Two weeks into classes at dental school and already, I have never felt like I worked so hard yet had THIS much fun learning as I do now! Here are 5 things that even I didn’t know about dental schools and dentistry before school started!
Check out our simulation lab. 
7. Dental school folks know how to work hard (really hard)…and play hard too!
6. Dental students dissect cadavers from the pelvis and UP! That means, we have to memorize every single nerve, muscle, artery, vein, membrane, fascia and its function. (which also means, I’m in anatomy lab ~15+ hours/week…that’s how well we have to know our bodies!)
5. Dental school is 4 years and we need to pass the national boards (after 2nd year and after 4th year) to be able to graduate, just like in medical school.
4.If you want to specialize (i.e. orthodontics, pediatrics, oral surgery), there is an additional 2-6 years MORE schooling you have to go through to be licensed! (You also have to be like…top 5% of your class to be able to get into one of those programs!)
3. Dental students practice giving EACH OTHER injections (mostly during their 2nd year of school) before they ever inject a patient.
2. Dental school is just as competitive to get into as medical school! (Tufts accepted under 4% of their applicants to their dental class this year.)
1. If you’re like me, after dissecting a human body, you have NO desire whatsoever to eat anything that has blood or animal fat. The current dental school diet for me consists of: Plenty of bars, PB & jelly banana sandwiches, and take-out.
As for protein, please meet my newest friend (courtesy of Tofu Xpress):
This would be my new Tofu Xpress tofu press, containing SILKEN tofu! Yes, silken! I was shocked to find that not only did this contraption get all the liquid out of my soft, silky tofu block, it didn’t crush it to pieces! I was able to take out the whole block of tofu in one block. The only complaint is that it takes some womanly muscles to push that springy lid all the way down to lock under the plastic wings.
Alright guys…back to studying. Such is life. 
finally heard from you! I missed you!!!
Dental school is hard like med school like grad school. But the accomplishment will be big too, so enjoy!!!
wow, so cool! I never knew you went to dental school. Maybe I passed reading it? awesome. During high school, that was what I wanted to be, an ortho mainly. Then I had a change of heart, but then coincedently at work today, I thought about the possibility of going to dental school.
Wow, I never knew it was so competitive to be a specialist. Top 5%, gulp! (at least I know I have a good specialist in my hand?)
and your number 1: Why did it change the way you eat? did you see clogged arteries?
Even though I’ve dissected various animals throughout my university career, I don’t know that I could ever do any dissecting on a cadaver. It just creeps me out. But good on you for being able to do it and pursue your dream
I loved reading this because I’m a few weeks into physical therapy school! I completely agree with the learning way more than you ever have but having so much fun learning it. I can’t believe how much time you guys spend in cadaver lab, we’re only there 6 hours a week (plus 3 hours/week of lecture). I’m so glad I don’t have to spend any more time than that in there because it’s exhausting and although interesting, not super pleasant! Surprisingly, I’ve had no problem eating meat after being in there – while I’m in there I say “no way I’ll eat meat for a while”, but once the chemical smell is gone and I smell good food, it doesn’t bother me. Anyway, good luck with everything, I know it’s not easy!
Ugh, it sounds like a lot of work, but I’m sure it will pay off in spades eventually!
Also, can you clear this up for me? When did you move and go to dental school? You’re not in CHI anymore, right?
Hang in there! I hear from people daily regarding basic dental issues and try to help refer them to free or affordable dental care. Unfortunately, most cannot afford routine care and this leads to more issues. One day, you will be in a position to help these people which is a great gift. I thank you and the people in need will thank you!:)
Good luck in dental school. Thanks for the info!
When did you start dental school? I guess I missed a post about it…Hmm…
Does that mean you’re vegetarian by any chance??
And I’m mad that you have a tofu xpress too; everyone has one!!! Did you buy it? How much was it?
dental school sounds like a doosie girl! glad you’re enjoying it though..kind of? haha
loveee my tofuxpress!!
MICHELLE!! i missed you! i’m also back to blogging! keep up to date! i’d love to hear more about your life
That is awesome!!!! I used to use a cheese cloth to try to get the water out of the tofu and they have a handy dandy little machine that does it?!? Awesome!!!
Wow–school sounds really interesting! The dental field was always intriguing to me! Keep us posted
Hang in there, I’m sure you’re doing superbe.
My mum’s actually a dental hygienist and I haven’t been that much of a fan of dental.. whatever since I was a child. But at least I’m not scared of the dentist and floss daily.
Wow – this gives me a whole new appreciation for dentists!
Best of wishes in dental school!
Wow.. I didn’t know that. Thankls for sharing this with us.
Faith
Wow Michelle – I am just catching up with you – dental school?? How cool is that?! Glad you are enjoying it so far – and Boston too!
Meeshy!!
Dental school sounds so scary!! You got to dissect a human body????? @____@ no wonder you’re eating all vegetarian food now! :X
Missing you tons here in HK!!!
Hope Boston’s treating you well!! Stay warm!!!!
Loads of love,
Clarice
Just found this blog… Which dental school do you go to?
OMG! I just stopped by after a long break and now you’re in dental school?! High five mama!