D1 - Week 1.

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