Written by: Carter Bedinghaus
When I first stepped into dental school, I knew I was embarking on a journey that would challenge me both personally and professionally. Now, as I reflect on how far I’ve come, I’m amazed by the transformation I’ve undergone—not just in my clinical skills but in my confidence as a future dentist. Dental school has been a beautiful journey of ups and downs. I have both struggled and succeeded, never losing the fire that keeps me going.
One of the most rewarding aspects of this journey has been seeing my hard work in the simulation lab translate into real patient care. Before transitioning to clinical care, we focus on the technical precision of our preparations on plastic teeth. I’ll admit, it took me longer than most of my peers to develop my hand skills.
However, I’m very glad it encouraged me to practice more often. At the time, it was difficult and, at times, frustrating. But looking back now, those long nights were some of the most fun in my life. Because I was forced to practice so often during my preclinical years, I now feel ready to face anything that comes my way.
In the operatory, I’ve learned that every patient presents unique challenges. No two cases are ever the same. One of the most fascinating parts of dentistry is that there is never just one solution. In the clinics, every preceptor offers a different approach, giving me new tools and ways of thinking that I carry forward with each new challenge. The lessons I’ve learned in patient care extend far beyond clinical technique—they’ve taught me adaptability, empathy, and the importance of good communication.
I remember one of my very first patients. He came into the clinic very concerned about what he described as “a big hole in my tooth.” He was referring to a large carious mesiofacial lesion on tooth #7. I knew immediately that he was embarrassed by the way he looked.
The restoration was extremely close to the pulp, requiring both technical precision and a careful explanation to the patient about potential risks. When we finished, he looked in the mirror, smiled, and sincerely thanked me for giving him his confidence back. That moment reaffirmed why I love dentistry—it’s not just about fixing teeth; it’s about restoring self-esteem and improving lives.
Another case that stands out in my journey to becoming a dentist involved a patient who came in with severe pain and needed an extraction.
Relieving their discomfort and watching their gratitude unfold was an incredible feeling. I was also able to place a bone graft into the socket so the patient could one day receive an implant—something I never imagined having the opportunity to do as a dental student.
These experiences have been full-circle moments, proving that all the challenging cases and hours of practice in the sim lab have been worth it. At the same time, they remind me that I have so much more to learn. My interest in the product side of dentistry has shown me that there is an untapped world of innovations that can help dentists achieve the highest quality of patient care. I had no idea there were so many options available to help dentists deliver their best to their patients. In the future, I can’t wait to try different products to see what works best for me. Perhaps I’ll even create my own one day.
Beyond patient care, I’ve also been diving into the foundations of running a small business through my coursework at LECOM. Understanding the business side of dentistry is just as crucial as clinical excellence. Learning about financial management, leadership, and the operational aspects of running a practice has reinforced my long-term vision of becoming not only a skilled dentist but also a successful business owner. I was thrilled to learn from experts across various business sectors who came in to lecture to my class.
In addition to my clinical and academic journey, my involvement in organized dentistry has been a defining part of my experience. As the current president of our chapter of the American Student Dental Association, I have had the privilege of leading and advocating for my peers. This past year, I was honored to represent my school at the Florida Dental Association Annual Meeting.
After that meeting, I felt incredibly motivated to advocate for my profession. One of my most exciting opportunities ahead is leading a group of students to Washington, D.C., to represent LECOM during ADA Dentist and Student Lobby Day. I am eager to engage in discussions that will help shape the future of our profession and ensure that students have a voice in important policy decisions.
For my clinical future, I am currently preparing my application for pediatric dentistry residency programs. My passion for working with children, combined with my love for leadership and service, makes this the ideal path for me. I look forward to one day treating special needs patients, diving into hospital dentistry, and introducing my patients to the ever-improving world of dentistry. I envision a future where I can make a lasting impact—not just on my patients but on the profession as a whole.
My third year of dental school has been a year of firsts. I’ve completed my first extraction, my first filling, my first crown, and so much more. Learning on the job has been tough, but I feel that I have made huge strides in my clinical skills. My journey thus far has been filled with challenges, successes, and lessons that I carry with me each day. But most of all, it has been incredibly rewarding. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that growth comes from pushing beyond comfort zones, embracing both wins and setbacks, and always staying open to learning. I can’t wait to see where the road ahead takes me.
