Embarking on a career in dentistry is a journey towards a rewarding and inspiring future where science meets artistry. This is a profession for those who seek to make a profound difference in the lives of others, with their hands as their tools and compassion as their guide. As a dentist, every day offers the opportunity to restore health, bring comfort, and enhance beauty. You’ll be at the forefront of preventative healthcare, helping people maintain their overall health, as oral health is integral to the body’s overall well-being. Beyond the science, dentistry is also an art, where intricate skills meet aesthetic finesse to create radiant smiles that boost confidence and joy. You’ll form lasting relationships with your patients, becoming a trusted part of their lives and their communities. In dentistry, you’ll find the unique blend of science, technology, creativity, and human connection that makes a career both fulfilling and continually inspiring. It’s a field where learning never stops and every challenge overcome leads to a patient’s enhanced well-being and gratitude. A career in dentistry isn’t just a job, it’s a lifelong passion that continually enriches your life and the lives of those you touch. As selfish as it sounds, knowing that I can change someone’s life and put a smile on their face is such a warm and welcoming feeling for me to embrace.
Ireland’s education system is known to be the best being amongst the top 3% of the world. Knowing that I would be attending a school equipped with some of the best professors and tools to make me the best dentist I can, it was an offer I could not pass up. Ireland’s rich history and location in Europe took me by breath. The ability to travel in Europe has also never been easier and cheaper to do!
The application process was extremely simple. All I had to do was gather the necessary information to submit to the Atlantic Bridge portal. It was very easy to get in touch with the Atlantic Bridge officers for any help or questions I had.
At first, moving to Ireland was overwhelming. However after making friends with some of the Irish as well as other Canadians and Americans in upper years, they helped make the transition so much smoother. I am extremely grateful for those that I have met and taken me under their wing to show me how to get around and get through my day to day responsibilities.
A typical week would consist of ensuring to wake up early and make myself some breakfast. Then, I would attend my 2 to 3 classes per day 4-5 times a week. A lot of my classes are in the Brookfield Health Sciences Center or at the Western Gateway Building. Clinic practicals are mainly held at the Cork University Dental School and Hospital and starts to pick up in second year onwards. Then it’s usually back to my accommodation at Nido to study or Boole Library or even the library in Western Gateway Building. Lastly, to ensure I am staying fit and healthy, I try to go to the gym every other day at the Mardyke Arena where there are plenty of facilities available.
There are many places around campus to go and study. UCC offers a variety of academic resources, including the Boole Library with its extensive collection of books, periodicals, and digital resources. The Skills Centre also provides workshops and tutorials to improve students’ study skills.
In terms of athletics, the Mardyke Arena at UCC provides excellent sports facilities, including a gym, swimming pool, and sports fields. UCC’s Sport clubs and societies are also quite active and provide a great opportunity for students to get involved in different activities.
UCC also has a thriving community of student societies and clubs, covering a wide range of interests. These provide excellent opportunities to meet like-minded students and get involved in campus life.
Some of the best kept secrets are to never walk across the quad and to never step on the UCC crest which is also very close to the quad!
There are also plenty of amazing hidden cafe’s on and or close to campus that offer a cozy place to study or catch up with friends. Some, like the Bio Green Caféa and Bean Town Cafe, are tucked away.
As a space and aviation enthusiast, I found that UCC also has a historical astronomical observatory, dating from the 1800s. Although it’s only open to the public at certain times, it’s a fascinating place to visit
After graduating from dental school in Ireland, I will need to prepare for the next steps of my professional journey before returning to practice in Canada. To start, it’s essential to pass the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) examinations, which are required to practice dentistry in Canada. Starting my job search early, considering various practice settings such as private practices, public health centers, or group practices. Joining Canadian dental associations like the Canadian Dental Association can provide invaluable resources and networking opportunities. I also cannot forget the importance of continuing education to stay abreast of the latest in dental research and technology. If I am planning to open my own practice, acquiring business management skills is key, this is where my master of business administration can come in handy. Above all, it is essential I look after my mental and physical well-being during this crucial transition, and seek mentorship to navigate this new phase of your career.
Something I wish I knew is how rigorous the course work is. As rewarding and fun as it is, it’s important to understand the intensity of the coursework and the commitment required can better prepare you for what lies ahead.
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