Written assignments/papers/ or presentations?

[perfectsmile]

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Hi,
I am entering dental school in a month and I was just wondering if there will be many or any written assignments, papers or presentations during the first year of dental school or any other year. I just don't like these things too much and I just want to know what to expect. Any input would be great. Thanks.

 

[Firm]

You won't have many, but when you do it will feel like the worst punishment ever. It's hard to write papers, when your brain thinks only in multiple choice.

 

[ItsGavinC]

It depends on the curriculum of your school. Some schools seem to shun presentations and papers, while other schools seem to rely upon them to a huge degree.

UNLV is one that relies upon them heavily. Depending on which track you are on, your ENTIRE first trimester might be giving/listening to presentations. If not your first, then your second or third. This is because the class is sectioned and studies different areas during each trimester.

 

[FMLizard]

You should get to be comfortable with them. A lot of straight science majors don't get exposed to papers and presentations very much in undergrad. Public speaking and writing are important skills that will serve you well throughout your career. I feel that a school that gives you few or no opportunities to learn these skills is not giving you a well rounded education.

Relax. You will be fine. Besides, grades on presentations tend to be higher than test grades anyway.

 

[Yah-E]

At Nova, we had to do a dental biomaterial paper and a group powerpoint presentation in Applied Oral Biology course this past semester. For oral histology, we had to go in front of the class and answer questions and be put on the spot. For pathology this summer, we had to do case-based (PBL) presentations to prep us for the boards. Overall, it's not too bad, but from what I've heard, Nova wants to integrate more PBL format in our current curriculum. I'm sure I'll be doing more papers, presentations, and research in the years to come!

Like Gavin said, it all depends on your curriculum. At USC and Indiana dental, they're PBL schools! I bet they have to do presentations left and right!