I heard about a guy who was a non - traditional student. He had worked in a completely different field for years before deciding to pursue dentistry. He had to go back to school and take all the pre - requisite courses. He was really nervous at first. But he used his life experience to his advantage in the application process. He talked about how his work in his previous job had given him skills like attention to detail and dealing with stress, which would be useful in dentistry. And he got in!
One big challenge is the high academic requirements. A good GPA in science courses like biology and chemistry is expected. For example, many top dental schools require a GPA of at least 3.5. Another challenge is the Dental Admission Test (DAT). It's a tough exam that tests knowledge in various areas. Students often have to study for months to do well on it.
One inspiring story is of a student who had a learning disability. But with the support of his professors and his own determination, he found ways to study effectively. He used special techniques to memorize dental procedures and concepts. He not only graduated but also became an advocate for students with learning disabilities in dental education. He now gives talks to encourage others like him to pursue dentistry.
There was a time in dental school when a student discovered a rare dental condition in a patient during a routine check - up. The case was so unusual that it became a study topic for the whole class. The professors brought in specialists to discuss the best treatment approach. This story highlights the learning opportunities that can come up unexpectedly in dental school.
One hard story is the overwhelming workload. There are countless hours of studying complex dental anatomy, procedures, and materials. For example, learning about the different types of dental implants and their proper placement requires intense memorization and practical skills. Many students have to sacrifice their social lives just to keep up with the coursework.
There are tales of strange noises in the old dental school buildings. For example, the sound of drilling machines starting up on their own in the middle of the night. Some think it might be due to old electrical systems, but others believe it's a sign of the building being haunted. It could be the ghosts of dentists from the past still at work, so to speak.
There was a student who had a low GPA due to some personal issues during the first few years of college. But he managed to turn things around. He started to focus more on his studies and joined a pre - dental study group. By the end of his college career, he had improved his grades somewhat, but more importantly, he showed his ability to grow and learn. This growth mindset impressed the dental school admissions. They accepted him, and he is now a successful dentist.
One story could be about a student who was really nervous during their first patient treatment in dental hygiene school. They were shaking so much that they almost dropped the dental tools. But with the encouragement of their instructor, they managed to calm down and complete the procedure successfully.
A memorable story could be about a group of UCSF Dental School students who volunteered in an underprivileged community. They provided free dental care to those who couldn't afford it. It was not only a great experience for the students in terms of practical skills but also a heart - warming story of giving back to the community.
One of my friends in dental hygienist school had a really funny story. During a practical exam on patient communication, he was so nervous that he started talking about his love for pizza instead of dental hygiene procedures to the 'patient'. It was quite embarrassing at that moment but later became a hilarious memory among our classmates.
A dental school horror story involved a malfunctioning dental drill. It suddenly sped up uncontrollably while a student was working on a patient's cavity. The high - pitched noise and the fear of it causing harm to the patient were terrifying. Fortunately, the student managed to turn it off quickly, but the patient was understandably very distressed, and the student was extremely worried about potential legal consequences.