First Couple of Weeks

The third week of D1 is coming to an end.  So far we have had 2 tests and our 3rd tomorrow.  This first month is essentially a transition where we take an ethics class and sociology class to make us "well-rounded" and drill professionalism into our brains.  We also have "Entry Level Clinical Skills" and "PCD" (pre-clinical dentistry) in the afternoons.  These two will last throughout the entire semester.  In ELCS, we learn basics like impressions, assisting, basic radiology, and things like that.  The course director for this harps on professionalism, and we are graded on our grooming, facial hair, and especially clothing. Dress code is business casual until our scrubs come in, so guys are in slacks, dress shoes, collared shirts, and can't have facial hair unless its neatly trimmed.  Girls wear business casual dresses/skirts.

Our 2nd day in PCD, we began waxing our first tooth.  It is a huge learning curve.  Essentially, we take our tool and melt some wax then attempt to carve a part of the missing tooth by looking at a model.  Then, when you think it looks close, you show it to one of the 3 instructors, who point out numerous things to correct.  You try to fix these and ask again but hear the same result.  We worked on a ~6 mm area for almost 3 hours.  It's frustrating, but way better than sitting through a lecture. Plus, this isn't something you have to take home and work on or study.  It's almost a break from lectures.