Tips for surviving clinical placement

Clinical placement is a milestone in your dental career. It’s fulfilling, but also nerve-wracking.

In this blog, Eleanor Crossman, final year dental student at the University of Sheffield, offers her advice on what you can do to survive and thrive during this time.

Placement. The word that can bring about feelings of fear and anxiety for any dental student in the early years of university.

The worry of not being good enough to work outside of dental school and meet what may seem like unrealistic time constraints can be daunting for anyone. Hearing others who have already been through it talk about how tiring and stressful it can be only adds fuel to the fire.

Sounds awful, doesn’t it? Let me tell you, it isn’t as bad as the rumours make it out to be. I’m here to share some tips that helped me and my friends get through our clinical placements.

Ask questions

As easy as it sounds, ask as many questions as you can. You know what they say: “You get out of it what you put into it.” This is very true when you are on placement and faced with new tutors, environments and equipment.

Never be afraid to ask a question because there’s a good chance someone else is thinking the same as you. It will also make you look proactive and eager to learn.

Use time wisely

As annoying as patient cancellations can be, sometimes they give you a chance to reflect on other aspects of dentistry. This time can be crucial, and while you are in clinic with a tutor, you may as well utilise them.

Whether it’s preparing and familiarising yourself with a new procedure, catching up with online training or asking your tutor about a topic you’re unsure of, it’s important to make the most of clinical time…you’ll never get it back!

Be prepared

To make sure you get the most out of your placement, it’s a good idea to be prepared. Make sure you know how long it takes to get to the practice, as well as start and finish times. Getting your lunch ready the night before is always helpful too, as it gives you more time in the morning.

Over and above this, being prepared for the clinical aspect of the placement is very important. This could include essential guidelines and protocols for certain procedures. I carried around a folder of my clinical procedures so I was always prepared for whatever came up.

Look after yourself

Now, I’m going to sound like your parents by saying it’s important you eat a lot of fruit and vegetables – but it’s true! Eating a balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep is essential, especially during your placement. This is because it plays a big role in optimal bodily function, as well as helping to reduce brain fog and tiredness.

It can be very easy to climb into bed after a long day of placement, but getting out and doing even 30 minutes of exercise can help you wind down after a long day. Do something you enjoy during the evening, such as going to the gym or seeing friends. This is a good way to switch off from dentistry.

Enjoy the experience