You don’t know what relief is until you have experienced one of two things: Hemorrhoid relief by Preparation H or finishing and passing second year of dental school. I think it is a coincidence that they both deal with either end of the gastrointestinal tract. I would also venture to say that dental school is worse because it can cause the former to flare up and there is no cream to soothe the pain and anguish that second year shovels at you. I can tell you that I have never sat so much in my entire life. I have also never missed weekends that much either. This last weekend was the first one our class could really enjoy without any pressing exams or projects due and it felt REALLY good. For those of you still facing the ‘beast’, just press forward. Study for everything and make sure you have enough time to study for everything. The hard classes this year were: Well, all of them. I still can’t technically say that I have passed second year. Not all of our final grades have been posted – knock on wood! Here is a small breakdown of the classes:
Pharmacology: The first test was a basic intro to a few drugs, some systemic overview of drug mechanisms, ie, receptors where the drug acts, what are the effects (alpha receptors, beta receptors, nicotinic, sympathetic effects, parasympathetic effects, etc.) and some basic drug information (volume of distribution, 1/2 life, clearance). There were also some drugs and their uses and effects. This test was fairly easy and many questions came from the backtests. The second test was the hardest by far. It seemed simple enough. Learn a drug name and it’s mechanism, indications, contraindications and side effects among other random facts. Start on this one early and find a system that works well for you. I choked a bit on this test which hurt my final grade. The final was also difficult, but easier than test two. The hard thing to overcome with this test is the intimidation factor. Just make sure you keep organized in the semester and it will be easier to study for. Many questions came from back tests. Book: NO
Pedodontics: Read the book. READ THE BOOK. If they say it in class it is fair game. I would either record the lecture or write down everything they say and study that well. Random trivia and facts is the key. I did learn a lot from this class – I only figured out that i learned a lot though after I assisted in the pedo clinic today. No I do not want to be a pedodontist – but it does look very fun to work in the pedo clinic. Playing mind games with kids to keep them happy seems like fun. Book: YES
Endodontics: Overall this class was very confusing at first. The lectures are confusing, there is tons of reading, and at times it will seem hopeless. Just learn a few simple tricks and it will become easier. I will go over these tricks later if I have time. Otherwise, give me ten bucks for my notes. 
Endo: YES
Perio: What can I say. it’s perio…If you don’t know what the PDL is by now – well, you’ll learn about it all over again. Book: NO
Anesthesia: Learn all about nitrous and injections. Then stick your neighbor with a needle. This was a fun class. Book: YES to BOTH
Radiology: This class was laid back. The lab was fun. We got to work on plastic dummies with fake teeth in the mouth. Book: NO
Oral Pathology: One of our most interesting classes. We learned about an oral condition and then were shown a gross picture of said condition. There is nothing like 12 x 12 projected images of hairy tongue or Stevens-Johnson syndrome to help you wash down your morning bagel and cream cheese. The tests are straight forward – the challenge is to organize your brain well enough to cram all the material into it while learning all the other classes. I wish we could spend more time in this class. Book: YES
Restorative IV: Dentures. Although this class is continuing on into the summer it also has been challenging. Impression after impression, stone model after stone model. I have to finish my denture tomorrow so it can be processed by the lab. Book: YES
I should have more time now to actually update this site more often. Although my schedule still looks busy, it isn’t as bad as second year. Now I have to go study for our 5th denture quiz on Wednesday…I won’t miss these…
