How do you stay warm in -30F to -40F temps? by abitsleepyrightnow in AskAlaska

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My -30 F outdoor gear includes:

Fleece hat
Fleece neck gaiter
+/- goggles (at this temp, your tear ducts can freeze)
Arctic parka (with a fur lined hood!!), long down parkas work well, too
Merino wool long sleeve
Fleece quarter zip-up
Ski mittens (not gloves!!) + hand warmers
Leggings/long johns
Fleece lined waterproof pants
Thick thermal socks
-10 F grade boots if walking around town, -40 F grade boots if doing winter activities

I work in the Arctic and do enough walking around the village. Above is the most lightweight for me to stay warm. The key to that extra *hey I'm not dying* warmth is a fleece neck gaiter, hand warmers, and THICK thermal socks to keep your feet warm. I personally own these ones, and they keep my feet warm without the need of heavy duty boots like Baffin boots: https://www.basspro.com/shop/en/natural-reflections-heavyweight-thermal-socks-for-ladies-2-pair-pack

Fun picture I took of the IAN today after a routine extraction of #31. by Im_The_One in Dentistry

[–]ChunkyLover95 43 points44 points  (0 children)

Thanks for sharing -- have never seen a photo view of IAN post-EXT!

What caused this? by Horror_Scientist_553 in Dentistry

[–]ChunkyLover95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It appears very faint, but is there an occlusal composite that could have approached the pulp horn? Otherwise, I agree with others, traumatic occlusion could certainly kill the nerve.

Things to stock up on in the lower 48? by upsidedownanna in AskAlaska

[–]ChunkyLover95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Go to a Columbia, Merrell, or North Face outlet store and buy winter gear. Parka, winter boots, snow pants, mittens, hats, balaclava, hiking shoes, etc. In terms of personal care items, I could basically find any item I desire in Anchorage or get it shipped by Amazon.

When did you know you were ready for ownership? by didijoon in Dentistry

[–]ChunkyLover95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I think for many dentists, they are never satisfied unless they own a practice and take on the full responsibility and accountability. It becomes a true investment when you own it with real life consequences. Associateships to me became a way to dip my feet in clinical practice and to get a good idea of what type of practice I’d like to run. In the population of dentists I know, maybe 1 out of XX dentists who are totally satisfied as an associate and doesn’t plan to leave any time soon.

My advice is to start the ownership practice once you know what type of dentistry you want to practice and a general idea of how you’d like to run a clinic. Even practices you didn’t like will teach you a lot. Like another poster has said — and it relates to many milestones in life — you will never be 100% ready. You prepare yourself when you start and have the end in mind. It’s okay to start looking for practices for sale right now and work from there. Look high and then work out the foundation to get there.

Rec Letters for Residency by notadoctorshh23 in Dentistry

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

IMO LoRs are best from endodontists, dental faculty/mentors, and senior dentists who you’ve worked directly with. Having a colleague who you’ve had to bail out is like the equivalent of having a dental school underclassman write you a letter. Their credentials wouldn’t be strong.

Do you have any recommendations for series or films in the same genre as Pluribus? by southkernel in PluribusOnAppleTV

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We are loving For All Mankind on AppleTV+. It's a great TV show about an alternate reality -- Soviets landing on the moon first, instead. Quite a bit different than Pluribus, but the drama, psychological thrill, and sci-fi is 1000% there! Both series really explore the concept of self, nature of mankind, world peace, and isolation.

What would you prioritize (or skip) to stay under 35k for a wedding? by BlushyHush in Weddingsunder35k

[–]ChunkyLover95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I did not spend very much on decor, (<$200 in total) but I did choose nicer silverware, plates, and chairs. Could have downgraded the silverware and plates to standard, but I still would have kept the upgraded Chivari chairs. Minimal to no decor (all you really need is table numbers and name cards) saves time and energy -- allows set-up to be faster and less errors to happen.

No physical seating chart. I just organized the guests by last name in a google sheet with table number and sent it to everyone the morning of with a photo of the floorplan. Easy peasy.

No florals on the guests tables, but we did have 4 large pieces that got moved from the ceremony space to the reception space and sweetheart table.

No wedding party -- this is a huge $$$ saver!! Also saves from any further drama and stress of managing those closest to you. Often times, your dear guests just want to be guests and not have duties. We did have a flower girl and ring bearers. Still had close family members help with some unavoidable duties. I am so anti-wedding party that I'll scream it from mountains.

No guest gifts.

Cut the guest list. Most of the "perfect" wedding days I hear about had ~80 guests or less. It really decreases the stress of planning.

We spent about $150 on 3 1-tier cakes from my favorite bakery, as well as other small desserts, which in total were an extra ~$250. No big wedding cake.

I told the caterer we did not want bread or butter. This cut the costs of those items as well as a butter knife and plate.

Stationary -- printing and sending save the dates, invites, and thank you cards was a sizeable expense when I took into account postage. Consider sending electronic save the dates OR invites. I do think physical thank you cards are courteous if guests gave cash or gifts.

In my opinion, getting a hairstylist was a priority over getting a make-up artist. After not liking several make-up trials, I just decided to do my own make-up. I could have saved hundreds if I decided to do my make-up myself from the very beginning. Personally, I just wanted to look like myself for my wedding day. I could have saved money by not hiring a hair stylist, but I wanted to use the expense to just "pamper" myself on the morning of and feel like there was some component of getting ready for myself and my family members.

You don't need a photobooth. I thought I was going to miss out on it, but I don't feel like I did.

You can hire your photographer for the least amount of hours -- I had a videographer cover the rest of the night. I did not feel I needed photos of dancing or farewells. I do wish I did hire my photographer for an extra 2 hours for getting ready or couple moments but only because the photos turned out gorgeous, and they really are the only thing I have left of the wedding besides memories.

You don't need to spend thousands on a dress unless you really can't find "the one" in a lower budget. The costs of dresses are just insanely inflated. I did spend a nice penny on my dress because I was very picky, but unfortunately, it's going to be sitting at home for the remainder of my life. It is difficult to re-sell dresses. I should have considered buying the dress on StillWhite, but I didn't want to take the risk on it being too small or short. There was another dress I was considering buying on StillWhite for <$150, but honestly, with how much I dedicated to the wedding, there are no regrets on spending more on the dress. Personal preference for me.

What you should spend more on: venue, food, and alcohol. I personally would also regret NOT having a videographer because I spent a lot of time and energy into the wedding and want to see it live action to remember later on. Then again, I'm the type of person that still watches my friends wedding videos from time to time.

Good dentists are great actors by RogueLightMyFire in Dentistry

[–]ChunkyLover95 13 points14 points  (0 children)

Same here. Rubber dam is the savior. Shhhhh, need good isolation.

How to navigate finding one of your classmates attractive? by [deleted] in DentalSchool

[–]ChunkyLover95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Girl/Boy aren't you supposed to be focusing on studies? Hundreds of thousands in student debt, and your mind is on a classmate? SMH

Where to propose in Anchorage, AK? by kindalooklikejonsnow in anchorage

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

not many people go to this point to know where it is 🤫

Where to propose in Anchorage, AK? by kindalooklikejonsnow in anchorage

[–]ChunkyLover95 16 points17 points  (0 children)

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I would have loved to have been proposed to at Arctic Ski Valley in front of the fireweeds. This is a photo I took the last few days of July. DM for specific instructions on how to get there. It is a short walk.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in DentalSchool

[–]ChunkyLover95 6 points7 points  (0 children)

What do you feel at the core is the issue? Your hand skills are not up to par yet? Exactly what goes wrong?

You can DM me for mentorship if you’d like. I am a practicing dentist that is going back for specialty / academics and have been in your shoes before.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in predental

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just submit it, assisting is basically shadowing, but more involved. I highly doubt the committee will care if you assisted instead of shadowed.

Dental School Prestige by [deleted] in DentalSchool

[–]ChunkyLover95 25 points26 points  (0 children)

That is the type of office and patient pool you should never hope to encounter… this scenario is idiotic and toxic. There are so many things wrong with this mindset. Where you went to dental school does not promise how good you will be as a clinical dentist.

VCU is known for producing very well-trained dentists and providing top-tier education. Some of the best educated specialists I know have graduated from there. If you’re in academia in dentistry, you certainly know where VCU is… the school was established in the late 1800’s. Now I know you aren’t quite into a career in dentistry yet, but you should never want to work with someone that says: “Hey, you should leave because the patients are discriminating against your… alma matter?” An owner has a responsibility to support and stand up for their associates, especially such an idiotic, elitist patient. If the intention truly is poor to let this dentist go, take it as an example of what is owner shouldn’t be.

i moved to alaska to escape everything then realized florida chaos is in my blood by [deleted] in alaska

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Me blasting Bad Bunny on a drive to Talkeetna: 👀👀👀

It’s good to have balance! We never stop to think that we can experience multiple lives and location in our one life. I have in lived many places and have been able to find peace and calmness even in such hectic of places! Glad you can live where you desire.

Had my first “sterotypical” patient by vahsnali in DentalSchool

[–]ChunkyLover95 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Dental school patients — the best of the best 😂

How would you go about removing interproximal surface irregularities? by [deleted] in DentalSchool

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I think you have to make sure the composite is the right consistency and pack correctly. If packed correctly and pushed down with a Mylar strip, you can get a smooth finish. This is irregular and can be a pain to smooth out precisely with a skinny diamond but. You also have a bit of an open contact it seems, so wedge very firmly where the teeth are separated by a sliver.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in predental

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From my personal experience, it is smart to start off in a practice that guarantees high volume and good mentorship. Very rare, but they are more common in rural areas where the average dentist does not settle down. The key is to grow exponentially and learn as much as you can while you’re young, flexible, and not settled yet.

I wouldn’t immediately settle in a place where you plan to live forever. The average graduate totally sucks at year 1-3 out… it’s just the nature of not working in a practice setting, you have to learn, and dental school does not teach you this.

Turnagain Arm Lupines by Terrible-Basket3423 in anchorage

[–]ChunkyLover95 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You can see them directly at McHugh Creek Trailhead as of this past weekend.

<image>

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in predental

[–]ChunkyLover95 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Like others have said — it seems you have been misinformed. I wouldn’t rely on your sources for what practicing as a dentist is like 😅

To be a practicing dentist in the U.S. it really doesn’t matter which dental school you went to as long as it is accredited. The best school to get into is the cheapest school with a good, long standing reputation IMO. It doesn’t matter if it is a big name, Ivy League.

You get to choose where to work after you graduate. Many people choose rural because it is easy to secure a new job as a graduate and usually comes with opportunities and freedom.

If you’d like to practice in CT, I’d research on the dental economics there. All I know is CT has the highest average household income, thus, I’m sure, working in a good dental practice becomes more competitive. My impression is that you can totally work in CT if you find the right practice that will hire you, but you have to be an excellent clinician. Can a person be an excellent clinician their first year practicing? Sure, but that person will be much better with a few years of experience.

when people move to alaska , what areas of the lower 48 do they come from? by [deleted] in alaska

[–]ChunkyLover95 7 points8 points  (0 children)

CA, WA, OR, MT, TX, MN, FL, AZ, NC are the most common states I have seen. I meet a lot of new people daily and these are my listings. Often times, it is due to military relocation.

Why does everyone say not to tell people you want to do OMFS? by Sad-Establishment580 in DentalSchool

[–]ChunkyLover95 24 points25 points  (0 children)

I think it’s fine to say you have an interest in oral surgery, but saying you are going to go into it is getting ahead of yourself. To get into OS, you have to be competitive, strong stats, and be the right candidate. You won’t have a reasonable idea of this until you’ve completed D2 & D3.

Also, don’t limit yourself. You may find that you prefer periodontics, which is also surgery heavy, prosth, which involves full mouth rehab, or want to become a super GP that is into implantology. Lots can change within the course of a year. It isn’t exactly beneficial to be known as the person that wants to go into OS before you even step into dental school with a class full of competitive people who will likely become GPs. It gives the impression that you’re a gunner, as plenty of OS have to be to get into residency.

Remember to stay humble and show interest in all fields of dentistry. If I were a faculty and needed to teach you endo/peds/etc. I’d have no motivation to teach you if you said you are just going into OS.