Feeling sad and discouraged in dental school

[13th]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hi everyone!
I'm a DS2 and about to start my second semester in a few days. And...I'm already freaking out and feel like I won't be able to do good in my preclinical labs. I haven't failed anything but I also haven't been getting good grades in some projects, especially crown preps. I ask for feedback from faculty, (watch some YT videos sometimes) and practice but I feel like I'm not improving as much as I should (or expect). I know it's silly but sometimes I get scared when we have to start a new project/prep because I feel like I'm gonna suck at it. There are some things that I am better at, but it really bothers me that I haven't improved in certain areas. I'm trying to be the best dentist I can be, but it's easy to lose motivation when I can't do well or comparing myself to other classmates. I am also trying to keep my doors open for specializing, and the bad lab grades don't help with that. Does anyone have any advice on how I can get out of this slump?

 

[LaughingGas]

I used to be top 1-2 in the class during my postbac, and once I got into dental school, I became an "average Joe". I think once you accept there will always be someone better out there, it should give you a piece of mind. I do envy these naturally super talented GPs that can tackle specialist procedures, but I know what my comfort zone is and I still change some of my own protocols for even bread and butter dentistry. Maybe you need more time to improve clinically, which is ok. I would focus on other classes that you can do well.

 

[13th]

I used to be top 1-2 in the class during my postbac, and once I got into dental school, I became an "average Joe". I think once you accept there will always be someone better out there, it should give you a piece of mind. I do envy these naturally super talented GPs that can tackle specialist procedures, but I know what my comfort zone is and I still change some of my own protocols for even bread and butter dentistry. Maybe you need more time to improve clinically, which is ok. I would focus on other classes that you can do well.

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

 

[oralcare123]

There is always a secret of making something faster and better. You just need to find someone or somewhere to learn from
In regards to crown prep videos. Try Stivenson's videos. Go to his website and see his recommended burs

 

[vcl238]

Hi everyone!
I'm a DS2 and about to start my second semester in a few days. And...I'm already freaking out and feel like I won't be able to do good in my preclinical labs. I haven't failed anything but I also haven't been getting good grades in some projects, especially crown preps. I ask for feedback from faculty, (watch some YT videos sometimes) and practice but I feel like I'm not improving as much as I should (or expect). I know it's silly but sometimes I get scared when we have to start a new project/prep because I feel like I'm gonna suck at it. There are some things that I am better at, but it really bothers me that I haven't improved in certain areas. I'm trying to be the best dentist I can be, but it's easy to lose motivation when I can't do well or comparing myself to other classmates. I am also trying to keep my doors open for specializing, and the bad lab grades don't help with that. Does anyone have any advice on how I can get out of this slump?

I felt the same way in dental school. I'd practice more than my classmates and but it didn't seem to make a difference. There will always be those that are naturally talented at dentistry and those that have to work at it. With time, I realized that it's okay to have to work at it! It's easier said than done, but try to focus on your own growth and not on how others are progressing. If they are doing great, ask them for help and try to learn from them. Realize that you aren't the only one feeling this way. I'm sure some of your classmates are going through the same emotions. Keep working at it and good luck.

 

[White_Sponge_Nevus]

Hi everyone!
I'm a DS2 and about to start my second semester in a few days. And...I'm already freaking out and feel like I won't be able to do good in my preclinical labs. I haven't failed anything but I also haven't been getting good grades in some projects, especially crown preps. I ask for feedback from faculty, (watch some YT videos sometimes) and practice but I feel like I'm not improving as much as I should (or expect). I know it's silly but sometimes I get scared when we have to start a new project/prep because I feel like I'm gonna suck at it. There are some things that I am better at, but it really bothers me that I haven't improved in certain areas. I'm trying to be the best dentist I can be, but it's easy to lose motivation when I can't do well or comparing myself to other classmates. I am also trying to keep my doors open for specializing, and the bad lab grades don't help with that. Does anyone have any advice on how I can get out of this slump?

Dental school is designed to make you feel sad and discouraged. I was sad and discouraged for pretty much all of it. Try to find some good friends and they'll carry you through. It will all be a blur and a distant memory before you know it. Good luck and know you're not alone!

 

[Mauricio45]

Dental school is designed to make you feel sad and discouraged. I was sad and discouraged for pretty much all of it. Try to find some good friends and they'll carry you through. It will all be a blur and a distant memory before you know it. Good luck and know you're not alone!

This. Dental school was rough. The administration don't care about you once they grab your money. Lots of politics and BS at dental school. I never give donations as an alumni. Those dinguses don't deserve it.

Your classmates are your best resource.

 

[PerioDont]

Hi everyone!
I'm a DS2 and about to start my second semester in a few days. And...I'm already freaking out and feel like I won't be able to do good in my preclinical labs. I haven't failed anything but I also haven't been getting good grades in some projects, especially crown preps. I ask for feedback from faculty, (watch some YT videos sometimes) and practice but I feel like I'm not improving as much as I should (or expect). I know it's silly but sometimes I get scared when we have to start a new project/prep because I feel like I'm gonna suck at it. There are some things that I am better at, but it really bothers me that I haven't improved in certain areas. I'm trying to be the best dentist I can be, but it's easy to lose motivation when I can't do well or comparing myself to other classmates. I am also trying to keep my doors open for specializing, and the bad lab grades don't help with that. Does anyone have any advice on how I can get out of this slump?

See if you can find a D3/4 mentor to help you practice. I learned 10x from a D4 mentor than I did from our sim clinic faculty, many of whom only wanted to sit on their phones in the corner vs actually teaching you anything.

I completely feel you on starting something new. It is also super hard not to compare yourself. unfortunately that is just life in dental school. try to have a good group of other dental students you can chat with about things.

Also I really don't mean to discourage you but I wouldn't say to worry too much about specializing right now. I know everyone talks about it esp in D1/2, and everyone on SDN is specializing but the reality from my class was only 7 out of 80 people even applied for anything. Being a GP is still a great gig, and the opportunities are endless. Just focus on trying your best to get through things right now. Specializing can happen in the future, but you need to get through the daily grind for now. IMO D2 year is one of the hardest. tons of lab projects and classes and exams. you can do it!!