r/DentalSchool • • 5d ago

[Weekly] Current Student Experiences

2 Upvotes

Please ask all of your questions regarding specific schools and the experiences of current students here. If you're looking for opinions on which school to choose (USC vs NYU vs etc), this is the place.

Any other posts about current student experiences from prospective students or crowdsourcing which school to go to will be removed.


r/DentalSchool • • 1d ago

[Megathread] Incoming Dental Student Questions

1 Upvotes

A warm welcome to all incoming dental students. Congratulations on your acceptance. I'm sure you all have many questions and we'll do our best to aggregate them here. I'm going to make this a weekly thread every Monday.


r/DentalSchool • • 2h ago

Didactic Question Those of you making your own flashcards, how long does it take you for a lecture?

1 Upvotes

Trying to make Anki flashcards but wondering how to make these cards faster


r/DentalSchool • • 15h ago

four vs six year omfs

6 Upvotes

ive been shadowing at some oral surgery practices that have some surgeons that did the six year residency and some that did the four year residency. i would think that there would be a difference in compensation between those that chose six years and earned the MD versus those that took the four year route. so my question is: all other variables kept equal (age, school standing, years of experience, # of patients seen, etc.), would a six-year residency oral surgeon make more than someone who chose a four year?


r/DentalSchool • • 18h ago

Jobs/Career Question Because of loans should I drop out?

8 Upvotes

I’m a D2 and up to now I was living with a family member and didn’t have to pay for rent and food. Because of that and using some of my savings to pay tuition, I currently only have 60k in federal loans. The issue is because my financial and living situation change, I will need loans for everything from this point on until I graduate. I did the math and I would be able to take federal loans but because of the insane interest I would still graduate with 600k debt. Now here is the thing. I got into a nuclear medicine technologist program that I had applied to a while back and had been on a waitlist for a while.

If I continue dental school I’ll end up with 600k of debt. I’ll go on RAP and pay 10% of my salary for 30 years. Because the interest is so high, 10% of my salary won’t even make a dent in my loans at all and in 30 years I’ll owe about 300k of taxes once the debt is forgiven.

If I drop out and do the nuclear medicine program I’ll graduate with no debt one year sooner than dental school and I would be able to pay off the 60k I would owe working part time in the program. So essentially I would graduate debt free a year earlier and my salary would be around 130k.

For dentistry I don’t have a practice in the family, coming out with 600k would prevent me from opening one or specializing without going in millions of debt. I would therefore be working for someone else most likely be making 170k (correct me if I’m wrong) and paying 10% of that to my loans even tho they won’t ever go down until forgiven.

What would you do in my position?


r/DentalSchool • • 16h ago

Affordable clinical Master's programs in Dentistry abroad

2 Upvotes

Hello everyone! I'm looking for recommendations for affordable clinical postgraduate programs in dentistry on behalf of someone I know.

She's a West African dentist who completed her Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in the Philippines. Since she wasn't eligible to take the local licensure examination there, she returned to her home country, where she completed the licensing process, including an examination and a one-year internship. She now has approximately two years of post-graduate clinical experience.

She's interested in pursuing a clinical master's in dentistry, but these programs aren't currently available where she lives. Unfortunately, she doesn't come from a particularly well-off family, and the cost of studying abroad is a significant barrier.

I'm hoping to find affordable clinical master's programs in other countries that she might not know about. I'm especially interested in programs that offer relatively low tuition fees, scholarships, stipends, or other financial assistance to international students.

I'd love to hear from dentists who have pursued postgraduate training abroad or know of programs in countries that may not be the usual destinations people consider.

  1. Are there universities or countries offering affordable clinical master's programs in dentistry to international applicants?
  2. Are there programs with reasonable tuition fees or funding opportunities that are often overlooked?
  3. Are there countries where the overall cost of tuition and living expenses makes specialist training more accessible?

I'm open to recommendations from anywhere in the world, not just the UK, US, Canada, or Australia.

Any specific university names, program recommendations, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!


r/DentalSchool • • 19h ago

Ideas for Dental School Summer Curriculum

3 Upvotes

Hello everyone,

I was wanting some advice from people. The dental school I am currently attending has removed our dentures curriculum for the summer. We were supposed to have patients in the summer to create dentures for them. But based on last years circumstances, they removed it. Now the school is trying to figure out what the class is doing for the summer, but they don't have any solid ideas. Could someone give ideas of good hands on experiences they could add for the summer curriculum? (we have two courses during the time that we will be taking)

Thank you!


r/DentalSchool • • 14h ago

Scholarship/Finance Question Exchange programs

0 Upvotes

Any dental students here who’ve done an exchange program or a short term study / training opportunity abroad?

I am looking into ways to experience dentistry in other countries while I am still an undergrad, get exposed to different approaches and learn more about the field beyond what we study at uni

If you’ve done anything like this or know of any programs, scholarships or opportunities for dental students, I’d love to know about it 🙏


r/DentalSchool • • 23h ago

Rant

3 Upvotes

Ok so I go to dental school in India

Today I was doing a buccal pit amalgam filling on the patients(31/m) lower molar and I cut the mucosa behind his lower lip it was a pretty big cut according to me but the patient was okay with it 🥲 he was like it's okay just continue the treatment

But I am scared he is gonna come back and sue me or am I going to jail

The thing is I have had a surgery one year ago and since then I experience tremor in my hands and my hands are very shaky mostly when I get nervous

But I have no option to quit dental school


r/DentalSchool • • 1d ago

Residency Question D2 OMFS Shadowing at School Help pls

4 Upvotes

I’m a D2 and I’ll be shadowing our OMFS residents/faculty next week. We’ll be in clinic, and hopefully the OR.

I’d love any advice on how to make a good impression without being a nuisance. What are some things you wish someone had told you before your first OMFS shadowing experience?

A few specific questions:
- OR etiquette that isn’t obvious? Like going up to scrub tech?
- Can I bring a snack or few Celsius for the residents as a pick me up/thank you or is that weird?
- When should I ask questions vs. stay quiet?
- Should I expect to help with things like adjusting lights, suction, retracting, or is it better to wait until I’m asked?
- Any common mistakes dental students make that are easy to avoid?

One other question: I’m genuinely torn between pediatrics and OMFS. Is it weird or frowned upon to be upfront about that if someone asks what I’m interested in? I’ve heard mixed opinions, with some people saying mentioning another specialty can get you some strange looks. I don’t want to come across as not being interested in OMFS because I really am, I’m just still figuring things out.

Overall, I’d appreciate any advice on being helpful, not in the way, and not looking completely clueless. Thanks!


r/DentalSchool • • 1d ago

Board Exam Question Feeling depressed and hopeless after CDCA

10 Upvotes

I feel like I am losing my mind. I first took the CDCA almost a year ago. On my first attempt I passed the endo, perio, restorative, and written sections. I failed prosth due to under reducing #3. I took the exam again and this time they failed me due to over reducing #3. I took it a third time and failed due to under reducing #3. I have already graduated dental school at this point and am starting to feel desperate. I would now have to restart and take the entire CDCA over again every single section. I’m trying to see if there are any other options or anything that I can do. Any help or advice would help greatly appreciated. Thank you


r/DentalSchool • • 1d ago

Didactic Question All B’s for first semester

12 Upvotes

D1 here. Adjusting to dental school has been pretty difficult. I went to an undergrad with grade inflation so I’ve basically been a B+ student all along. I’ve been realizing I have to change so much but being that we’ve had a few exams already, I’m past the point where I can receive an A in most classes. I’m not sure if I want to specialize, but I would’ve liked to have the option to. I haven’t looked into what specialities are looking for but I would assume the highest grades. Would a semester of Bs keep me from being able to pursue any specialties ?


r/DentalSchool • • 1d ago

Pediatric dental residency interviews?

5 Upvotes

I was wondering if past residents have any tips/insights for residency interviews?

How strict/intense are the interviews? I've heard ppl say it's more about getting to know personality etc. but i'm sure clinical questions are also asked, which is what I'm worried about. I'm worried I'll freeze up with nerves and wont be able to answer, or they'll ask something and I wont know the answer to.

How much knowledge do they expect us to have going into the interviews from dental school? I expect that it should be some but are there truly no "wrong" answers to the questions they ask in the interviews.

Also, any tips to not be nervous/freak out during the interview LOL

Is it mandatory to attend the social events scheduled with the interviews?

I dont know, i'm just very nervous overall and I feel like that isnt helping but any tips/advice would be greatly appreciated!!!


r/DentalSchool • • 1d ago

Hello

6 Upvotes

I’m a 5th-year dental student, and I really need some advice.
To be honest, my academic level is weak because I didn’t study properly during my first few years of dental school, so I have many gaps in my basic knowledge. Now, I struggle with studying and understanding many topics.
On the other hand, I’m quite good at the practical side, especially in fixed prosthodontics, removable prosthodontics, and operative dentistry. However, sometimes I feel like I’m doing the clinical work without fully understanding the science behind what I’m doing or why I’m doing it.
I want to improve my knowledge and build a strong foundation, even though I’m already in my 5th year.
My questions are:
How should I start studying and improving my basic knowledge at this stage?
Are there any short books, YouTube channels, courses, or other resources that explain the fundamentals of dentistry in a simple and organized way?
What subjects or topics should I focus on first?
Since English is not my first language, I also struggle with medical terminology. How can I improve my medical English while studying dentistry?
I’m not looking for resources that cover everything in great detail. I’m looking for something concise, clear, and practical that can help me understand the basics and put me on the right track.
I would really appreciate any advice, personal experiences, or resource recommendations. Thank you!


r/DentalSchool • • 2d ago

Ranking dental specialties from best to worst (including GP)

65 Upvotes

Probably gonna piss off some people but here’s my ranking based on money, ROI, lifestyle, job security and AI.

1. OMFS — $$$$$
Paid residency. AI proof. Surgical procedures will always be in demand. Money is insane. Residency sucks but once you’re done you’re pretty much set financially.

2. Endo — $$$$
AI proof. More patients are learning from the internet about saving their natural teeth instead of just getting implants. A lot of GPs hate doing endo, especially molars, so referrals will always be there. Downside is you usually have to pay for residency but ROI is amazing. You see fewer patients. Probably one of the best specialties for making good money without killing your body.

3. Dental Anesthesia — $$$$
Paid residency. AI proof bc if someone dies or has complications, they need an actual person to take responsibility. Not many programs and demand is pretty high. More OMFS, perio, peds and even some endo offices are hiring them. Easy on your body too. Obviously liability is high but ROI is amazing.

4. Ortho — $$$$
You pay for residency. Not really AI proof. GPs are doing more and more Invisalign cases. But complex cases will always need orthodontists. Also more patients are realizing orthodontists can do a much better job than GPs and are willing to pay extra for quality work. Very easy on your body. Money is still good if you’re willing to travel or live rural. Finding a full-time job in a nice city seems pretty hard though.

5. Peds — $$$
Paid residency if you choose the right program. If you’re paying crazy tuition to specialize in peds, you’re stupid financially imo. AI proof. Mostly easy procedures while making specialist money. A lot of GPs hate dealing with crying kids and annoying parents so demand will always be there. Most Insurance doesn’t see you as a specialist. ROI is okay. Just gotta deal with screaming kids all day lol. Burn out is real tho.

6. GP — $$$
No residency needed which is a huge advantage. You can start making money, investing and building assets early. You can also cherry pick easy specialty procedures like implants, Invisalign, veneers, straightforward wisdom teeth, etc.
But if you wanna make serious money you probably need to spend a lot on CE and eventually own a practice. If you just wanna do easy bread and butter as an associate, you will end up working for a medicaid DSO mill paying you $800/day while expecting you to produce $4+k lol.
GP ownership has a very high ceiling though. Some GP owners make more than specialists.

7. Perio — $$$$
You pay to specialize and it ain’t cheap. GPs are doing more and more implants, gum grafts, sinus lifts, etc. Still a surgical specialty so obviously there’s money to be made, especially if you find a busy practice with good referrals. But with how much GPs are taking over specialty procedures, I’m not sure the ROI is that great considering how much residency costs. if paid residency, then it’s worth it.

8. Prosth — $$$
Paying a ridiculous amount of tuition to become a glorified GP.
I get it for internationally trained dentists since some programs let you practice in the US. But if you’re already a US or Canadian graduate, I honestly don’t see the point financially unless you get into a paid program.
They do some pretty cool FMR cases but more and more GPs are taking CE to do cosmetics, FMR, implants and All-on-X.
No GP is gonna refer a profitable restorative case to prosth unless the patient is being a pain in the ass or the case is a complete disaster.
Cool specialty but terrible ROI imo.

9. Oral Path / Oral Radiology — $$
Not really AI proof. AI is only gonna get better at reading images and helping with diagnoses. A lot of jobs are in academia, teaching or research. You spend more years in school just to potentially make less than a GP.
I can see why someone would choose these if they’re burned out, have physical limitations or just never wanna touch a handpiece again.

What would you rank differently?


r/DentalSchool • • 2d ago

Vent/Rant dropping dental school 3 weeks in

50 Upvotes

i dont think i can do the classes anymore. im the most socially awkward person and PBLs are brutal. too much content and no motivation to get through it. i think of myself 5 years in the future, miserable and hating the patient interaction (i chose to do it bcs of prestige/i had the grades). no friends either, and its a small cohort. id rather go to a larger uni and make friends in diff courses. just wanted to get this off my chest, but honestly i respect everyone here for persevering through the course, after getting a taste of dentistry.


r/DentalSchool • • 3d ago

Curves be like

Post image
98 Upvotes

Some curves are fascinating


r/DentalSchool • • 3d ago

CLASS II PREP

9 Upvotes

I am struggling to break contacts for proximal box, could anyone pls suggest on how should I approach it


r/DentalSchool • • 3d ago

Dental Anesthiosology Interviews - what are they like?

15 Upvotes

What are they like? What kinds of questions are asked at interviews for dental anesthesia specialty programs?


r/DentalSchool • • 4d ago

Vent/Rant 4th year burn out

5 Upvotes

Greetings everyone, I am 22 years old and 4th year dental student ( here it’s 5 year instead of 4 ), Only 2.5 semesters left, but I am super burnt out, I passed and finished most of the exams I hate like crown prep on models and ortho and so, so what’s left is only few lecs and theoritical exams and final year project also finishing requirements, but since the very first semesters I hate dentistry especially chairside, I love other fields like oral med or patho, but can’t stand clinical, for the reqs, I am not so behind nor ahead, I am afraid that what if I don’t finish it and that postpone my grad? All of my marks are A or A+, but hate clinic and finding patients, all I own a medical shop where I can go after uni, could you guys motivate me a little bit cuz I am super depressed and burnt out that if I haven’t had some religious beliefs of mine I would’ve done suicide ages ago cuz of that, any assistance would be appreciated


r/DentalSchool • • 4d ago

How do you remember the eruption sequence?

2 Upvotes

I was solving few MCQs on oral anatomy and these questions are just freaking me out.

I tried remembering them but it's how no use, i either forget or get confused.


r/DentalSchool • • 4d ago

Residency Question D3 interested in ortho

9 Upvotes

I’m a d3 who just rotated in ortho for a week and really liked it. I always thought I’d be a GP and never considered specializing… and my situation will reflect that. My class rank is 30/89 and I expect it to drop bc clinic is graded and I’m slow. I have never done any activities like clubs or anything like that. I go to a school known to be super rigorous if that even matters.

How bad is this situation? To be honest I don’t even know what I need to build an application. If someone could give a brief outline I’d really appreciate it. I know research is important and something about the GRE. My plan was to do a GPR and then practice as a GP. I’m willing to do a GPR or practice for a couple years and then apply to if that helps.


r/DentalSchool • • 4d ago

Avoid "Klaroptix" loupes - website is a deceptive facade for selling low quality chinese goods in the US

3 Upvotes

Some info after making the error of buying from "Klaroptix":

Pros - loupes themselves seem adequate quality and a bit
cheaper than other brands and can be ordered quickly online without dealing
with a rep directly. They showed up about 3 weeks after I ordered.

Cons - The headlamp I purchased with my loupes was
absolute junk, breaking on the first attempt to use it. Trying to get it
refunded uncovered a web of deception by them after initially very slow
responses and the requirement to ship it back to a factory in China. In a rush
to replace my loupes, I was suckered by a the "Klaroptix" website
that does a credible job mimicking those of the loupe manufacturers that sell
high-quality products, provide professional customer service after purchase,
and have a legitimate and transparent business presence in the US. 
Looking closer after the fact, there are many signs of deception that I
carelessly missed.

Eventually my repeated
online complaints online were escalated to an unhelpful individual who
pretended to be their "Italian cofounder" but clearly was not. The
real chinese company (Nanchang Micare Medical Equipment) obscures their
identity behind layers of shell corporations registered in Delaware. Their
website does not have a customer service number and lists an address in Wyoming
that has nothing to do with their company. Their registered agent in the US for
their LLC does not seem to be a real person. They do not collect sales tax
where required by state law.

I hope the FTC and state tax agencies investigate...


r/DentalSchool • • 4d ago

I hate it here

16 Upvotes

I’m in my final year of dental school in the UK. I can’t stand it, I come home almost every day and just cry. I’m not good at anything except for maybe extractions. I can’t even do a basic filling right, I don’t know how to do dentures without guidance, my crown preps are god awful a monkey could probably do better. My knowledge of everything isn’t even that good like I can’t seem to retain the knowledge even when I study so much. And I can’t even quit, I’m not from a wealthy family I can’t go back to uni and do something different, I’ve used up all the loan I could ever have had. I hate it here and I don’t know what to do. I can’t stand going into uni and being told what I’m bad at by every tutor


r/DentalSchool • • 4d ago

Advice for choosing specialty

1 Upvotes

I started D1 about a month ago and I'm trying to choose a specialty but don't want to wait until rotations to do so. My program doesn't have any residencies so what would be the best way to gain exposure to different specialties? Is it too soon to ask the faculty if I can shadow them?