Doing research in dental school for those who want to specialize

[ysk]

Hey everyone,

I understand that if you are interested in going into residencies after dental school to specialize, it's good to have research experience. My question is, when during the 4 years of dental school do students squeeze in time for their research? Is it kinda like in undergrad where students mostly do their research during their senior year? I'm just hoping that in dental school, they won't be expecting you to do research during your first two years as those years are the busiest and toughest academically.

And if you are looking to specialize, is it pretty much set that you have to have research experience? I did research during undergrad and I didn't really like it too much so I wanna avoid it if I can. I mean, I would do it if it's important but if not, why do something that you don't enjoy you know? Alright, thanks in advance for any help.

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[DDSSlave]

Research is important if you are looking to specialize. There are lots of areas of research, so if you don't like one area, try another. Students do most of their serious research in the summer between first and second year, assuming your school gives you the time off. There are often smaller projects you can do during the year such as table clinics. Sometimes you just have to juggle the research and classes (or a lot more) and do well at both.

 

[ysk]

Research is important if you are looking to specialize. There are lots of areas of research, so if you don't like one area, try another. Students do most of their serious research in the summer between first and second year, assuming your school gives you the time off. There are often smaller projects you can do during the year such as table clinics. Sometimes you just have to juggle the research and classes (or a lot more) and do well at both.

So from what I gather, you're saying that the research you do in dental school isn't as long and time-consuming as the research you do in college? Cuz at my college, research takes at least one semester long and usually lasts a whole year. But you're saying in dental school that you can do your research in just one summer? Sounds a little too good to be true. Maybe I'm misunderstanding what is meant by research in dental school..

Oh and can you elaborate a little on what you meant by "table clinics"? Thanks a lot!

 

[texas_dds]

Hey everyone,

I understand that if you are interested in going into residencies after dental school to specialize, it's good to have research experience. My question is, when during the 4 years of dental school do students squeeze in time for their research? Is it kinda like in undergrad where students mostly do their research during their senior year? I'm just hoping that in dental school, they won't be expecting you to do research during your first two years as those years are the busiest and toughest academically.

And if you are looking to specialize, is it pretty much set that you have to have research experience? I did research during undergrad and I didn't really like it too much so I wanna avoid it if I can. I mean, I would do it if it's important but if not, why do something that you don't enjoy you know? Alright, thanks in advance for any help.

many people dont LOVE research - but dont make this fact too public during interviews if you are interested in a masters w/your specialty. they want someone who will enjoy contributing to the literature.

 

[DDSSlave]

Hey TX, enjoying Univ of Washington? I decided not to apply there to cut back on my applications, but maybe I'll see you at next yrs GORP with any luck! Do you know of anyone applying from San Antonio this yr?



ysk- yes, research in dental school is usually shorter due to limited time.. classes and all. You can extend your research out a yr or more, but you just have to watch your grades.

Table clinics - It's a scaled down research project that you present as a poster at meetings. You can do a literature review on a topic, disease, new procedure, the list goes on. A lot of times they are tied into a specific case - a patient and his or her unique condition or procedural requirements. Usually they are just presented at your school or local meetings, but the ADA has a competition of dental student table clinics at their annual meeting. You can usually do these in your "free time" during the semesters. Ideally you can do research for the first summer and present that nationally, and in your 2nd and/or 3rd yr do a table clinic or two.

 

[ysk]

Hey TX, enjoying Univ of Washington? I decided not to apply there to cut back on my applications, but maybe I'll see you at next yrs GORP with any luck! Do you know of anyone applying from San Antonio this yr?



ysk- yes, research in dental school is usually shorter due to limited time.. classes and all. You can extend your research out a yr or more, but you just have to watch your grades.

Table clinics - It's a scaled down research project that you present as a poster at meetings. You can do a literature review on a topic, disease, new procedure, the list goes on. A lot of times they are tied into a specific case - a patient and his or her unique condition or procedural requirements. Usually they are just presented at your school or local meetings, but the ADA has a competition of dental student table clinics at their annual meeting. You can usually do these in your "free time" during the semesters. Ideally you can do research for the first summer and present that nationally, and in your 2nd and/or 3rd yr do a table clinic or two.

I see... sigh.. I guess there goes my first summer in dental school.. And I hear that's pretty much the only summer you'll have off too... Oh well.

 

[texas_dds]

Hey TX, enjoying Univ of Washington? I decided not to apply there to cut back on my applications, but maybe I'll see you at next yrs GORP with any luck! Do you know of anyone applying from San Antonio this yr?

yes UW is awesome! we are hosting GORP this year - its in like 10 days!
i think there are 3 or 4 from SA applying this cycle
good luck!