Advice for anyone looking towards a new career.
Studying to be a dentist is tough. There is a lot of hours and studying, not to mention exams and lectures to attend. You have to keep on top of any breakthrough advancements in dentistry. Sometimes when you feel like you are on top of it all, you may be greeted with more reading, more studying, and more hours working in your training practice. Add this to the general stresses of university life, and a career in dentistry can become daunting and less appealing.
If you are considering a career in dentistry, have been accepted or are in the middle of your degree, here are some quick tips on how to deal with study stress.
Take A Step Back And Evaluate The Situation
We’re all guilty of becoming overwhelmed and unable to put our worries into perspective. The best way to counter any mounting stresses is to take a moment to calm down and evaluate the situation. By taking a small break, you can comprehend the logistics as to what needs to be done and even create a timetable for you to work to.
List everything that needs to be done and put it in order of importance. Once this is done, simply work through the list and tick off what you have completed. Not only does a list allow you to view all your tasks in a more orderly fashion, but it also provides you with the opportunity to evaluate whether it is feasible for you to complete everything. If you are unable to complete all your tasks, you can see what will be left uncompleted and you are able to ask for help from the relevant course professor or lecturer.
Find A Course That Suits You And Your Needs
Most students go to dental school and study for five years before embarking on a two-year placement, but there are other options. If you don’t have the entry requirements for university or you are a mature student, look for a one-year pre-dental course. This lets you dip a toe in the water to find out whether dentistry is for you, which is a lot less stressful.
There are also flexible courses for dentists thinking of specialising in a new area. For example, the London Dental Institute offers comprehensive and orthodontic courses to any aspiring orthodontics looking to complete their training online. This is a great opportunity for those who need more flexibility, as the course offers accessible advanced teaching materials 24/7 and face-to-face teachings online.
Talk To People
Remember, everyone else on your course is in the same boat. Do not feel embarrased or afraid to speak to others who may be experiencing the same pressures as you. You will find that your peers are also stressed and looking for coping mechanisms, or if they are not, they could offer you advice on how to overcome them.
If you are really struggling, learning institutions have mental health professionals at hand to help you, as well as resources that are openly available to all students who would benefit from them. Speaking to fellow students, the mental health team at your dental school or your lecturers can all help bring you peace of mind.
