Student advice

The College of General Dentistry is the professional home for dental professionals at all stages of their career – from student or trainee to experienced clinician.

Written by dental students and dental practitioners, this series of advice and careers blogs is designed to support dental students and trainees during your studies and as you transition to real-life dentistry. We would love to hear from you if you’d like to share your experience and write a student advice blog – find out more and get in touch with us at [email protected]

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Student advice and careers blog

Why taking photos is an essential skill in dentistry

Why taking photos is an essential skill in dentistry

53686 min read
Mohammed Ahsen Arshad and Ahmed Ahmed, fifth year BDS students at Plymouth University Dental School,  explain the importance of good photography skills in dentistry and how to get accurate and effective images.
Get the most out of your elective

Get the most out of your elective

45164 min read
Ridah Hasan, fourth year BDS student at the University of Sheffield, valued her recent elective in Vietnam and offers her advice on how to get the most out of your elective abroad.
Clinical reflections dissected

Clinical reflections dissected

38715 min read
Aavan K Matharu, fourth year BDS student, Trinity College Dublin, shares her advice on writing an effective and meaningful clinical reflection.
My experience of studying whilst managing a chronic illness

My experience of studying whilst managing a chronic illness

35645 min read
Shona Sawhney, fifth year BDS student, Barts and the London, explains how she has been studying for her degree whilst managing a chronic illness and shares her advice for anyone in a similar situation.
My Situational Judgement Test from home

My Situational Judgement Test from home

33326 min read
Katie Huane, fifth year BDS Student, University of Manchester, passes on her top tips for making the most of your time during self-isolation and keeping up with your peers.
Getting back to dentistry

Getting back to dentistry

25474 min read
Hamna Khan, fifth year BDS Student, University of Manchester, gives you her tips for a successful new academic year after an extended break from clinical practice.
Mannequins to mania

Mannequins to mania

25954 min read
Aavan K Matharu, fourth year BDS student, Trinity College Dublin, gives her key pointers for a smooth transition to your clinical study years.
Keeping it clinical

Keeping it clinical

33094 min read
Kiri Paul, fourth year BDS student at King’s College London, explains how she has been maintaining clinical skills during the pandemic.
From rubber dam isolations to social isolation: a dental student’s perspective

From rubber dam isolations to social isolation: a dental student’s perspective

24674 min read
Angela Li, first year MChD student at the University of Leeds, shares advice on successful online learning from home.
Finding your feet in fitness and well-being whilst studying dentistry

Finding your feet in fitness and well-being whilst studying dentistry

41296 min read
Sumeet Sandhu, fourth year BDS student at Peninsula Dental School, gives you some advice about looking after yourself and staying fit whilst studying.