Entering official clinical practice and starting to care for patients presents a whole new set of challenges. The level of stress can be overwhelming for students, faculty and patients alike.
Using biophilia to manage patient anxiety
Whether it be for a routine cleaning or a surgical extraction, many patients face fear and anxiety when visiting the dentist. According to a December 2013 Australian Dental Journal study, it has been estimated that one in seven people exhibit a high level of dental fear.
Addressing anxiety about hand skills
Puppies are funny and cute. They are excited and curious, always ready to take on a challenge. When I think of the dental school experience, I think of dental students as puppies — excited to hold a handpiece and mirror for the first time, meeting patients and performing our first procedures.
Poetry in motion
Anacristina Chapa is more than just a dental student. She is also a poet — and a well-recognized one at that. She was named the 2016 Poetry Slam Champ of Laredo BorderSlam and has competed in various regional competitions. Last year, she was a member of Houston’s Write About Now poetry team and competed in the National Poetry Slam competition in Denver. She has received media attention for her work illustrating modern life, especially for college-age students and Latinos.
Psychedelic drugs and psychiatric disorders
In February of this year, a CBS News article touted an exciting new potential treatment for mental illness: psychedelic drugs. More surprising, however, is how little we know about the treatment potential, despite the concept of psychedelic substance-turned-pharmacotherapy in the world of psychiatry since the 1950s.
When life throws you a clot: my experience with pulmonary emboli
I will always remember learning how to cut a crown preparation for the first time. As I sat in class and looked down at my hands, I wondered if they would ever be skilled and steady enough to refine a margin or achieve the perfect taper. I felt intimidated, but the crushing weight and pressure on my chest did not feel like normal school stress or anxiety. At that exact moment, life was literally throwing me a curve ball (or as I later found out, three).
In our lab session following class, I found myself struggling to catch my breath and felt extreme discomfort in my chest and arms. With the help of faculty members and classmates, I was taken to the emergency room, where I waited for hours with many unanswered questions. My diagnosis finally came: three pulmonary emboli. While it felt reassuring to know exactly what I was facing, I had no idea what a long struggle the recovery would be.
DAT study tips and a free webinar
Is the DAT stressing you out? You’re not alone. Preparing for the DAT is probably the most intimidating part of the dental school application process. But don’t get lost in counting cubes or memorizing reactions! Below are tips on how to succeed at the DAT and stay calm at the same time.
Read on for DAT study tips…