Stu-DENT Diaries

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!

More Changes To Come For The NBDE

Just when we thought they have made all the changes that they needed to for the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE), it seems the recent switch to pass/fail was just the beginning.

I recently wrote an article for ASDA's blog "Mouthing Off" speaking of yet another change that dental students will have to adjust to in the future. According to the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) an Integrated NBDE (INBDE) is slated for the year 2017. This new exam will integrate NBDE Parts 1 and 2 into one comprehensive exam. Why the need for this change?

Here is an excerpt from my article on ASDA/s Mouthing Off on the matter:

...The traditional 2 part NBDE exam will soon be changed to one comprehensive exam termed the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). This will integrate aspects of both the NBDE Part 1 and NBDE Part 2. Though it will not affect those of us already in dental school and the incoming class of 2016, there is talk that this may be implemented by the year 2017. The changes come about as a more effective way to evaluate candidates for licensure as it will take on a more clinically relevant approach. It is stated that the basic Science portion that is usually tested in the NBDE part 1 will remain as such but the content will be integrated into a clinical context.

You can find the rest of the article here:
Find out more about the new changes, re: INBDE here
Another 'Mouthing Off' post here

Teeth found in Tumor of the Eye

According to The Sun, two fully formed teeth were found in a tumor of the eye of a 23 year old woman from India. This tumor, known as a teratoma (which are known to contain hair, tooth-like and bone-like structures), and are not uncommon but was surprising to doctors as it is extremely rare to find fully formed teeth embedded in the tumor.

Read more here.

Loupes: The Choice For Me

I've tried many loupes from many companies out there. They've all been good, but I've never really found one I wanted to make a commitment to. This summer, while attending the Multicultural Health Summit in Boca Raton, Florida I decided that I was going to finally find and commit to a pair of loupes. This is where I came into contact with representatives from Rose microsolutions comes.

Up until this summer the only thing I really knew about Rose was that they were one of those loupes company that I see at every dental conference. Despite seeing their representatives at many dental conferences, their products were uncommon to me.

After trying and fitting the loupes from this company, what I found were quality and value for your money. However, the loupes were a tad bit heavier than others that I've tried. Despite taking into consideration the pros and cons of these loupes I decided to commit. The value that I found with these loupes outweighed the minor concerns that I had.

Here are my loupes:

TWO (2) rechargeable battery packs!

What I got for the value of my money:

1 Flip up 2x magnification loupe

1 Power Pack LED Light kit with 2 rechargeable batteries

See their sight here for more info.

Check out my other posts on different loupes out there:

Loupes Part I

Loupes Part II

Zoom Optix

I've Been Nominated

...for the 2012 most fascinating blog award!!!

say whaaaat???

This is an award given by accelerated-degree.com that supposedly "contains a list of 24 nominees which have been chosen by our editorial staff and were selected from a pool of over 200 submissions."

While I enjoy blogging and sharing my experiences in dental school via my blog, I've never really considered it "fascinating." Somehow a post I had written about a year ago entitled Battle Scars and All earned me this spot. Thanks to the editorial staff of accelerated degree for enjoying my blog and considering me for such an award.

Though it baffles me that my blog is that fascinating, it would be nice to be the winner. The winner gets rights to display the prestigious "winner" emblem on their site AAAND a $100 restaurant gift card. That would sure come in handy fora poor dental student :)

This is where you, my fascinating readers, come in. Help me win the award by getting the most votes!!

Here's how to vote: