Go comprehensive?
Starting Clinical Rotations at NYU
It was the day we started shadowing the seniors in the clinics at NYU. The place was buzzing with students and patients, almost like a busy marketplace! That might be an odd comparison, but that’s exactly how it felt—alive with activity. The professors were huddled in one corner, looking as if they had their running shoes on, ready to jump from one student to another to offer guidance. Each wore a name tag, and they were a diverse group—general dentists, prosthodontists, periodontists, endodontists, and orthodontists. They were all gathered in one place, and I wondered, “How can that help?”
A Mentor’s Guidance and First Clinical Observation
I had a wonderful mentor—confident and full of knowledge. She guided me around the clinic and had a patient to treat during one of the sessions, giving me the chance to observe. Even before the patient arrived, she had everything set up herself and had a clear treatment plan ready. This was her patient’s second visit. She had diagnostic models, radiographs (all eighteen plus a PAN!), and a structured treatment approach. Additionally, she had the available payment plans on hand. This was my first time witnessing an actual procedure in dental school.
Comprehensive Treatment Planning at NYU
She greeted her patient warmly. After completing a prophylaxis, she presented the treatment plan. She had a well-thought-out plan for every single tooth requiring attention. This patient needed comprehensive care, which meant addressing multiple concerns. She had consulted with the periodontist, prosthodontist, and endodontist to ensure the patient was informed of the risk-benefit options. She outlined two plans—one “ideal” and the other “realistic.” Understanding that payment is always a concern for patients, she discussed all the available financial options, ensuring comfort and clarity. Now, she could proceed with the necessary treatment while also following up on the outcomes. The beauty of the system was that all specialist faculty were readily available to assist the students. This is when I realized why the periodontists, prosthodontists, and endodontists were present on the clinic floor—the faculty came to the students, not the other way around.
Comparing Dental Education Systems: NYU vs. India
Immediately, my mind raced to compare the two worlds I had experienced!
In my senior year in India, I spent two months in each department. The entire year was structured around rotations—two months in oral surgery, followed by two months in oral medicine and radiology, then restorative dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and orthodontics. This meant focusing solely on one specialty at a time, only to switch and potentially lose touch with those skills in the subsequent months. I often wondered if there was a better way to practice dentistry throughout the year without losing focus on diagnosis. I never had a single patient to call my own, nor did I have the chance to follow up on my treatments. Instead, I moved from department to department, learning dentistry in isolated segments. When could I truly apply my skills? Only after graduation.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Indian Dental System
The advantage of the Indian system was that I became a highly skilled technician. By the end of my oral surgery rotation, I could confidently extract teeth. I mastered restorations with ease. However, in real-world practice, I wouldn’t have different departments handling treatment planning for me—I had to do it myself. I had to put the pieces of the puzzle together after graduation, which could be an overwhelming task. I didn’t feel complete. Comprehensive dentistry at NYU changed that. I learned to plan ahead and gained confidence in answering crucial patient questions like, “What happens if I don’t get this treatment?” and “Why this option instead of another?”
A Better Approach to BDS Education
If I could redo my BDS, I would build a strong network of friends across departments. I would collaborate with them to track a patient’s treatment journey—gathering information from the first visit, creating a structured treatment plan, and ensuring the patient received necessary care. This approach would have given me a clearer understanding of how effective my treatment planning skills were, even within the existing system.
Author: Dr. Meenakshi Umapathy, a dedicated General Dentist, embarked on her professional journey in India before expanding her horizons in the United States. She earned her Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the esteemed New York University College of Dentistry and now specializes in pediatric dentistry in Indiana. Since 2017, she has been a valued practitioner at Monarch Dental, bringing her expertise and compassionate care to young patients.
Through her evocative narratives, Dr. Umapathy shares her rich experiences practicing in both India and the U.S., offering profound insights into the evolving landscape of dentistry. Her blog, originally published on DentistryUnited.com in 2012, has been thoughtfully republished, ensuring that her wisdom continues to educate and inspire dental professionals and enthusiasts alike.