Relationships vs dental school

[predentperson]

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Sorry if this is a silly thing to ask about here, but as somebody who is currently applying, is there even a point in starting a relationship now? I am currently seeing someone, and believe that person might be seeing me as well.

I am asking because I heard that most relationships won't last for long upon matriculation into dental school. Like the majority of preexisting couples will part ways within a few months of matriculation, because when one partner starts dental school, everything goes downhill in dealing with the fact that they cannot spend much time with each other. I have also heard horror stories of dental students failing out of dental school when attempting to make a relationship work out. Assuming that I can get an acceptance this cycle, I wonder if it is smart to avoid a relationship altogether until dental school is done with, with the reasoning that it will save me from emotional trouble in the long run.

 

[Glb708]

I got lucky because my girlfriend and I are both dental, however, if you are not in a serious relationship, I would avoid TRYING to start a relationship at your current state. This is unless you two have a talk and believe the situation is possible. For example, It’s a lot easier to keep a relationship grounded if you two live with each other or at least stay in close proximity for your education.

That being said, I can tell you with full confidence that you will have chances to start relationships with your classmates in dental school. You will get to know all of your classmates and spend rediculous amounts of time with them. They will have the same interests and goals as you, and you would not believe the number of people who end up getting married to peers in professional school.

 

[Typical Average Student]

Never know whats gonna happen until you're in. Most new relationships (from what I've seen in my class) don't make it... other ones that have been around each other for several years prior, they stick around. If you're both in the same city, it'll last lol.

 

[predentperson]

I also heard it is not smart to date within your class because if things end badly, you can't avoid seeing your ex for the remainder of dental school. Then if you choose to do residency, you are forced to move to wherever you match to, and it will all depend on whether or not your SO is willing to move with you.

 

[NITRAS]

My wife and I broke up after I graduated undergrad because I was going to med school in Texas and she had another year at OSU....we were married about 20 months later. We had only started dating in February.

You never know. Lots of communication. Be open, and get expectations up front.

Long distance relationships suck...but on the short term route to marriage it is doable. What you want to avoid is being in a relationship because neither of you has the inertia to leave. Long distance with no end point is painful.

 

[Glb708]

I also heard it is not smart to date within your class because if things end badly, you can't avoid seeing your ex for the remainder of dental school. Then if you choose to do residency, you are forced to move to wherever you match to, and it will all depend on whether or not your SO is willing to move with you.

I mean yes, this is all true, but such is life. I just know that many, many students end up marrying those they consider their peers.

 

[Hnl7]

Take a chance. If there is even a small chance that person is the one you never want to regret exploring where it might go.

Don’t force it. Make sure the feelings are mutual. If it doesn’t work out then you will never wonder “What If”

As far as failing out - make sure they know how difficult school will be. Make it clear that there may be times where you can’t talk to them every day - that you may not see them every week or even month.

If they are willing to make that kind of commitment, then go for it and it will work itself out. When it comes to love and careers - no regrets.

Best of luck!

 

[Life of Pablo]

Started dating my s/o senior year of high school. Long distanced all throughout undergrad. Now we're both starting dental school (she's going to Columbia and I'm going to Penn). It's definitely possible to maintain a strong and healthy relationship even if you're apart. In this day and age, there are so many ways to stay connected (Skype, FaceTime, texting etc). Make use of these tools. Communication really shouldn't be an issue unless you just don't put in the effort. If you guys are serious about each other, you'll make it work.