Advice Every Potential Dentist Should Hear

Hopeful dental students, congratulations on embarking on a rewarding and fulfilling career path. The road to success in the dental industry is exciting. While the rewards of helping patients achieve healthy and beautiful smiles can be a fulfilling career, it does require years of education, dedication, and hard work. In this article, a plethora of valuable advice will be shared with prospective dental students that they should consider before entering into this rigorous educational journey.

From practical tips to mindset shifts, we cover everything future students need to know to become a top-notch dental professional. While every student is different, this universal advice can be applied to almost all seeking a dental career.

During  predoctoral studies, there should be an emphasis placed on shadowing an experienced dental professional, getting involved in research projects, and networking with current dentists. Additionally, students must develop strong communication and personal skills, such as clear, concise speech and a caring chairside manner. Finally, it’s important to understand that not every patient will have the same goals or needs in seeking care.

Here, we will break down the essential advice every soon-to-be dentist should hear.

Shadowing an Experienced Dentist Provides Invaluable Insight

When possible, students should shadow a practicing dentist to gain a better understanding of the day-to-day demands of the profession.

During this experience, future dental students may observe a variety of procedures, from routine cleanings and fillings to more complex surgical interventions. Obtaining the insight of someone who works firsthand in this domain can prove extremely revealing to a student.

Additionally, their years of experience may make identifying potential oral health issues on real-world x-rays and oral examinations helpful to future dental students with their own diagnostics. Use this opportunity to expand and grow.

While shadowing, be sure to ask questions. Ask about the dentist’s numbering system for charting, the materials or products they’re using and why, or even more technical questions, such as how they’re able to spot caries in radiographs, insights into their chosen technology equipment, etc. Being as personable, and interested in the office as possible, may even insight a future position at the location!

Interpersonal skills are also a critical component of the dental profession, and students may learn how to interact effectively with patients of all ages and backgrounds. They may observe how dentists communicate complex medical information in a clear and compassionate manner, and how they manage patient expectations and concerns.

Get Involved in Research Projects

Another important aspect of preparation for dental school is getting involved in research projects. By gaining experience in research labs or assisting faculty members with their projects, students can sharpen and hone the skills and relationships that will serve them well throughout their careers.

Research in dentistry encompasses a vast, sprawling range of topics, from basic science investigations into the biology of the oral cavity to clinical studies examining the effectiveness of various treatments and interventions. By participating in these projects, students can gain experience in data collection and analysis, literature review and interpretation, and critical thinking and problem-solving.

In addition to enhancing resumes and applications, participating in research can also help students develop important professional relationships and network with experts in the field. Such educational projects can also provide opportunities for publication or presentation at scientific conferences, further bolstering students’ credentials and demonstrating their commitment to advancing the field of dentistry.

There are a variety of resources available to help students find and participate in dental research projects. Many dental schools and academic institutions have research programs that offer opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students to participate in ongoing studies. The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) also provides funding and resources for dental research projects through its extensive grant programs.

Network and Make Connections

Building ironclad relationships with professors is critical for students pursuing a career in dentistry. Professors can serve as mentors, providing guidance and support as students navigate their academic and professional paths – and they make valuable references for undergrads looking to break into doctoral programs.

Even postgraduate students may find their professors turn out to be amazing references for landing positions within a practice.

In classes during dental school, D1s, or first year dental students, should seek to network with their upperclassmen as soon as possible. D3s and D4s aren’t just helpful as mentors, but they can also lay out the foundations of future networking opportunities. If  a dental student is participating in research projects, it’s advised that students connect on sites like LinkedIn or other social platforms to keep the contact information of people who may be integral to their professional growth later on.

In addition, as a predental or dental student, volunteering in the community, particularly with underserved populations, can help build a sense of social responsibility that is integral to the profession.

Develop Professionally and Personally

While it’s crucial that a future dentist be fully versed in everything from flossing to occlusal equilibration, students looking to operate their own practices need to develop interpersonal and professional skills just as much as they must master their studies.

Personal development involves cultivating self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset. This way, students develop the self-confidence and resilience necessary to navigate the challenges of dental school and a career in dentistry. It’s essential that students learn how to interact with people of different temperaments, and how to hold a decent conversation.

Seek out mentorship from experienced dental professionals in order to grow professionally. These mentors can offer guidance and support, as well as impactful, constructive feedback — which can be instrumental in helping students improve their skills and develop a greater sense of self. They can also serve as role models, demonstrating the qualities and values that are essential to success in dentistry.

Meet Your Patients on Their Level

It is important to recognize that not everyone seeks a dentist for the same reason. Some individuals may be content with wearing removable partial dentures as opposed to getting implants for their missing teeth, or not replacing missing teeth at all – others may not want to not pursue orthodontic treatments to realign the teeth. As oral healthcare professionals, it is crucial to avoid pressuring patients into pursuing treatments they do not want or assuming what their goals are for them, as this can create a sense of resistance and hinder progress toward beneficial oral health.

A much more effective approach is to focus on promoting the benefits of curating healthy teeth and gums. Dental professionals must allow patients to take ownership of their oral health journey by placing a heavy emphasis on the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene, preventing dental disease, and addressing any existing issues. This way, patients can be empowered to make informed decisions about their dental care.

It is also important to encourage clear, open communication with patients – allow them to express their concerns, preferences, and objectives on their own. Provide guidance only when needed or requested by the patient.

By taking the time to listen to an individual patient’s needs and desires, dentists can tailor their recommendations and treatment plans to meet every patient’s unique needs and goals. This can help build trust and rapport, and that’s essential for long-term success in business.

Ultimately, the key is to make oral health attractive and appealing to patients. By focusing on the positive benefits allowing patients to take ownership of their care, dentists can help patients achieve optimal outcomes while fostering a positive and supportive patient-provider relationship.

Develop Leadership Skills

Leadership skills are also essential for success, as dentists often play a leadership role in managing their practices and collaborating with other healthcare professionals. Developing leadership skills can involve cultivating effective communication, decision-making, and problem-solving skills, as well as learning to delegate tasks and manage teams.

One way to develop these skills is to participate in extracurricular activities or student organizations that promote teamwork and collaboration. These experiences can provide opportunities for students to practice effective communication and decision-making, as well as to develop skills in conflict resolution and consensus-building.

This area of development can also be aided by reaching out and getting involved in the community. This is often achieved through volunteer work. By engaging in community service, students will develop empathy and compassion, as well as learn to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

These experiences can also help students develop a sense of social responsibility and a commitment to giving back to those less fortunate.

Make a Mindset Shift

Dental school is a rewarding experience, but it requires a certain mindset to prosper. Every aspiring dental student should consider the following mindset shifts for educational and industry success.

Embracing a growth mindset means that an individual’s intelligence and skills can be developed through dedication and hard work. In doing so, students will approach all challenges as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Dental students should also focus on the complete aspect of learning, not just maintain a high GPA. Embracing the experience with keen focus will make dental school more enjoyable in the long run.

Learn to manage feedback from professors and clinicians in practice. Constructive criticism is essential for advancement, improving skills, and increasing knowledge.

Next, be resilient.

Occasionally, the rigors of dental school can be overwhelming, and it’s important to develop good coping mechanisms to handle abrupt changes or challenges that may arise. This is also the mindset needed if interested in pursuing an entrepreneurship post-dental school.

Students who adopt these changes will maximize their learning potential which will adequately prepare them for a successful career in dentistry.

Last Remarks

Every student, dentist, and patient are different. We all have different needs, wants, and desires for achieving optimal oral health. What works for some may not work for others. However, every prospective dental professional has plenty of room to learn how to manage an individual’s oral healthcare goals as they continue closer to their career. With this advice, prospective dental students are paving the way toward a successful dental career.