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My first week of dental school was dedicated to orientation, a whirlwind of lectures, professors, students, directions, and emotions. In essence, it was an overwhelming influx of stimuli for my brain to process. By the second week, my focus shifted to acclimating with the student body and faculty. I recall upperclassmen reassuring me, ‘You have nothing to worry about; it only gets harder from here, so relax and enjoy the beginning of the semester.’ However, relaxation proved elusive as examinations loomed within two weeks.
The summer semester served as a rude awakening to the extensive coursework dental school entails. In comparison to undergrad, the workload quadrupled, demanding a daily commitment equivalent to procrastinating the night before an exam. The clock seemed ever-ticking, leaving insufficient time to cover all the material and review previous days’ content. The library swiftly became my second home, while my apartment transformed into a brief pitstop for 5-6 hours of sleep on good days.
The structure of the year comprised 65% didactics, 30% lab work, and a mere 5% for essential life activities. Exhaustion became a constant companion as an immense volume of information inundated my mind. Then, the Fall semester arrived, marked by a sense of discouragement due to the apparent disconnect between my hard work and grades. Determined to make a change, I meticulously scheduled every hour, prioritizing time, making lists, and incorporating alarms to motivate self-care and exercise.
I soon realized that dental school is a marathon, not a race. Some valuable lessons emerged from this experience, leading me to share ten insights for a stronger start:
Here are 10 Lessons to Make Your Start Stronger Than Mine
BE YOURSELF: In a new professional school, it can be intimidating to be surrounded by so many incredibly intelligent and ambitious people, but remember, you belong here. Stand out and be authentic.
PRIORITIZE SELF-CARE: Don’t feel guilty about taking an extra hour for yourself; mental clarity is crucial.
CREATE A REALISTIC SCHEDULE: Make schedules that you can realistically follow to prepare for challenges.
PACE YOURSELF: Dental school is a marathon, not a race. Trust me, I love a good procrastination followed by a cramming session, but this information is for the long haul. It will be built upon, so let’s ensure the base of the mountain is a solid foundation.
PRIORITIZE AUTHENTIC LEARNING: You might come across rumors of recalls and old exams circulating the school. While tempting, remember, this information is for the rest of your life. Shortcuts won’t substitute authentic learning.
YOUR CLASSMATES ARE YOUR FRIENDS, NOT YOUR COMPETITION: Think of this journey like your own story. Your only challenge? Beating those lingering bad habits. Every step forward is a win against personal challenges. Your classmates and faculty are your team, here to support you on the way to success.
DYNAMIC STUDY HABITS: The study system that served you well in undergrad may not be the best fit for dental school. Here, there’s no room for passive learning—opt for active learning to efficiently shorten the time needed for long-term retention of material.
EMBRACE FITNESS: Combat the long hours of being hunched down in the library studying! Expect strain on your neck and back during pre-clinicals. Invest in regular exercise, incorporate stretching, and consider ergonomic loupes (we’ll delve into this topic in a later blog post).
EXPLORE YOUR OWN PATH OF DENTISTRY: Shadow different clinics, practices, and specialties. Ask questions. Your curiosity will guide you to the aspect of dentistry you feel most passionate about practicing.
CULTIVATE EXEMPLARY PROFESSIONALISM: Dental school offers various opportunities, and making the most of them starts with presenting yourself well. First impressions matter a lot. Check out Malcolm Gladwell’s ‘Blink!’—it explains how initial meetings shape opinions. In a profession where social skills are as crucial as education, every detail, including how you carry yourself, adds to the impression you give. Don’t forget to wear a confident smile! 🙂”