Tomorrow concludes the first week of year one and all I, and most my classmates are thinking is probably something along the lines of "...what?" I personally feel way more stressed than I should be, mainly because at this point, the work has been laid out, one week's worth that feels more like months worth. I was reflecting a little earlier on the classes we have, and what exactly to study for each so I think outlining them here will help get me a bit more organized:
Dental Biochemistry: Word from upperclassmen and the professor thus far is just study the (1)lectures. I've been recording what I can but I also have a notebook that will come in handy in test preparation.
Dental Anatomy: LOVE this class, but I love it way too much considering it's only worth 1.5 credits..which doesn't make sense to me but that's that. I've been reading the text mainly cause it's super cool, but the advice has been to stick to the (1)lectures and I'll start to skim the (2)text. This week we had our first lab - Mounting the typodont, which some completed in a timely and neat manner, while others struggled for hours, in some cases completly disassembling their plastered down mandible and repositioning, rewaxing, and replastering the articulator. I'm hoping to get a photo of mine on here soon :D.
Histology: Not one of my favorites thus far, but definitely necessary. I think with time the course will get more interesting when we actually get a feel for what structures look like more. Main study tools seem to be (1)laboratory slides and (2)lectures. The text may be worth a skim also but from what it seems, pictures will be priceless.
Intro to Profession: Something like a seminar course, grading is P/F. Really awesome so far with lectures from members of organized dentistry, ethics committees and more. Not much to study thus far.
Gross Anatomy: Said to be the killer of first year. My attack plan will include hours spent in the cadaver lab, (1)Rohen's Color Atlas of Anatomy, (2)Grant's Dissector and the (3)UB issued lab manual. Altogether should be a winning combo. But we'll see, having our first dissection tomorrow on the superficial back.
One piece of software I used to study for the DAT that has been coming in handy for memorizing amino acids, dental anatomy vocab and other things is Anki . The program allows you to make flashcards and tests you based on how long it takes you to turn over the card. Easier cards will show up less often than harder ones. It's free and there are some downloadable card sets already on there for dental anatomy and other topics.
So looking at all of this, its definitely a lot, but definitely manageable. One friend of mine said it well, in that most of the stress this week is the hype. That every moment we feel like we should be doing something, but in reality I've quickly realized that isn't healthy, or sustainable. I've also quickly learned that when people say "all you can do is give your best", that is ideal advice. Its easy to flood your schedule with the workload, let your spirits and health slip, and be a slave to the books. The key is really going to be learning to take a breath and keep the pace.
Cheers! :D
A dental student's journal.
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Friday, August 12, 2011
Orientation Week
By no insane stretch of the imagination could I have foreseen the beginnings of dental school being what this week has been. From the formal and professional welcome breakfast, to open bar parties reminiscent of undergrad, orientation here is said to be the best week of first year.
Today we finally picked up what seems to be the last of our supplies for the first year courses. In what felt like an early Christmas (that we paid for dearly in advance), Henry Schein and Brasseler reps gave out boxes filled with models, instruments, and a ton of other stuff I'm yet to figure out what it is. Getting the scrubs I think was just icing on the cake, but to me felt unreal. Looking back to the interview when I met and spoke with the current 2nd year students, I remember them wearing their anatomy scrubs, and how much I wanted to be in their shoes. Now finally, I am :D.
The coolest thing thus far though had to have been the lecture on IT in Dentistry. A professor whose name totally escapes me talked about all the awesome new technology that's coming up, and things that we'll be working with by our 3rd year. Digital x-rays are a common change, but the use of Cone beam CT scans in dentistry is something that was new to me. Oral surgeons for instance can use them to get much, much better view of where nerves are and how to go about placing implant, or removing third molars for instance. He also presented a video about Invisalign and how the devices are made and all which was crazy cool.
Today was the white coat ceremony and family day picnic which was again unlike anything I could have imagined. Sure, being cloaked in a white coat feels great but it's much more than the act, the feelings and thoughts about the future, and how fortunate I am to be here made me almost teary eyed. I definitely cannot complain and as second year students have said, our lives won't ever be the same. At the picnic I spoke with a few friends' parents and got a lot of insight as to how different all our lives are, and had a ton of fun listening to older dentists' stories of celebrities, quirky patients and tales of dental school in years past. The entire experience was nothing short of honorable. When people talk about feeling honored, and or an individual or institution having prestige, I always thought of the high-nosed professional, looking down on the world. Buffalo has redefined those words for me today, with emotions of trust, character and wholeheartedly lust for life. Prestige being the characteristic that sets one apart from the crowd and honor being the pride and exaltation that comes with achievement.
Today we finally picked up what seems to be the last of our supplies for the first year courses. In what felt like an early Christmas (that we paid for dearly in advance), Henry Schein and Brasseler reps gave out boxes filled with models, instruments, and a ton of other stuff I'm yet to figure out what it is. Getting the scrubs I think was just icing on the cake, but to me felt unreal. Looking back to the interview when I met and spoke with the current 2nd year students, I remember them wearing their anatomy scrubs, and how much I wanted to be in their shoes. Now finally, I am :D.
The coolest thing thus far though had to have been the lecture on IT in Dentistry. A professor whose name totally escapes me talked about all the awesome new technology that's coming up, and things that we'll be working with by our 3rd year. Digital x-rays are a common change, but the use of Cone beam CT scans in dentistry is something that was new to me. Oral surgeons for instance can use them to get much, much better view of where nerves are and how to go about placing implant, or removing third molars for instance. He also presented a video about Invisalign and how the devices are made and all which was crazy cool.
Today was the white coat ceremony and family day picnic which was again unlike anything I could have imagined. Sure, being cloaked in a white coat feels great but it's much more than the act, the feelings and thoughts about the future, and how fortunate I am to be here made me almost teary eyed. I definitely cannot complain and as second year students have said, our lives won't ever be the same. At the picnic I spoke with a few friends' parents and got a lot of insight as to how different all our lives are, and had a ton of fun listening to older dentists' stories of celebrities, quirky patients and tales of dental school in years past. The entire experience was nothing short of honorable. When people talk about feeling honored, and or an individual or institution having prestige, I always thought of the high-nosed professional, looking down on the world. Buffalo has redefined those words for me today, with emotions of trust, character and wholeheartedly lust for life. Prestige being the characteristic that sets one apart from the crowd and honor being the pride and exaltation that comes with achievement.
UBSDM C/O 2015 White Coat Ceremony - 08.12.11
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
I'm Hereee!
Finally in the place I've wanted to be for years now and although the house is dead quiet, my agenda is exploding with things to get organized before classes start. Orientation is tomorrow, but there's already been a few opportunities to meet other classmates. Aside from the fun stuff, there's the challenges of cleaning, furnishing, making sure I have enough loans to eat, fixing my bed and a couple other things. I went running today around town hoping to get acquainted with the area. Twenty minutes in I was completely lost, parched and hungry. Luckily a pizza place was nice enough to give me some water and directions and I was on my way. Tomorrow will be better.
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