The changing of the guard?


This week at NYU College of Dentistry marked the changing of the guard. The Class of 2019 has metamorphosed into freshly minted dentists. Most are starting General Practice Residencies or looking for jobs in our field. I have been teaching in the clinic on Thursdays and Fridays for the last year and watched them develop the skills they will need for their careers. Now it is time for them to leave their protected NYU nest and fly (somewhat) solo. Residency programs provide a good transition between private practice and dental school, since residents have attending dentists who can provide guidance when needed.

Last semester's D3's ( third year students) are now fourth year students.  Last week we  welcomed the new rising D3's to our clinic. It is heartwarming to see them interacting for the first time with patients in our clinic while  receiving help from our faculty and other fourth year students.   Prior to this week almost all of their training was in a preclinical setting and did not involve treating living patients. Now they are starting to get their "clinical training" , a process that usually takes two years to complete.

I look forward to playing a role in shepherding this class through their clinical training. I really enjoy the time I spend teaching at NYU since even thoughat times it is a little stressful, the endeavor is worthwhile and the students are appreciate the guidance that the faculty provide. If you are a dentist contemplating taking a teaching position, I highly recommend it. Jump on in, the water's just fine!




from Ask Dr. Spindel - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/2019/06/the-changing-of-guard.html - http://lspindelnycdds.blogspot.com/

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