Know about dentistry--How important?

[donoAZ]

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Hey Anybody--
I was pre-med until last April, and changed gears. I'm interviewing at Colorado soon; here's my question: most schools say that an important issue in the interview is evaluating the "extent of knowlege of dentistry" the applicant has. How do schools evaluate this (ask me how I'd fill a cavity?) and how important is it? I'd be inclined to admit to the interviewer that I've watched 40+ hours of dental work, but I don't know if I understand dentistry yet per se.
Thanks.

 

[adamlc18]

You don't need to sweat the interview in CO. I thought it was a very laid-back atmosphere. We didn't talk much about dental specifics. We talked about the school, and the ACTS program (Can't remember if this is the name but it was a program where dental students go practice in a community setting). I talked a bit about current research at the school. And about possibly practicing in an underserved area. You won't need to know anything about teeth. That is what dental school is for. Best of luck with the interviews.

PS - I was also pre-med until 5 months before I applied. Way to make the "smart" choice.

 

[donoAZ]

You don't need to sweat the interview in CO. I thought it was a very laid-back atmosphere. We didn't talk much about dental specifics. We talked about the school, and the ACTS program (Can't remember if this is the name but it was a program where dental students go practice in a community setting). I talked a bit about current research at the school. And about possibly practicing in an underserved area. You won't need to know anything about teeth. That is what dental school is for. Best of luck with the interviews.

PS - I was also pre-med until 5 months before I applied. Way to make the "smart" choice.

Thanks; that makes sense to me. I actually started reading some dental research abstracts, just so nobody could throw me too off-balance, but I doubt that would have fooled anybody. I tried to get a job assisting in an office, but my school schedule is a mess for fall.

 

[dntlqt]

donoAZ,

looking back on my interview process, i would say that having clinical experience does give you an advantage, but its not the end of the world if you havent shadowed yet. basically, the admissions office just wants to know that you have a strong interest in dentistry and that you understand the necessary skills of the profession. they like to see candidates that have good artistic ability as well as a strong science background.

most applicants worry if they happen to score low on the PAT, but its really no reason to panic. visualy perception skills are essential, but a low PAT doesnt mean you cant learn when you get to d-school. the tooth anatomy practicles will give you a chance to work on your sculpting.

my first semester of d-school has been tough work, but lots of fun. congrats on choosing a great career! there has never been a better time to be a new dentist. good luck on your application process.

dntlqt 😉

 

[ItsGavinC]

The biggest reason to know about dentistry is simple: for yourself.

 

[Balki]

Well Gavin is of course right,

You should know a little about dentistry in US (like how things work, requirements for licening etc) so that if there is a discussion you may feel comfortable. But I don't think they'll ask you what MOD stands for 🙂

 

[rocknightmare]

i think i know what it stands for but i don't know know what it means 🙂

anybody want to enlighten me without having to do a google on it!!

studying microbio right now 🙂

 

[aphistis]

An MOD is a mesial-occlusal-distal, a restoration including the chewing surface and both surfaces touching the adjacent teeth. They can be a real snot to do on maxillary molars.