Practicing to Perfection
Strange looks were exchanged as we glanced at each other. I was one among a hundred students in the preclinical lab for crown preparation. The manikins were all set up, ready for our first class in the DDS program. The typodonts were securely screwed in, with a full complement of teeth, positioned inside the manikin heads. It was nostalgic—I had done this before in India. Everything was happening again, but with one difference: in India, we never practiced posterior crown preparation. Our preclinical labs focused on Class I and Class II amalgam preparations.
I was in a mixed class—some were in the regular four-year DDS program, while others were foreign-trained dentists. Having worked on a typodont before, I was confident that I could outperform most of the class. Unlike the regular program students, I was already familiar with a handpiece. My knowledge and experience put me at an advantage, and I was sure I could earn an A in this course. Little did I know how determined my classmates were.
I completed my first posterior crown preparation and checked the dimensions. I liked my work but felt it could be better. Just as I was about to consult the instructor, I noticed that several beginners had already finished and were getting graded. Curious, I went to examine their work—and I was amazed! Some first-timers had created the best crown preps I had ever seen. Intrigued, I struck up a conversation with one of them. He revealed, “I practiced for two days before this class to get it right.”
At that moment, I realized: Experience gives an edge, but practice makes perfect. I knew what to expect in a clinical scenario, but only consistent practice could refine my dexterity and produce excellent results. From then on, I stopped taking my previous experience for granted. Instead, I built upon my existing skills while sharpening new ones.
There are many dentists out there, but quality work always gets recognized. Dedicating time to learning and practicing the right way always leads to success.
Dr. Meenakshi Umapathy, a dedicated General Dentist, began her journey in India before advancing her expertise in the United States. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the prestigious New York University College of Dentistry and now practices pediatric dentistry in Indiana. Through her compelling narratives, she reflects on her experiences practicing in both India and the U.S., offering unique insights into the profession. Her blog, originally published on DentistryUnited.com in 2012, has been thoughtfully republished to continue inspiring and informing readers .