October 4, 2026
live Q & A | Beyond the Classroom: A Real Journey to Dental School
Jenny Bae, USC Dental Student
1. Preparing for a Career in Dentistry
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Dental school requires strong academic preparation, but good grades are only one part of the journey.
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Courses such as biology and chemistry provide an important foundation.
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Students should also gain experience through shadowing, volunteering, and extracurricular activities.
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These experiences can help students understand whether dentistry is truly the right career for them.
2. What Dental School Is Really Like
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Dental school combines academic learning with hands-on training.
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Students learn the science behind dentistry while also developing the practical skills needed to treat patients.
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As students progress through dental school, hands-on training and patient care become increasingly important.
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Consistent practice is essential for developing the precision and confidence required in dentistry.
3. The Importance of Time Management
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Dental school involves a large amount of information and requires students to manage both studying and practical work.
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Studying consistently is more effective than trying to memorize everything at the last minute.
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Breaking large assignments into smaller, manageable goals can make studying less overwhelming.
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Developing strong time-management and study habits early can make the transition to college and professional school much easier.
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Shadowing allows students to see what dentists actually do on a daily basis.
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Volunteering can help students understand the importance of serving people from different backgrounds and communities.
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These experiences provide a better understanding of the profession beyond what can be learned in a classroom.
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They can also help students discover what areas of dentistry they are most interested in.
4. Shadowing & Volunteering Matter
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Dentistry can have an impact on a person's health, confidence, and quality of life.
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Dentists need both technical skills and strong communication skills.
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Understanding each patient's individual needs is an important part of providing good care.
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Empathy, patience, and the ability to connect with people are valuable qualities for future healthcare professionals.
5. Dentistry Is About More Than Teeth
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Dental school can be academically and physically demanding.
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Students need to develop both knowledge and precise hand skills.
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Maintaining a healthy balance between school, personal life, and rest is important.
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Setbacks are part of the learning process. Students should continue improving without being overly hard on themselves.
6. Challenges to Be Ready For
7. Advice for Students
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Start building good study habits early.
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Take opportunities to explore, volunteer, shadow professionals, and learn from real experiences.
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Don't focus only on grades—develop communication, responsibility, teamwork, and leadership skills as well.
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Most importantly, work hard while also enjoying your high school and college years. Your experiences outside the classroom can become an important part of your future career.
Dental School Q&A
Key Takeaways for Students
“It’s more important to enjoy your time, enjoy your life, and really appreciate your family and your friends.”
“Don’t cram. Break the material down into smaller, manageable pieces and study consistently.”
Jenny Bae, USC Dental Student
