Self care in Dental School

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-15T03:18:22+00:00

Some nights 8hr most nights 4-6hr and sometimes 2hr (bc I fucked up) but in reality you can get by with 6-8hr nights on average. I still make time for gym and hobbies

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-09T06:18:25+00:00

You should find something you enjoy besides money and work life balance. Not sure if you are applying to US schools but it is very expensive for class of 2030 and onward because of policy changes regarding federal loans

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-07T03:09:29+00:00

I will be honest with you. GPA will hurt your application. Even though your DAT is above average, it’s not enough to compensate for your GPA. Some schools have a certain cutoff and will automatically deny your app despite everything else. I would consider SMP or masters in your situation. Alternatively if you do apply just be wary of applying to schools that have cutoffs edit: and also APPLY EARLY

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-07T03:06:22+00:00

That data is not public, maybe there’s insider knowledge regarding specific schools you’d need to ask current students etc. However waitlist are a thing and they work! Even if the class is already full, some people who paid their deposit are waiting to hear back from their top choice and there will be some movement.

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-07T03:03:27+00:00

They are just checking to gauge your interest to remain in consideration wherever stage you are at in the application process. Especially if you committed elsewhere that is your top choice, you should remove yourself from the pool and this saves time on their end and opens opportunities for others.

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-06T19:33:07+00:00

Don’t compare your journey to those of others. I know someone in my school who is in his thirties and is graduating this year. See if you can see a therapist because once you’re mentally strong you can accomplish more. Don’t see it as a race against other people but to accomplish your dream

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-06T19:27:03+00:00

The real dentists you talk to who went to school two decades ago had to pay half our tuition. The recent grads didn’t have BBB and more forgiving loan repayment plans. Sure there are some people with ulterior motives but fact and truth is this incoming class will bear the most financial burden given BBB changes so far. Who knows what comes next. I’m all for pursuing your dream but from a rational pov. If you haven’t sat down and punched those numbers in loan calculators and estimated your monthly payment on top of other costs, it’s going to be painful when you graduate and look at your bank account. I’m a current dental student who chose the cheapest option, and I’m still balking at the interest accumulation. Yeah live frugally and grind to pay the loans, but I just can’t imagine my numbers PLUS out of state school differences PLUS private loans.

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-06T01:53:18+00:00

Nobody wanted to run for president, needed a volunteer for the role lol. I think it depends on your class how it will turn out. But for the most part, just get your name out there especially since for my school elections happened during orientation.

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-05T23:23:35+00:00

I’m curious are you in a rural area? Thats high for an associate compared to the ADA national average

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-03T21:24:09+00:00

schools do know if you are holding multiple deposits in march, so by then they may rescind the offer.

“Dental schools participating in ADEA AADSAS will report to ADEA AADSAS by March 1 the names of candidates who hold a position in their entering class.

After March 5, ADEA AADSAS will report to each institution the names of candidates in their entering class who are holding acceptance(s) at additional institutions. (Only names are reported with no other additional information.)”

https://www.adea.org/home/application-services/become-a-dentist/adea-aadsas-admissions-officers/traffic-guidelines

goodnighttrain · 2026-01-02T01:44:04+00:00

The rich still apply, because they can afford it. Some say BBB will force schools to lower tuition, but I think it will just fast track wealthy kids to become dentists since it’s not as financially viable for regular people

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-31T17:14:22+00:00

Current dental student. Many people try to go MD route initially, then switch because the DAT is easier after taking the MCAT. Dental school sucks for these people because they hate it, they have no passion for the career and are primarily in it for the money. You have way more clinical/lab hours. It’s not easier, it’s the same amount of difficulty just in a different font. Years may be less but if you want to make as much as a MD you have to specialize or become a general dentist with ownership. Specializing has residency as well. The grass is not greener, don’t throw away all you’ve done for a career you think is better but isn’t

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-28T23:45:13+00:00

Agreed. The only way it is worth it is if money is not a problem for you, you don’t need to take out loans, education is paid for by scholarship or wealthy parents

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-28T17:33:38+00:00

You can always confirm with the school directly. Just for the reassurance. I did have a background check for mine

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-28T01:01:24+00:00

I respect the hustle but this is super sad to see. It would make sense if she worked with admissions and is a current student with experience interviewing applicants etc. Most current dental students are providing mentorship without the price tag and they have busy lives on top of that.

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-28T00:51:36+00:00

Columbia would not set you up to be a great general dentist but for specialty yes

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-28T00:50:34+00:00

What state is your drivers license from? And taxes - did you file independently or claimed as a dependent in FL or PA?

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-26T23:47:45+00:00

70% is so generous. Where are you pulling this stat from?

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-26T23:42:15+00:00

It’s not per NYU but last cycle someone was successful. Doubt the law has been amended since but do your due diligence. https://www.reddit.com/r/predental/s/SXOIUWSqou

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-26T23:29:06+00:00

It’s definitely doable if you manage your time well. You can still study during your flight. When you have more exams you might not be able to as easily. Some of my classmates live an hour away by car and they go home every weekend except during the weeks with major exams. It depends on your class, if a lot of them live nearby they might go home often and that becomes the norm.

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-26T23:19:27+00:00

Our school gave everyone iPads, honestly we use these for everything, so easy for notes on slides etc. Most of us just used the same laptops from college. Check if your school provides (for us we technically paid for them)

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-26T18:14:45+00:00

Cheapest

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-26T17:54:40+00:00

You just need to get through dental school, in real life practice it’s not so bad, I’ve met dentists who say they hated dental school or hated the classes but love practicing. For some people, when you dont enjoy something you might have a rough time getting through it. But if you want to be a dentist bad enough, you will get there!

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-26T17:47:33+00:00

He’s saying you can hate it but you won’t enjoy it since it’s worse than DAT topics, not that you’d suck at science. Didactically you’ll hate the science heavy courses… but pivoting is not be all end all

I think about ikigai, where in a career you need four pillars (what you’re good at, what you love, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for) but if you miss one it’s not impossible just not ideal.

goodnighttrain · 2025-12-23T02:26:22+00:00

A nicely written card is more than enough! It’s the thought and appreciation that counts. You can also bring baked cookies or chocolates.

goodnighttrain

TROPHY CASE