“Dr. Vaughn, I wanted to ask you . . . do you enjoy dentistry?” “Interesting,” I thought. “What a simple, straightforward yet completely complicated and intricately loaded question I have just been asked by this bright-eyed, good-intentioned college student.” “Y-Yeah. . . I do.” I paused. I could feel the perspiration gathering on my forehead. Could he sense… Read More »
Each year in general dentistry has taught me something about myself and this profession. As I prepare to go into a yearlong special-care residency program in June, I am looking back on everything I have learned in the last four years as a general dentist. The first year of dentistry taught me about treatment planning…that I could no… Read More »
Editor’s note: Thank you to our readers and contributors for allowing the New Dentist Now become a platform for new dentists to share and learn about their experiences and insights. If you would like to contribute, please contact newdentist@ada.org. We look forward to 2022! What you should learn in dental school, but don’t As I start my endo… Read More »
Something feels oddly familiar. Sitting in my neighborhood coffee shop with my laptop open, staring at a course syllabus as it ominously lays out what my life will look like for the next several months. Coffee, flash cards, and wild Friday nights are in my future. And if I’m lucky, I’ll get the pleasure of writing a research… Read More »
Unprecedented. Pandemic. The year that shall not be named. To say this past year has been “wild” is about as understated as statements can come. I became unemployed and re-employed within a few weeks. I went from being nonessential to the public to absolutely essential and probably the busiest I’ve ever been. I applied, interviewed, and was accepted… Read More »
Last night, I watched from across Elliot Bay as a sea of colors illuminated the sky. One second past midnight brought a burst of reds and blues and purples and whites, proudly announcing that the New Year has come once again. I truly love the holidays, that’s for certain. I think they are so valuable for a lot… Read More »