Things you wish you knew before your first externship

[DividedByZero]

Hi everyone!

So, I start my first OMS externship next week and I was wondering what were some things you wish you knew before you started. I feel like I'm walking in blind to this whole thing.

I don't have any idea what I'm going to be doing, how long I should stick around (I asked the program director and he said I would "make my own hours"), or even what I should wear! (Professional dress, business casual, scrubs?!).

I feel very much uneasy as the next coming week is approaching. Any tips? advice?

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[wash123]

These tips have been shared before I'm sure, but here's a little list.

Simple tips/ideas:
1. Don't be the first one to leave or the last to arrive, in fact you should leave and arrive when the intern does.
2. It is okay not to know something when asked, don't make up an answer, but DO go look up the answer afterward
3. Ask questions and have fun, but stay professional and be smart by knowing when questions are appropriate (usually your intuition is your best guide for this one)
4. A nice touch, but not required because residents usually have them is a pen light (can get one from Home Depot or places like it) for those early morning pre-rounding experiences. It is also nice to carry extra tongue blades/cotton swabs with you that you can open up for the resident when rounding.
5. Try not to contaminate things when in the OR 😉

A person that is a hard worker and easy to get along with usually does well on externships.

 

[Newgoalsdentdoc]

1. When you don't know an answer, ALWAYS ask. 99.9% of the time, someone else is afraid to ask the same question and is hoping someone else will.
2. There's no such thing as a dumb question. Residency is the best time to "pick the brains" of those mentoring and instructing you. This is the time to make a mistake, realize your mistake and get it right before you get out in the world and practice on your own.
3. Keep a journal. At the end of the day, no matter how tired you are, write down what you did in a day. It comes in handy as useful study material.
4. In your free time, read some type of dental material. Don't slack off just because you have time.
5. Have fun and don't take things personal when someone makes you aware of your mistakes. They really have your best interest at heart.
6. Respect the directors, faculty members and all those in authority while completing your residency, even the Chief Resident. It goes a long way.
7. Don't stick with doing procedures that are most comfortable. Spend time taking on cases in areas of dentistry that you really don't like. It's important to be well rounded. (This is how I ended up loving Removable Prosthodontics and Oral Surgery). Gravitate toward those areas of dentistry you fear the most.
8. Always remember you've never learned enough. There's always something new to learn. Attend CE courses when you can.
BTW, on July 2, I will start a new venture as well. I will practice as well as supervise and instruct residents at in a GPR Program. I was a resident once and this will be quite an experience and opportunity that I am looking forward to.
Best wishes. Once you get to the program, you won't feel lost and everything will flow. The program should have Orientation and other things set up upon your arrival to guide you during that first week.

 

[superfinger45]

Externships are simple if you follow these rules:
1. Be the FIRST one there
2. Be the LAST to leave
3. Don't ask to eat, pee, poop, sleep
4. Take call EVERY night, (even if you're there for a month, dont be a baby, just do it)
5. Find out what you are doing the next day and READ about it.
6. Know your anatomy
7. Say "I dont know, but I'll find out" don't guess!
8 Remember that this is an interview, even if you don't want to apply to the program you're at, OMS is a small community. Residents know each other and word gets out if you're a D-bag.
9. Do your best to do things that make residents life easier, always carry a pen light, tongue depressors, a pen, etc.
10. HAVE FUN and LEARN!!

If someone says that you can leave, or dont worry about sticking around, or I dont care if you leave, or other variations. STAY. Its not a test but just stay, the resident is so you should, dont be a *****.

If you follow these rules you'll be a good extern.