WomboCombo

I'm sorry about your situation. As of right now, I have not encountered a program that is more understanding.

Programs will take either NBDE Part 1 or INBDE. If you don't have either, most programs will not let you apply. Some programs have gone as far as saying that they understand that COVID has resulted in the inability for those to take either exam, but will not waive the requirement.

It all depends on getting the ok from main campus! So yes, we shall see!

Grad clinics return in July. 50 percent occupancy for undergrad clinics in August probably for the rest of the school year with four handed dentistry at all times so aerosol production is minimized. They had debated allowing undergrads return in July but said we could take it off so we can return in August. Without needing N95s, the school is no longer short on PPE as regular surgical masks will be provided per usual. Students will begin with treatment that is already in progress in August (inserts, try ins, emergencies, urgent tx) with minimal aerosol production, followed by the ability in September to start new treatment.

At UofT, the return to patient care is August 4.

I studied for 3 weeks and found that to be sufficient. I wrote it in the summer between my second and third year (August 2019). There were many resources available compared to the INBDE, so I decided to write Part 1. If you decide to write Part 1, you will have to write Part 2 sometime in 2022 at the latest, so be sure to factor that into your plans. I found that my school covered most topics but I did have to do some self studying myself. Generally similar topics get repeated on the exam so having many resources was helpful. PM me if you have any other questions!

Great questions here's a few more things I can add to my previous post about U of T now that I'm in second year: Curriculum: Some courses try their best to update what they teach to match what is out there in the real world. In endo, we get to try out WaveOne Gold. In prostho, the second year course has been updated to include more about implants and partial dentures that exceed some of what the current fourth years have learned. I had the chance to have dinner with the course directors of prostho and they are very open to changes in the course. They appreciate any feedback, including negative feedback and try to find ways to make sure that students have a better grasp of the course before going into clinic. Resto is still a bit outdated but it is good that we learn some aesthetic dentistry (veneers) and we get to try out the CAD/CAM crown milling machine. Perio, while it is didactic, is quite updated in terms of surgical procedures and even the classification scheme for periodontal disease. Most course directors are open to changes in their courses and I am working with other students to update and improve the curriculum (e.g. trying to implement more restorative in first year). It is also possible to move exam/test days around so that it can be more manageable - profs are often open to changes ahead of time. Student Environment: There's a place for everyone. A large class means you will be able to find people to connect with. Students are generally happy at the school and the school is working on ways to improve student experience. Mental health talks, free coffee/snacks on Wednesdays, and many opportunities to get involved are just some of the things that students have responded positively to. Staff Quality: Generally good. Yes, there are some staff who the students may not have the best time with but with the way the courses are structured - demos/hygienists rotate every so often so it evens out. Non-dentist/hygienist staff are generally nice but sometimes can give you a bit of an attitude. There are various ways for you to let the course director or student leadership know about this and changes may be able to be made. Faculty are generally happy to meet with you (sometimes they have an open door policy) and many feel invested in your education. If you want to shadow the grad clinics, it is not a problem at all. Involvement Opportunities: There are a lot of opportunities - often it's easy to lose track of them. Many leadership opportunities, many intramural teams, and many volunteering/fundraising opportunities, etc. If you find that you want to start an organization, that is possible too. A few of my classmates started a Women in Dentistry group and they have been doing quite well so far! There are plenty of opportunities to do research as well - U of T is big on academia. Etc.: Western and Toronto have their own pros and cons. Dental school is tough for most students so a big factor to consider is living/attending somewhere that you feel will make you happiest. U of T is not a perfect program and like many Canadian schools - is not the strongest clinically - but it is in a city that has something for everyone. I did my undergrad at Western and enjoyed my time in London, but Toronto is a very different experience. The question is if you prefer this type of experience over living in London.

Agree with @cleanup and I have the same setup with 3.5x ExamVisions and Lumadent lights/batteries (Best Value Package). There is a $100 group discount (10 students) for ExamVision, so find friends who want ExamVision in your class (when you are a month or two into operative/restorative) so everyone can benefit from the group discount.

I'm a 2021 student - it would be hard for me to know most of the 2018 class. It is good that your cohort has a survey! It's definitely not going to be a home run, that first (or even first few associateships). It takes a lot of trial and error. Just wanted to thank you for your contributions on the forum! Lots to learn from you and others for sure.

No. However I hope that this question was not asked out of sarcasm. For sure. I believe that if you go into healthcare, one must understand that quality opportunities will not always be available in desirable locations. Not trying to refute anything that anyone has said here but I want to provide what I heard through the grapevine.

Can confirm the aforementioned associateships are quality ones. Even the ones who are stringing part time positions in the GTA are quite happy with their lives.

Every new graduate from my school I know has lined up a job before or right after graduation. Some full time. Golden Horseshoe region. YMMV

Your average established general dentist owner will be doing around double what you posted. They report 150K income as the income they pay themselves to maximize RRSPs and TFSAs but the rest stays in their professional corporation to be used for raising passive income, buying equipment, paying off practice and school debt, and etc.

https://www.cma.ca/Assets/assets-library/document/en/advocacy/Family-e.pdf CMA reports average FM gross $249,000 w/ 28.2% overhead. Hope this helps

Ostracized, any regrets about dental? Would you prefer working in a less saturated region?