Getting into dental school stories: What challenges do students face in getting into dental school?

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!

Maybe it's because they find the challenges and achievements in dental school inspiring.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Probably the most common is the fear of hurting patients. Dental students are still learning, and they might accidentally cause pain during procedures like root canals or extractions. For example, I knew a student who gave a patient too much anesthesia in a nerve - block, which made the patient's face numb for a long time, causing distress.