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Dentistry is just as rigorous as a medical degree! To graduate, you must
- meet high entry requirements
- learn many academic, soft and practical skills
- fulfil a training quota
We spoke to Lily*, a former dentistry student about her journey. She shared her struggles and how she applied what she learned to her passion for illustration.
1. Challenges She Faced
Tertiary education is not always smooth sailing, especially when you are not doing it for yourself. Lily’s passion is in illustration. Yet, she had to study dentistry because of her family. Moreover, the COVID-19 pandemic happened during her education.
As such, the journey to graduation was plagued with several difficulties, such as
Managing Several Stressors Simultaneously
For Lily, one of her stressors came from pursuing a rigorous course.
“The stress of the 5-year degree and being enrolled during the lockdown, which halted our practicals placed an immense pressure on me.”
Dentistry is a 5-year degree in building academic, interpersonal and technical skills. Students spend about 8 years to earn their licences, from completing a pre-u course to undergoing practical training. Lily added that a common struggle is catching up with learning materials.
That aside, the world was hit by the terrifying COVID-19 pandemic during Lily’s studies. Malaysia’s Movement Control Order (MCO) stopped many activities, including practical training. Many students had a hard time juggling their studies and self-care. Therefore, some students suffer from anxiety (something we will look into next). Yikes.
Studying During The Pandemic
COVID-19 was a dark time for everyone around the world. For dental students, it impacted their well-being, physical health, education, and possibly their future. In a 2022 study, out of 353 participants
- around 73% of them were anxious about their career prospect
- around 86% of them were worried about not graduating on time
- around 76% of them were concerned about getting infected
“My clinical period was effectively halved if not two-thirds gone,”
To become a dentist, the 1-year service is important for sharpening hands-on skills. Aspiring students need the time to master the procedures and practice chairside ethics. However, the pandemic forced many to remain indoors, which meant fewer patient visits. Lily added that it reduced the distribution to students, making it hard for her to meet the training quota.
Having An Increased Sense Of Self-awareness
You may have heard from healthcare professionals about how their jobs changed their perceptions and lifestyles. It was like that for Lily.
Again, dentistry is more than just teeth. Dentists must care for their patients’ mental and emotional well-being while fostering good people relationships. These experiences tend to stick with our heroes for a long time. Lily shared that what she knows about cavities and periodontal diseases sometimes haunts her whenever she brushes her teeth.
In addition, she felt uncertain about her knowledge of the discipline. So much so that she left the exam hall with little confidence in diagnosing a cavity.
“There’s so much I know, yet I don’t know. There was such a disparity between the skills I honed in the university clinics. I felt did not have enough patients to practice on before graduating.”
2. What Helped Her Through Her Dentistry Course?
Unexpected circumstances from the pandemic with an unspoken long race to graduation. This combination can crack anyone. Yet, Lily decided to push through her 5-year dentistry course. What was her secret(s)?
Having A Strong Perseverance
Perseverance is essential for anyone who wants to study dentistry. You need it to start and grind through the intense curriculum. For Lily, her perseverance stems from her illustration interest. It motivated her to earn her degree even when it was not her first choice.
“I tried to convince myself that it could be something I could get into, seeing it was a kind of more art-focused healthcare field and myself being an illustrator.”
After speaking to Lily, we can now experience more of the beauty in healthcare. Dentistry can be seen as an art form.
- It requires precision to deliver the right treatment.
- It encourages better communication among different communities.
- It creates an emphatic heart to help others regain their smiles and confidence.
See? Science and Art can come together! And this was not Lily’s only silver lining.
Applying Her Knowledge To Her Interest
If you are into the Arts, you may resonate with this point. To draw people, one needs to understand human anatomy. It helps you structure your creation and even make it more real.
How?
“I could visualise the jaw better and know what scientifically encompasses the ‘golden smile’ and its ratio.”
Studying dentistry boosted Lily’s illustration. In her degree, she learned about the shape and characteristics of each tooth. She was also taught the structure of the jaw and head. As such, she could use her knowledge to give her characters better expressions and movement.
Fun fact: Did you know that IMU’s dental degree also teaches socio-behavioural science? You will explore the human thought process, behaviours and actions! For hidden comic artists, this is your chance to touch hearts with your story and characters.
3. Her Message For Future Students
To study dentistry, it is important to know what you like, especially when pursuing a career in the field. Lily said that this takeaway applies to everyone equally.
“Having that little percentage of your interests in your work will go a long way in sustaining your work life.
Her parting words to aspiring students who want to study dentistry?
“I wish all dental students the best for their journey ahead. There is always lateral career progression than vertical career progression.”
Recommended Course Guides
Check out our Guide on the Dentistry Course In Malaysia and Best Universities For Dentistry Courses In Malaysia!
If you are looking for other options, check out our full list of Popular Course Guides In Malaysia.
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