Questions about U. Pittsburgh

[MINI430]

Hey Guys,

I am a dental student entering U. Pitt. CLASS OF 2008. I have a couple of questions?

- How do you like it U. Pitt. first year? Is it impossible to do well?
- What would you recommend to do well? I understand that Pitt. takes the step 1 first year.

- I plan to pick up a partime job this summer and want to know if I should take biochem. or some upper level bio class to keep my mind sharp?

Until then, thank you for your kind help and assistance!

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[TheDentist2008]

Hey Mini im also going to U. of Pitt this August and have heard the curriculum has changed a lot(much easier) compared to what the 3rd year and 4th years had to go through. From what Ive been told biochem is one of the tougher classes and taking a biochem class before is definetely a plus. it wont hurt if you take anatomy and physiology if you havent done so, as that class is also one of the most difficult ones that 2nd years and 3rd years have said

Hope that Helps !!!
Say are you going to the orientation ?

 

[MINI430]

Hey Dentist2008!

I hope things are going well! Yeah, I plan to attend orientation from June 2-4th. I'm guessing you are too? I was thinking e-mailing the whole class about getting together the night before orientation for drinks at a local bar to get to know each other! What do you think? I've had biochem at Vanderbilt U. and was thinking about taking it again at the local university to keep my mind sharp. So what are you doing this semester? Hope to hear from you soon.

Always,
MINI430

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

Hey future Pitt students,

I'm in first year at the moment, so if you have any questions feel free to PM me at any time. I'll do my best to address all your concerns.


Hot-n-Aml
__________________________________________________________
UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007

 

[TheDentist2008]

Hey Mini currently im finishing up my last quarter and working, so its been hectic. Im looking forward to start dental school even though its gonna b a little rougher, at least now i know Ill have a career(hopefully). Anyways enuff of this philosophical mumbo jumbo I havent seen many posts from U of Pitt students but drinks b4 orientation sounds good. Great way to start off an orientation is always with booze !!!

As 4 taking biochem, if u have a lotta spare time then go 4 it. It never hurts 2 b on top of ur game. I havent taken biochem so its gonna b a new experience 4 me, hopefully a pleasant 1.

 

[TheDentist2008]

Hey future Pitt students,

I'm in first year at the moment, so if you have any questions feel free to PM me at any time. I'll do my best to address all your concerns.


Hot-n-Aml
__________________________________________________________
UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007

Is biochem really tough over there ? I havent taken biochem so should I have a reason to b worried ?

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

Is biochem really tough over there ? I havent taken biochem so should I have a reason to b worried ?

Hey there,

I personally feel that having biochem in undergrad did help me a lot with biochem in dental school. But you're not alone. Some of my classmates did not take it in undergrad but did well. It's all about keeping up with the notes, and going to the professor...(who is very nice by the way)....immediately when you feel you have a problem. It is a lot of material, and some is difficult...but it's very possible to do well regardless of background.

Good Luck,
Hot-n-Aml
_______________________________________________________
UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007

 

[Yah-E]

Hot-n-Aml:

Is it true that you guys take your NBDE Part 1 after 1st year in the summertime?

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

Hot-n-Aml:

Is it true that you guys take your NBDE Part 1 after 1st year in the summertime?

Hey Yah-E,

We take our NBDE Part 1 at the end of our second year in the summer. Our first year finishes in August and we only get a month off before second year starts.

take care,
Hot-n-Aml
_______________________________________________________
UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007

 

[ToothMonkey]

- I plan to pick up a partime job this summer and want to know if I should take biochem. or some upper level bio class to keep my mind sharp?

I wouldn't bother. Even the dental profs I've asked that question of say that the last summer of freedom before dental school is best spent relaxing, not studying. Sounds like a plan to me.

Anyway, it's nice to finally see some other UPitt people on the board. I'll be starting there this fall myself and will be at the June orientation, so drinks sound like a real good idea. I'll actually be getting into PGH that Tuesday afternoon so if anyone will be there earlier in the evening and wants to grab dinner I could go for that as well.

Our first year finishes in August and we only get a month off before second year starts.

Hey Hot-n-Aml, what kind of course load do students carry during the summer terms? Is it 20+ credits just like fall and spring semesters, or do they cut you a little slack?

 

[MINI430]

Just to recap...the NBDE Part 1 is taken 2nd year? I always thought is was 1st year summer. Anyway, are the NBDE Part 1 all of first year material or both years combined? Thanks for the info. guys!

 

[Yah-E]

Hot-n-Aml:

That's what I thought, when I saw Mini posted her comment, I thought U Pitt decided to change their NBDE Part 1 time too like many other dental schools. Just thought I make sure!

Thanks,

Andy

 

[grettlin2]

...I wouldn't bother. Even the dental profs I've asked that question of say that the last summer of freedom before dental school is best spent relaxing, not studying. Sounds like a plan to me. ...

However, as I talked to one student in Boston, two in USC, and one in UCSF said there were two groups in their classes; one learned faster because they had completed biochem, histology, and physiology in undergraduate, and the other group learned relatively slower if they didn't take these. It makes difference while so much amount of material is waiting there. However, it should be fine if you are not aimed on top 10, but just want to be a gp.

I don't know about Pitt (don't write down students' emails during the interview).

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

I wouldn't bother. Even the dental profs I've asked that question of say that the last summer of freedom before dental school is best spent relaxing, not studying. Sounds like a plan to me.

Anyway, it's nice to finally see some other UPitt people on the board. I'll be starting there this fall myself and will be at the June orientation, so drinks sound like a real good idea. I'll actually be getting into PGH that Tuesday afternoon so if anyone will be there earlier in the evening and wants to grab dinner I could go for that as well.

Hey Hot-n-Aml, what kind of course load do students carry during the summer terms? Is it 20+ credits just like fall and spring semesters, or do they cut you a little slack?

Hey ToothMonkey,
Our summer term has 19 credits....but we have courses like Pathology and Micro which do take up a lot of time. So in a way it is less class time, but it's still very busy.
Hot-n-Aml
___________________________________________________________
UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

Just to recap...the NBDE Part 1 is taken 2nd year? I always thought is was 1st year summer. Anyway, are the NBDE Part 1 all of first year material or both years combined? Thanks for the info. guys!

Yes, NBDE Part 1 is taken in 2nd year. As for material covered...I'm not sure, but I'm assuming mainly first year material. If there are any upper year Pitt students out there, please feel free to correct me on this one.

Hot-n-Aml
____________________________________________________________
UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007

 

[ToothMonkey]

However, it should be fine if you are not aimed on top 10, but just want to be a gp.

Yeah, more work might be helpful for those aspiring specialists. Good point.

 

[LITTLED]

Hey Guys!
I'm going to Pitt too
I'll be at orientation, I'm looking forward to meeting everyone. Drinks before sound great! And maybe after too
littled

 

[ToothMonkey]

Drinks before sound great! And maybe after too

Hey, don't forget *during*. I'm sure we could all use some relief from what will no doubt be one mind-numbingly boring orientation speech after another. That's why God invented the hip flask, no?

 

[LITTLED]

toothmonkey
I like the way you think. My best friend got me a flask for my college graduation
I plan on putting in some long hours of drinking and partying before we start school....next year sounds like it's gonna be pretty crazy! PM me if you want to exchange info/emails whatever before we leave for orientation
little d

 

[LITTLED]

For some reason, I can't actually find the date that school starts....I vaguely remember it being in early august, does anyone know?
Thanks
littled

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

For some reason, I can't actually find the date that school starts....I vaguely remember it being in early august, does anyone know?
Thanks
littled

I'm pretty sure that I start my second year Aug.30th...so it may be the same for you.

Hot-n-Aml
_________________________________________________________
UPitt, SDM, Class of 2007

 

[johnkimdmd]

I will be graduating from Pitt this Sunday! It's been a rewarding though often difficult experience. The president of our class refers to Pitt Dental as a constant hazing process, but it's not really that bad.

Use that last summer to kickback and enjoy yourselves. I didn't and I regret it to this day.

Don't worry about biochem. It's just memorizing some handouts and pathways. It's not like undergrad biochem at all.

Don't worry about NDB Part 1's (unless you are trying to specialize, then you need to score as high as you can).

Come to the ASDA picnic on June 4th! You will meet lots of nice people and fellow classmate.

Good luck!

 

[lnn2]

I will be graduating from Pitt this Sunday! It's been a rewarding though often difficult experience. The president of our class refers to Pitt Dental as a constant hazing process, but it's not really that bad.

Use that last summer to kickback and enjoy yourselves. I didn't and I regret it to this day.

Don't worry about biochem. It's just memorizing some handouts and pathways. It's not like undergrad biochem at all.

Don't worry about NDB Part 1's (unless you are trying to specialize, then you need to score as high as you can).

Come to the ASDA picnic on June 4th! You will meet lots of nice people and fellow classmate.

Good luck!

Hey John! my Asian brother , didn't know u'r a SDNer, oh excuse me, DOCTOR John congrats! u'r da man

Yup, it's a constant hazing process, and I think that they're getting a kick out of it too It gets easier after 2nd yr, but the only time it gets truly eazzzy is when u'r holding your licensed DMD!

 

[johnkimdmd]

Thanks man!

Is this Long?

 

[johnkimdmd]

NDB Part 1

Anatomy (Gross, Head and Neck, some Neuro)
Dental Anatomy
Microbiology/Pathology
Biochemistry/Physiology