang in there!

I just finished my 2nd year and I'm about to enter 3rd year and, I agree, 2nd year was hard!

Don't bother looking at stupid class rankings, just give it your best shot and see what happens! 🙂

 

[WVUdental]

I am just about finished with my second year of dental. This year has been the worst year of my life. I was constantly stressed out and depressed. I spent so much time in lab and still my work maybe average or a little below. Sometimes I feel like maybe dental school is not for me. However, I already spent nearly 2 years of my life and would actually like dentistry or wouldnt mind it if I was decent at it. So i don't think quitting is an option especially with nearly 80,000 in debt already. I thought about quitting but dont really have any other interest that I would like. Medicine was an option but that road is too long and im pretty burnt out with school. I really feel like clinically im in the bottom five of my class. It can get pretty discouraging especially if you have classmates that never spend time after hours and Im in there all the time. Going into third year I dont know how I will finish my requirements since Im so slow at doing anything clinical. In preclinicals 2nd year I struggled with everything from crown preps to operative to dentures. Just wondered if there are any other students out there that feels the same way. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

I don't understand why you are crying, the hard part is over now.

 

[sjdent]

I hear ya. I graduated in May (thank god), and as my classmate and friend says, "I'm still healing, months later. Dental school sort of broke my spirit." And she was in the top 10!!

The people that brag about their clinical skills, point total, or grades are @ssholes, and they get pretty damn annoying by your senior year. It's intense, and you better believe I'm effing elated that it's over. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Was it worth it? I don't know. But you'll be happy you finished!!! Hang in there! You can do it! Don't ever feel like you're alone in your thoughts.

 

[QCkid]

I hear ya. I graduated in May (thank god), and as my classmate and friend says, "I'm still healing, months later. Dental school sort of broke my spirit." And she was in the top 10!!

The people that brag about their clinical skills, point total, or grades are @ssholes, and they get pretty damn annoying by your senior year. It's intense, and you better believe I'm effing elated that it's over. It was the hardest thing I've ever done. Was it worth it? I don't know. But you'll be happy you finished!!! Hang in there! You can do it! Don't ever feel like you're alone in your thoughts.

By the way the above post was not made by me. Here at USC, sometimes if we use a computer in the library of computer lab and make the mistake of logging in, the next person to use it may be able to post under your name.

 

[EuroOMFS]

You know, it's funny...very often the people who are at the bottom of the pack in dental school become the most successfull. After just spending 5+ hrs in lab waxing up dentures I feel your pain. Dental school sucks a lot of the time. In some ways it'll get worse this year, and in some ways it'll get better. It really is a great profession, that you will probably love once you're out a few years. You've only got 2 more years. Stick with it. It will put you in a better position than any other path. I know it's easier said than done, but it helps to not dwell on the bad aspects/struggles. Hang in there.

I graduated 8 yrs ago. In my class there were 2 women who at the time had real trouble with finishing all requirements. They were doing OK academically but in lab and in the clinic they were always the slowest. Today, 8 years later, one is a very successful dentist (she´s actually my dentist), runs her own practice and makes a bundle, the other is a successful orthodontist. So....hang in there. Things will probably get a lot better.

 

[Mare]

I am just about finished with my second year of dental. This year has been the worst year of my life. I was constantly stressed out and depressed. I spent so much time in lab and still my work maybe average or a little below. Sometimes I feel like maybe dental school is not for me. However, I already spent nearly 2 years of my life and would actually like dentistry or wouldnt mind it if I was decent at it. So i don't think quitting is an option especially with nearly 80,000 in debt already. I thought about quitting but dont really have any other interest that I would like. Medicine was an option but that road is too long and im pretty burnt out with school. I really feel like clinically im in the bottom five of my class. It can get pretty discouraging especially if you have classmates that never spend time after hours and Im in there all the time. Going into third year I dont know how I will finish my requirements since Im so slow at doing anything clinical. In preclinicals 2nd year I struggled with everything from crown preps to operative to dentures. Just wondered if there are any other students out there that feels the same way. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Hi. I don't know a thing about Dental school...yet (I'm applying this year). But I do know a thing or two about feeling stressed out. First off, don't be so hard on yourself! Take a breather, relax your muscles and use some positive self talk! You'll only make it harder on yourself if you are constantly telling yourself you are "not good enough to be in dental school" or "the worst in your class" etc. Think more positively - ie "I have the patience to get through this difficult task without beating myself up if I make a mistake" etc. Besides, that's what school is about - making mistakes and learning from them. You obviously have the smarts and capabilities to deal with Dental school requirements...or they wouldn't have admitted you!

So cheer up and look at the bright side, there are THOUSANDS of people who would LOVE to be in your spot at Dental school...but YOU are there now! So don't let your self-doubt get in the way of your true dreams!

Best of luck,
Mare