Eight Tips for Dental Students from AO’s Young Clinicians’ Committee

The enthusiasm that surrounds the first few weeks of a new school year can fade when things get busy or overwhelming. That’s why the Academy of Osseointegration (AO)’s Young Clinicians’ Committee (YCC) is offering eight tips to help students stay focused and positive all year long (or at least as often as possible).

1. Make a team: Finding a study group will make late night studying a lot more fun.

2. Schedule the gym: Prioritizing you health is most important when things get busy. A short gym session can help you focus and reduce the negative effects of stress.

3. Eat right: Keep healthy items close at hand to avoid impulse buying at the student store or vending machine.

4. Commit to fun: Just like everything else, if it’s not on the schedule it won’t get done! Give yourself enough time to unwind to prevent burnout.

5. Stay connected: Keep in touch with friends and family, they’ll help you stay balanced.

6. Take control of your sleep: Give yourself an ultra-comfy bed, sleep mask and earplugs, or whatever you need to get those 7-8 hours of sleep. Poor sleep is the biggest threat to your performance.

7. Get involved: Link up with student organizations and your local and national dental associations. You’ve just entered the profession of dentistry and these groups have benefits to offer you at every step in your career. (We’ll throw in a shameless plug here to join us at AO’s 2017 Annual Meeting in Orlando, Fla.!)

8. Keep an open mind: There’s a saying, “Your mind is like a parachute; it only works if it is open.” So learn to take criticism, because no one is perfect. To learn more about AO’s YCC, visit https://osseo.org/young-clinicians-and-students/.

About the Academy of Osseointegration

With 6,000 members in 70 countries around the world, the AO is recognized as the premier international association for professionals interested in implant dentistry. AO serves as a nexus where specialists and generalists can come together to evaluate emerging research, technology, and techniques; share the best information; and coordinate optimal patient care using timely, evidence-based science and methods. Follow AO on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.