We are officially back in the swing of second year. After recovering from studying for the NBDE: Part I, we got a 100% first-time pass rate on the test, setting a school record! All 42 students are back in the classroom beginning to prepare for the second part in a couple of years. So far, second year is a night and day difference from first year. We are spending a lot more time working in the simulation clinic, working on our hand skills. We've finished a few classes in our first couple of months, including radiography and periodontics II. In our periodontics class we practiced perio probing on our classmates, and I have a new appreciation for the light feathered touch. I think it's really good and important that we learn things on each other because then we know what a good job feels like. Although, I'm not really looking forward to learning anesthesia on each other. That isn't until the spring, thank goodness. We have also taken quite a few radiographs, not on each other though. We use a mannequin named dexter who doesn't mind all the radiation. We start endodontics next week, which requires a lot of radiographs to ensure proper treatment. We've been doing a lot of single unit fixed prosthodontics lately, which is crowns of all sorts. They take a lot more time than fillings, but the completed project gives a big sense of accomplishment.
I feel like I've finally caught up on sleep after losing a lot of it last school year. I also have much more free time and time for relaxation so far. I'm able to workout almost every day and get to spend time with the kids I babysit quite often. The stress load is about half of what it was last year, although we are still in class everyday and have tests, it's not as heavy of test load as last year. I think it makes a big difference when you get to work with your hands everyday instead of sitting in lecture, getting talked at all day everyday. Working on my mannequin is physically tiring, and somedays I come home and cannot bring myself to move because I'm so exhausted. It's a good tired, though.
In a couple of weeks we will start our online certification in public health. Each class is 10 weeks and we will take one class at a time online during our other regular classes. We have the opportunity to get our masters in public health during our schooling and I think I'm going to take advantage of the opportunity. I think I am going to work in a community dental clinic for the first few years after graduation, and getting my master's should help me get the knowledge I need to understand how to best treat the patients I will treat there.
I'm starting to get really excited about getting to move in the spring and get out of the same town I've lived in for almost 5 years. I'm ready for a change and for more things to do around town. I've started to look at apartments, and while it may be more expensive and busy, I'm ready for the change of surrounding. There are a lot of decisions that have to be made between now and May, but life is good and I'm happy to be where I am. Life as a D2 is pretty nice, and while the work load is still greater than most, it is better than the last year I survived. We have a break in a week, and I'm ready for it. Thanks for checking in on me, I can't wait to keep on learning how to be the best dentist I can be!
Friday, September 11, 2015
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
NBDE: Part I Results
I completed my board exam on June 13th, taking 6 hours, I felt okay about it leaving. I knew there was a lot I didn't know, but felt confident that I knew some things. I left feeling not horrible, which I thought was a good sign. I have waited ever so patiently these past couple of weeks to get my results. I kept psyching myself out thinking I didn't pass and what was I going to do if I had to go through studying all that all over again. Then I would think, oh I passed, and it's going to be glorious when I have that weight off my shoulders! But everyone kept asking me how I did and I honestly answered with I don't know.
Today, a lot of my classmates were telling me they got their results and that I should be expecting mine. I worked all day, so I didn't have a chance to check my mail until late. When I got home I opened my mailbox and on top of everything was the envelope with bold black letters saying "National Board Score Report Enclosed". I felt like I was going to puke and pass out at the same time. I slowly opened it and unfolded the single piece of paper inside. When I saw the word "pass" I nearly cried tears of relief. I said "thank you, Lord" because He had a huge part in that four-letter word. I am so relieved and excited that all my hard work and determination paid off so I can enjoy my second year of school. My dad texted me and said, "so you're a doctor now and now you have to learn to be a dentist". While I am no where near a doctor, I kind of feel like this year was more medical school than dental school. Now, I get to spend most of the time in the simulation clinic, instead of the classroom. I can have a life, workout, and spend time with my friends again! I am so incredibly blessed to be entering my second year of dental school at the age of 22, fighting the good fight. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me, encouraging me, and pushing me this past year and especially these past few months of board studying. I couldn't have done it without you, and am truly blessed by all the friends and family I have in my life. I am honored by the love you all show me and am humbled by the support I am constantly given.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; Bless His name! -Psalm 100:4
Today, a lot of my classmates were telling me they got their results and that I should be expecting mine. I worked all day, so I didn't have a chance to check my mail until late. When I got home I opened my mailbox and on top of everything was the envelope with bold black letters saying "National Board Score Report Enclosed". I felt like I was going to puke and pass out at the same time. I slowly opened it and unfolded the single piece of paper inside. When I saw the word "pass" I nearly cried tears of relief. I said "thank you, Lord" because He had a huge part in that four-letter word. I am so relieved and excited that all my hard work and determination paid off so I can enjoy my second year of school. My dad texted me and said, "so you're a doctor now and now you have to learn to be a dentist". While I am no where near a doctor, I kind of feel like this year was more medical school than dental school. Now, I get to spend most of the time in the simulation clinic, instead of the classroom. I can have a life, workout, and spend time with my friends again! I am so incredibly blessed to be entering my second year of dental school at the age of 22, fighting the good fight. Thank you to everyone who has been praying for me, encouraging me, and pushing me this past year and especially these past few months of board studying. I couldn't have done it without you, and am truly blessed by all the friends and family I have in my life. I am honored by the love you all show me and am humbled by the support I am constantly given.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; Bless His name! -Psalm 100:4
Saturday, May 30, 2015
First Year Finale
The number of days between me and my board are getting smaller. The pressure is on and I'm really starting to feel the time crunch & stress. The amount of information I am jamming into my brain on a daily basis is unreal. Somedays I feel like I'm not getting anywhere with studying and retaining the information, while others I feel really successful. I am using every resource I can find to try to get just a few more questions right each day. I've taken a few practice exams and seem to be on the right track, but it is really nerve racking. One test will have a bunch of questions I know and the next will be stuff I haven't touched on in months. It really is the luck of the draw with the questions on the actual test. With only two weeks standing between me and the national board, I am both nervous and excited to get it over with. I have been studying for three consecutive months for this test, and studying day in and day out can really wear down your motivation.
I will finish my first year of dental school on Wednesday! I cannot believe the time has passed. I remember looking at our schedule last July, thinking "how am I going to survive this?" Well as far as I can tell, I'm not dead yet! I am in complete and utter disbelief that I made it through, and without failing a class is a true miracle. There were a few courses that really challenged me, my faith, and determination, but God pulled me through. I feel like dental school has kind of been like my salvation. I didn't know anything of what dental school entailed starting out, like learning about Jesus for the first time. Then I started to get in the groove and had a good grasp of what I needed to do to understand the information and be successful in each class. This was like learning about the sacrifice Jesus gave and my acceptance of Him. Now I stand at the end of first year, looking back at all I had to overcome to be standing here, in clinic, about to take my board, and feeling an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and humbled by the opportunity I was given to begin my career in dentistry. Just like now that I have been forgiven of my sins, and am a child of God, I feel a sense of love, peace, and joy in my life that I cannot explain.
I honestly am so excited to continue my dental education in my second year, that starts in just a little over a month. I am so in love with my school, and the awesome education I am receiving. Even though all of my friends have been out of school for almost a month by now, I can't complain too much. I am so looking forward to enjoying some time at home that I've been deprived of this year. I have a few weeks between my test and school starting back up, and honestly plan on having no plans. My mind is fried and I think the most beneficial thing for me is to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
If you have even one minute of free time, would you please pray for me? I know that I serve an awesome, powerful, and loving God, and trust that He will give me the strength to endure these next couple of weeks. If you could pray for my brain, knowledge, peace, success, and a stress-free two weeks, I would be ever so grateful. My board date is June 13th, at 8:30 am (a time for extra prayers!). I truly 100% believe in the power of prayer, and would be honored if you would hold me up in even just one thought. Thank you to everyone who is continually encouraging me, showering me with love, and helping motivate me. You are a true blessing in my life and I thank God for people like you. Also, thanks to everyone who has listened to me complain about anything in the past year. I've been so stressed, it is crazy and I know it can get annoying to hear someone be so negative at times. So, forgive me, and thank you. I seriously would not have made it through this year without the support, love, and encourage from you.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." -Philippians 4:6
I will finish my first year of dental school on Wednesday! I cannot believe the time has passed. I remember looking at our schedule last July, thinking "how am I going to survive this?" Well as far as I can tell, I'm not dead yet! I am in complete and utter disbelief that I made it through, and without failing a class is a true miracle. There were a few courses that really challenged me, my faith, and determination, but God pulled me through. I feel like dental school has kind of been like my salvation. I didn't know anything of what dental school entailed starting out, like learning about Jesus for the first time. Then I started to get in the groove and had a good grasp of what I needed to do to understand the information and be successful in each class. This was like learning about the sacrifice Jesus gave and my acceptance of Him. Now I stand at the end of first year, looking back at all I had to overcome to be standing here, in clinic, about to take my board, and feeling an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and humbled by the opportunity I was given to begin my career in dentistry. Just like now that I have been forgiven of my sins, and am a child of God, I feel a sense of love, peace, and joy in my life that I cannot explain.
I honestly am so excited to continue my dental education in my second year, that starts in just a little over a month. I am so in love with my school, and the awesome education I am receiving. Even though all of my friends have been out of school for almost a month by now, I can't complain too much. I am so looking forward to enjoying some time at home that I've been deprived of this year. I have a few weeks between my test and school starting back up, and honestly plan on having no plans. My mind is fried and I think the most beneficial thing for me is to enjoy some rest and relaxation.
If you have even one minute of free time, would you please pray for me? I know that I serve an awesome, powerful, and loving God, and trust that He will give me the strength to endure these next couple of weeks. If you could pray for my brain, knowledge, peace, success, and a stress-free two weeks, I would be ever so grateful. My board date is June 13th, at 8:30 am (a time for extra prayers!). I truly 100% believe in the power of prayer, and would be honored if you would hold me up in even just one thought. Thank you to everyone who is continually encouraging me, showering me with love, and helping motivate me. You are a true blessing in my life and I thank God for people like you. Also, thanks to everyone who has listened to me complain about anything in the past year. I've been so stressed, it is crazy and I know it can get annoying to hear someone be so negative at times. So, forgive me, and thank you. I seriously would not have made it through this year without the support, love, and encourage from you.
"Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God." -Philippians 4:6
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
NBDE: Part I Prep
I went on an amazing trip to the Middle East in March, to Israel & Jordan. While I was away school was the last thing on my mind, but as soon as I got back home, school was right back to crazy. I began studying for my National Dental Board Exam when I returned home, while school calmed down a bit. My scheduled board date is June 13th, so studying is taking every ounce of free time I see.
For those of you out of the dental loop, the NBDE is a standardized test required by all dental students in the U.S. It is an 4 section test with 100 questions in each of the following areas:
There is a lot of information that is covered in these topics, and studying is an absolute must. There are two parts, the second part I will be taking after my third year of dental school. You must pass both parts of the NBDE to sit for the clinical test and licensure exam. That being said, we have had review courses built into our class schedule, as well as readiness exams in each of the topics. There are so many study aids available, that it is hard to choose just one. I've been using a book called First Aid for the NBDE, NBDE Mastery App, and Dental Decks. The book is a 675 page review of everything you need to know. Yeah, almost 700 pages, no big deal. The App and Dental Decks are just a ton of practice questions with explanations. I think the main key is practice questions, because they are rotated and reused throughout the years. This test used to be graded, but is now just pass/fail. Passing requirements are a 70%. Sorry to bore you with all that.
We have been doing a lot of work in the Simulation Clinic, where we each have a "Dummy" that has a magnetic set of teeth that snap into it's mouth. Each bench provides all the necessities that we need to perform procedures. It is so nice to be able to work in a clinic that is brand new. All my instruments and tools are in pristine condition and it feels glorious!
We have learned how to:
I get out of school on June 3rd, take my board June 13th, and go back to school July 13th. All I humbly ask for is your prayers. Dental school is one stressful place, and add studying for a huge test into the middle of it and you're bound to have a mental breakdown. Pray that I will be able to focus, understand, and retain all the information I'm studying. Pray that I will be calm, collected, and confident while taking my test. Also, pray that I will PASS the test, since that is ultimately the goal. Lastly, pray that the three weeks I have off school would be refreshing, rejuvenating, and restful. I honestly cannot believe how fast this year has went. I can't believe I'm studying for my board and only about a month away from taking it. Lastly, I cannot believe how incredibly blessed I am to be sitting in the seat I am. To God be the glory, forever.
For those of you out of the dental loop, the NBDE is a standardized test required by all dental students in the U.S. It is an 4 section test with 100 questions in each of the following areas:
- Microbiology/Pathology
- Biochemistry/Physiology
- General Anatomy
- Dental Anatomy/Occlusion
There is a lot of information that is covered in these topics, and studying is an absolute must. There are two parts, the second part I will be taking after my third year of dental school. You must pass both parts of the NBDE to sit for the clinical test and licensure exam. That being said, we have had review courses built into our class schedule, as well as readiness exams in each of the topics. There are so many study aids available, that it is hard to choose just one. I've been using a book called First Aid for the NBDE, NBDE Mastery App, and Dental Decks. The book is a 675 page review of everything you need to know. Yeah, almost 700 pages, no big deal. The App and Dental Decks are just a ton of practice questions with explanations. I think the main key is practice questions, because they are rotated and reused throughout the years. This test used to be graded, but is now just pass/fail. Passing requirements are a 70%. Sorry to bore you with all that.
 |
| Oscar- my patient |
We have been doing a lot of work in the Simulation Clinic, where we each have a "Dummy" that has a magnetic set of teeth that snap into it's mouth. Each bench provides all the necessities that we need to perform procedures. It is so nice to be able to work in a clinic that is brand new. All my instruments and tools are in pristine condition and it feels glorious!
We have learned how to:
- place a rubber dam
- place a matrix band and wedge
- place a sectional matrix system
- drill all different cavity preparation
- place all different types of amalgam fillings
- place all different types of composite fillings
- place glass ionomer fillings
- "fix" a pulp exposure
I enjoy spending time in the lab and improving my hand skills and abilities, clinic is much better than sitting in lecture for eight hours a day. I can already see improvements in my drilling and precision.
I get out of school on June 3rd, take my board June 13th, and go back to school July 13th. All I humbly ask for is your prayers. Dental school is one stressful place, and add studying for a huge test into the middle of it and you're bound to have a mental breakdown. Pray that I will be able to focus, understand, and retain all the information I'm studying. Pray that I will be calm, collected, and confident while taking my test. Also, pray that I will PASS the test, since that is ultimately the goal. Lastly, pray that the three weeks I have off school would be refreshing, rejuvenating, and restful. I honestly cannot believe how fast this year has went. I can't believe I'm studying for my board and only about a month away from taking it. Lastly, I cannot believe how incredibly blessed I am to be sitting in the seat I am. To God be the glory, forever.
 |
| "Fixing" pulp exposure |
 |
| Amalgam Class I |
 |
| Amalgam Class II |
 |
| Class II Amalgam Prep |
 |
| Class II Amalgam Prep |
 |
| Composite Class V |
 |
| Amalgam Class II |
 |
| Amalgam Class I |
 |
| Amalgam Class V |
 |
| Composite Class II |
Sunday, February 15, 2015
Starting to Feel Like a Dentist
I can't believe I'm saying this, but we are finally done with all of our biomedical science classes! After six months of almost nothing regarding dentistry, we are now onto our dental classes! We started dental anatomy this week, and we are already half way done with it. I knew we would have to know details of teeth, but not the depth we are required. We have to know every nook and cranny of every tooth. This makes sense, since we will be re-creating teeth for the rest of our lives and we need to be able to tell the difference between each tooth. Dental anatomy is also a huge part of the first part of our national board exam that we will take this summer, so it is really important that we know it very well.
I am so impressed by how fast dental school has gone by. The days and weeks are really long and drawn out, but the months fly! It seems like yesterday that I was walking across the stage receiving my white coat with all my new classmates that I didn't know in the least. Now I'm through the worst part of dental school and our class is more like a little 42 member family. I didn't know everyone's names or where they were from or anything about them, but sitting in the same classroom with them for eight hours a day will change that.
I'm finally feeling like a human again. I have a little bit more free time and studying isn't as bad now, because the topics and subjects actually interest me. I've been going to school for a very long time in order to be sitting here finally learning about dentistry, and it is refreshing. We still take one class at a time, have tests almost everyday, and go through everything very fast, but it is different when you know you have to know everything you are learning for your career.
The other day I was reflecting and thinking about all the things that occurred in order for me to be sitting in dental school right now. I really can't believe that God didn't have a huge part in lining everything up, laying the stepping stones to lead me here. He has a greater purpose for my life than I do. He knew I was meant to be a dentist before I knew that's what I wanted to do. I am his masterpiece and want to continue to honor Him in everything I do, say, and give my time to. I believe that my obedience to Him has a huge role in my daily life and future. The best things I've learned thus far is that I am unique in the fact that I care more about people, relationships, and remaining sane, than getting straight A's. I compete with myself and know when I need to push myself. I am still very involved with K-Life, where I get to mentor high schoolers, and in my church. I also workout with one of my friends most days of the week. These things are very important to me, and I would never want to drop everything I care about to be number one in the class. Call me crazy, but grades won't matter in 5 years, people will.
I am looking forward to these next few months of my D1 year. They will be full of hands-on dentistry, National Board Dental Exam: Part 1 studying, and learning new dental information that I'm so intrigued to understand.
Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. -Proverbs 16:3
I am so impressed by how fast dental school has gone by. The days and weeks are really long and drawn out, but the months fly! It seems like yesterday that I was walking across the stage receiving my white coat with all my new classmates that I didn't know in the least. Now I'm through the worst part of dental school and our class is more like a little 42 member family. I didn't know everyone's names or where they were from or anything about them, but sitting in the same classroom with them for eight hours a day will change that.
I'm finally feeling like a human again. I have a little bit more free time and studying isn't as bad now, because the topics and subjects actually interest me. I've been going to school for a very long time in order to be sitting here finally learning about dentistry, and it is refreshing. We still take one class at a time, have tests almost everyday, and go through everything very fast, but it is different when you know you have to know everything you are learning for your career.
The other day I was reflecting and thinking about all the things that occurred in order for me to be sitting in dental school right now. I really can't believe that God didn't have a huge part in lining everything up, laying the stepping stones to lead me here. He has a greater purpose for my life than I do. He knew I was meant to be a dentist before I knew that's what I wanted to do. I am his masterpiece and want to continue to honor Him in everything I do, say, and give my time to. I believe that my obedience to Him has a huge role in my daily life and future. The best things I've learned thus far is that I am unique in the fact that I care more about people, relationships, and remaining sane, than getting straight A's. I compete with myself and know when I need to push myself. I am still very involved with K-Life, where I get to mentor high schoolers, and in my church. I also workout with one of my friends most days of the week. These things are very important to me, and I would never want to drop everything I care about to be number one in the class. Call me crazy, but grades won't matter in 5 years, people will.
I am looking forward to these next few months of my D1 year. They will be full of hands-on dentistry, National Board Dental Exam: Part 1 studying, and learning new dental information that I'm so intrigued to understand.
Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. -Proverbs 16:3
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