Here I sit at 2 am writing this and wondering “How did I even get here?” Imposter syndrome, perhaps.
Or maybe it’s the ambitious part of me always striving for more. You hit the one goal you’d been working on for months and it’s still not enough.
For some reason, I can’t find it in me to celebrate because my mind is already focused on what’s next. Preparing myself for the next 4 years and the trials to come.
Anyway, here I am forcing myself to take a minute to self-reflect. Thinking about all of the incredible people I’ve met that inspired me. Thinking about all of the experiences that made me think “Yes, I can commit to this.”
Dental school once seemed like a far reach considering how I started out: a confused, lost college kid with a ton of baggage. I had healing to do and plenty of character development. I was figuring out who I was and finding my place in the world—sounds like every bad movie plot ever.
Every week was a new career crisis. If I am being honest, this lasted until the beginning of my junior year. But what do you expect from a then 19 year old?
In reality, not everybody goes into their career fields with a 1000% certainty and a burning passion. Some are 70%, 80% or even 50% mentally “in it.” And guess what? They can still become great doctors. I think I ended up as one of the lucky ones who just felt in their bones that they were on the right path; I’m very purpose driven. It all comes down to who you are as a person and what you want out of this life. What pace do you want? What lifestyle? What are you willing to do to get there?
Picking a life path at this age is alone a huge feat! So I wanted to gather some tips and pointers that I wish someone had told me when I started thinking about dentistry—and what helped seal the deal.
To preface, get rid of whatever idealized notions you have about becoming a dentist. Whatever fantasy you have that involves you having your own shiny, new and high-tech practice—put it aside. Focus on what’s in front of you and not what’s in the clouds. Dental school is a tough investment. Once admitted, it’s a journey. Let’s just say that.
Now that we have your head cleared and out of the clouds, these are my 7 tips:
1. Get a job in the field. Shadowing is okay, sure, but honestly I have a thing in me where I hate feeling useless or on the sidelines. Where you really get a feel for things is dental assisting. If you have no prior knowledge, no worries. It may feel overwhelming at first, but give it your all and you will get the hang of it. Also, why would you commit yourself to an expensive 4 year education if you didn’t even try out the field?
2. Once working, really immerse yourself in it. Pay attention to the little things. Connect with patients. Listen to criticism the dentist may have to offer. Don’t get butthurt! Also, watch what they do and know why they do each step. Obviously, don’t be annoying and play 20 questions every procedure. Put the try hard tendencies away if you have them. You can ask a question here or there. Google and YouTube are your friends, too. Not to mention, ask yourself, is this something I could see myself doing? Maybe you’ll find the sound of handpieces triggers your migraines. Maybe the sight of blood and teeth will make you nauseous every time. If you come to hate your job, you may want to rethink your path. Regardless, better to find out sooner than later!
3. Get a mentor or mentors. Yes you’re going to want to befriend those people with DMDs and DDSs! Who better to get advice from than people who been there done that? Make a lot of friends—even the old heads. It’s so fun to hear their backstories and even just to know them as people! You never know when you’ll get that lightbulb of inspiration saying wow I want to be just like them. Branch out into different specialties, too. Also, don’t forget to befriend the hygienists, receptionists and other assistants—they have so much wisdom to offer as well! Sometimes even more than the dentist, haha. If you work with them everyday, they can see how you grow, offer specific advice or you could even just straight up ask them: hey do you think I could make a good dentist?
4. Get a hobby. Seriously. No one wants to hear about your 3.9 GPA and how you got a 28 on the DAT. To be honest, no one cares. You’re going to have a classmate that had a 3.3 GPA with a 20 on the DAT. Academics don’t make you totally special. You know what does though? Having a passion—ice skating, skiing, that cool club you joined, hiking, whatever it is. What do you care about? How do you have fun? Relieve stress?
5. People skills. Work on them and value social cues. I’m not going to elaborate further. That can be an entire article of its own. Horror stories.
6. Keep your mental in check. Don’t stress about that C you got in general chemistry 700 years ago. Even that F or 2. Keep going. If you’re stressing and breaking down in tears every week, maybe it’s time to reconsider your path. Dental school is 1000x more miserable in its own way than undergrad—and honestly, they really aren’t comparable. And that’s not to be downer, it’s to get you contemplating. Stay stress-free now and avoid burnout, so you’ll have plenty of mental space and tolerance for 4 years of dschool.
7. Finally, it’s doesn’t mean you failed or “you’re too dumb” if you change paths. Average age to enter dschool is 24. I’m going to be 22 when I start, but maybe I’ll have a classmate that’s 20 and another that’s 38. Your path is unique. Maybe after college you want to take a gap year. Or get a masters in something you love. Or do whatever because you’re still figuring yourself out and what you want. Maybe you want to try other careers first. It’s okay! Breathe. You have time! Everyone’s brain works different. Everyone’s personalities are different as well as their interests.
You’ll find your way.
Sincerely,
Your VP Jillian
Just Graduated 👩🏻🎓
Class of 2026 🦷
PS: Best of luck. Just know that there have been tons of people in your shoes. Take advantage of that. Bug some RUPDS e-board members. We have lots of wisdom, you know? Message us whenever with whatever.
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