Giving Kids a Smile :)

The American Dental Association (ADA) began the Give Kids a Smile Program in 2003 as a way for members to join with others in the community to provide dental services to underserved children. This has become an annual event in dental schools across America. Each year, approximately 450,000 children benefit from the efforts of the dental students, dentists and other team members who volunteer their time

This year, my school - Howard University hosted the Give Kids a Smile Day on February 4th. Approximately 200 children from the Bruce Monroe Elementary School was treated. For some kids, it was their first visit to the dentist and we all made sure their visit was enjoyable! It was an exciting day giving back to the community and making sure the kiddies had wonderful, bright, healthy smiles.

Howard University College of Dentistry students and faculty, DC Dental Society volunteers
and community representatives are about to Give Kids A Smile Feb. 1, 2013.
                  Photo by Dr. Chester Stein


Sources: GKAS Partnership Thrives at Howard U.
Helping Children Through GKAS

Dental goodies on Pinterest

I am low key addicted to Pinterest. From the DIYs to fashion to fitness and all the dental goodness I have managed to find a way to make good use of my study breaks waste time when I am supposed to be studying.

I even have a "Dental Diary" board for all things dental. I couldn't resist. Take a look and follow if you like.

7 Hours of Study Tunes to get Through Studying!

Awesome gift for a dentist friend!

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Dental Humor

Click on any of the pics above to check out the entire board.

Same Book, Different Page...

I started the second semester of my third year a couple weeks ago. I am really excited to be moving right along with my dental school career. Before You know it it'll be graduation and I'll be your friendly neighborhood dentist (smile).
The pace this semester has slowed down tremendously, in terms of classes. I still have the second half of Pharmacology to get through which is probably my most challenging course. Besides that nuisance of a class, all my energy will be geared towards fulfilling my clinical requirements for the Junior year and begin the said for the senior year.

This whole process has truly been the ride of my life - with highs, lows and some emotions I don't know how to even begin describing. In retrospect, I am proud to have come this far and I am filled with glee at the prospects to come.

Thanks to all my readers for sticking with me, even through times when blogging became an after thought, and thank you soo much for all your wonderful emails of inspiration and praise.

Here's to semester 6 and a happy 2013!

The Safety of Amalgam Fillings

On a segment of The Doctors TV show, an investigation of the safety of amalgam fillings was conducted. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announces that the fillings are not associated with adverse health effects, an interview was done with one woman who believes that these fillings contributed to her multiple sclerosis. See below:

See the recent video here: The Doctors TV show - Are mercury fillings safe?

Follow-up video:



According to the ADA: 

Should your patients ask you about amalgam fillings, consider the following points:

•  Amalgam has been used for generations to help save decayed teeth in more than 100 million Americans.

•  Amalgam has been thoroughly studied, and no properly designed research studies have linked dental amalgam to serious health problems.

•  (If appropriate) I have amalgam fillings in my mouth. 

• An amalgam filling is just one of a variety of dental filling options available to you. Let's talk about what's best for you.

 Source: ADA, The Doctors

US News Best Jobs for 2013

And by best I mean occupations that offer a mosaic of employment opportunity, good salary, manageable work-life balance, and job security.

Guess who's #1?!

Yep! Sure feels good to know I chose a profession that has the right mix of components.

See the full list of best jobs here: Money- US News

D3 first semester round up

Based on my previous post, clearly there was no time to take much pics of any work I did this semester. It crossed my mind several times but when I thought about the time it would take to de- glove, take pics and don gloves again I quickly changed my mind. Time is money, or in my case graduation :)

Here are a FEW things I was able to capture from this semester:

dentoform preps/competencies, community service, Oral surgery...

Research presentation and some clinical work

community service, more preps and halloween!

One For The History Books

Phew! First semester of D3 year is finally officially over and it was definitely one for the history books. This marked my most challenging semester in dental school to date. With 7 classes, CLINICALS, my numerous other on and off campus responsibilities, CLINICALS, what's left of my life outside of dental school, and CLINICALS , I was in a tailspin from start to finish.

What made it challenging was the addition of clinicals to the schedule. From seeing sometimes several patients per day, running around in the clinics, chasing professors for signatures, consultations and follow-ups all while still carrying a full course load, left me totally spent at the end of the day.

On the bright side however, I'm excited to finally be seeing patients and doing some dentistry!!

See you next semester!