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Taking Language
Started by Predent20192023
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It’s not required. It would be easier if you did. But do what you want. Yolo.
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deleted767916
This has nothing to do with dental school as language proficiency doesn't matter. However, just in my personal opinion 1 year proficiency in a language should be mandatory for every college student. I always found it ridiculous how in almost every other country people know 2-3 languages but Americans typically only know english.
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Learn Spanish and then thank me after dental school
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deleted923283
Absolutely continue learning Spanish! I learned Spanish at the later half of college, and it is THE most useful skill I use in everyday life in dental school. Not gross anatomy, not biology, Spanish! Everyday, there are countless classmates posting in our group chat "Hey guys, I really need a Spanish translator for an appointment tomorrow - pls pls help!" Seriously, every single day. They are absolutely helpless with some of their patients - They can't book the appointments, they can't understand medical histories, they can't explain treatment plans, they can't even have general friendly conversations with them about the weather or their family. I'm not perfect, not even close, but I know enough to explain basics with my patients and make appointments over the phone. It makes a world of difference.
You don't know where you're going to dental school yet, but in many places, a working knowledge of Spanish is quickly becoming the standard and in the future probably even mandatory for healthcare providers. Plus, it will open more doors than you think (think new restaurants, new friends, dancing, new travel options, dating, new music and movies, etc.)
I will say, knowing and being proficient in a *useful* language at my school is HUGE. I cannot overstate this. I speak four languages, two of which are incredibly useful in clinic and give me a huge edge in getting patients, treatments, procedure requirements, etc.
If you have the time, put in the work on a language (Spanish, Chinese) that will give you a larger patient pool in the future. You won't regret it.
