The Journey to Becoming a Dentist
Challenges, Rewards, and Realities
Why Dentistry? My Early Inspiration
My journey began in high school when I observed the orthodontist that put me through braces and I spent a summer helping out in their office during my junior year. A personal experience—breaking my jaw and having my mouth wired shut—introduced me to oral surgery. This combination of observation and personal challenge solidified my desire to pursue dentistry, with a specific interest in oral surgery.
From High School to University: Building the Foundation
Although I was a good student, I didn’t take many advanced courses in high school. I attended a small Catholic university, majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. I took summer and winter courses every year and graduated in three and a half years. My DAT scores were average, and after applying to numerous dental schools, I found myself waitlisted and eventually not accepted. Determined, I retook the DAT and pursued a master’s program, which led to my eventual acceptance at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine.
Overcoming Obstacles: The Road to Dental School
The path to dental school was not straightforward. After being denied entry to dental schools and master’s programs, an unexpected opening allowed me to join a rigorous master’s program in Boston. This experience taught me resilience and prepared me for the challenges of dental school. The road was demanding, but perseverance paid off.
Life in Dental School: A Day in the Life
Diving into dental school felt like “drinking from a fire hose.” The days were filled with drilling on plastic teeth, mastering biology and chemistry, and enduring block exams. My ambition to become an oral surgeon drove me to work tirelessly. Despite not making the top 5% of my class, I graduated in the top third, a testament to hard work and dedication. Today, I perform oral surgery as a general dentist. While in dental school, I was our class representative on the curriculum committee. This position allowed me to sit next to some of Tufts Dental's most esteemed faculty and staff. This experience left a lasting mark on me that drives me to improve what dentistry currently has to offer.
The Realities of Dentistry: Debt, Work, and Rewards
Debt is a significant consideration for anyone pursuing dentistry. Federal loans accrue interest throughout dental school, and graduates often face challenges finding well-paying positions. Dentistry is grueling, physically demanding, and occasionally frustrating. However, the reward of improving patients’ lives—whether by alleviating pain or stabilizing oral health—makes it worthwhile.
Giving Back: My Vision for Dental Education
I’ve found a passion for giving back through initiatives that improve access to dental education and care:
- Opinion Two – Online dental second opinions with proceeds donated to dental students in need. Contact me if you’re a dental student.
- Cerec Tips – Helping patients find the right care through resources like Find a CEREC Dentist and helping dentists learn new things on Cerec.
- CE Platform for Dentists – Providing an easy platform for continuing education through CE.edu.dental.
The next steps in these projects is spreading the word. These projects can be time consuming. If you're a dental professional who wants to help in any way, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Conclusión
The journey to becoming a dentist is as rewarding as it is challenging. It requires dedication, resilience, and a genuine passion for improving others' lives. Whether you are just beginning to consider dentistry or are deep into your studies, know that the hard work pays off in countless ways. If you’re looking for support or resources, reach out or explore the platforms designed to make your journey a little smoother.
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