What to expect in a dental college?

 

The dream to join a medical/dental college finally comes true. You are here on your first day and you think you will go around the hospital in that cool white apron hanging the imported stethoscope around your neck. Knock Knock! Sorry to wake you up. The reality is quite different. Here’s what to expect in a dental college in the beginning so that you put together all well.

Study: Of course, study will be the first and foremost thing and it’s going to be hard unquestionably. It is good to clear a misconception that there will not only be dental subjects and dental students have to study less. It is as much as your friend studying medicine. The toughness of syllabus goes increasing every year. But, the good news is you can make it with your smart work and dedication.

Practical: Practical in dentistry is a totally another universe. Obviously, do not expect to treat the patients and go to dental camps in the very first year. You will have to buy tons of materials and instruments which are going to cost a fortune and waste a kilotons of them but learn a megatons of handwork skills. Patience and perseverance are the central keys in mastering practical.

Interaction: By interaction, I mean interactions with your classmates, teachers, seniors, juniors and most importantly yourself. Your classmates are vital part of your journey as you will be spending half a decade with them and trust me, they are going to make it easier. Teachers are definitely not going to solve all your problems because you will eventually learn to do it yourself and that’s even better. Seniors are actually going to be very helpful if and only if you behave well. You can influence your juniors in the later stages. Nevertheless, the goal is not to lose yourself no matter how harsh the situation be, do good and come out all proud.

Constant MBBS versus BDS hassle: The most prevalent and the most unnecessary debate going on in any medical college (Especially South Asian Colleges). Both BDS and MBBS students are taught same subjects by the same teachers in the basic years (first year and second year) and third year (clinical). BDS students are also posted for clinical rotations in the same ward so as MBBS. It’s the fourth year that we focus more on dental subjects because we are going to be the specialists. The thing is we do not need validation from anyone, just think yourself as extraordinary and prove to be superior than your previous version to yourself.

There is much more to a medical/dental life than what I have tried to explain here. It’s a roller coaster of feelings and emotions, fun and misery, high and low and sleepless nights and sleepy days. So tighten the seat belt and embrace the journey.