See, specialties like Orthodontics and Periodontics require additional schooling and are incredibly competitive to get into. If Joe wanted a chance at being accepted to a specialty program, he'd have to pretty much ace dental school - which is NOT easy - and have to be involved with extra-curriculars to boost his application. Both would require even MORE of his time.
He considered pursuing a specialty after being accepted to UPenn because UPenn grads have a high rate of acceptance into these programs, but shadowed some dentists who specialize and found that the work was too
monotonous for him. He likes the variety that being a general dentist provides and the fact that he can build relationships with patients over the years. Plus, he has a strong desire to work with people with developmental disabilities and would best serve that population as a general dentist.
I'm thrilled that he's content with B's, because that's the difference between him being able to take a few hours off every now and then, and him not having that luxury.
The scary part, though, is that Penn is apparently "easing them in" during the first two months of dental school. In a couple weeks, the exams start becoming more frequent (1-2 per week) and the workload more intense. Luckily, it seems that Joe is learning some strategies to speed up his studying (probably the reason for the easing in) and will hopefully use his time more effectively. He'll need to learn to speed study since second year (D2) is supposed to be even more intense. Yay.
I am in such awe of Joe and how hard he is working. I could never work as hard as he is right now - I'm shocked a human can push like this. I can't imagine those poor souls who DO want to specialize... or those D2's...
Now that I've depressed myself thinking about next year, I need to post one more thing that makes me laugh ;)
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I'm thrilled that he's content with B's, because that's the difference between him being able to take a few hours off every now and then, and him not having that luxury.
The scary part, though, is that Penn is apparently "easing them in" during the first two months of dental school. In a couple weeks, the exams start becoming more frequent (1-2 per week) and the workload more intense. Luckily, it seems that Joe is learning some strategies to speed up his studying (probably the reason for the easing in) and will hopefully use his time more effectively. He'll need to learn to speed study since second year (D2) is supposed to be even more intense. Yay.
Mom, I took the time to edit this just for you ;) It was just too spot on not to post. |
Now that I've depressed myself thinking about next year, I need to post one more thing that makes me laugh ;)
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My husband is studying for the DAT right now and I feel like I never see him :( I'm so nervous for dental school!!
ReplyDeleteUgh - the DAT. I remember that well. Don't worry, dental school will be fine :) Feel free to e-mail me directly if you have any questions about applying or what life is like in school!
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