What dental school lessons do you still use today?
Dental school offers four years of lessons both inside and outside the classroom and clinic.
While dentists use the scientific and clinical knowledge they gained every time they care for their patients, other pearls of wisdom can have a substantial impact as they advance in their careers.
Here are what five dentists had to say about valuable lessons they learned during dental school that they still use today.
Alia Osseiran, D.M.D., associate dentist at dental support organization
Winter Haven, Florida
The most valuable lesson I learned during dental school was that no one gets through this alone. As a student, I relied on my study group for motivation, accountability, moments of joy and sometimes snacks. To this day, I text my friends when I'm unsure of a treatment plan. We still talk about struggles outside of the office. Dentistry is a team sport.
Mina Ghorbanifarajzadeh, D.M.D., senior clinical manager at dental artificial intelligence company
Miami
Learn to edit your own work. I used to think this only was for my preps and restorations. I was wrong. Having a critical eye for your work and who you are is the ultimate way to grow, and not just clinically. It’s how you evaluate if your office branding is as you want to be presented, if the lab is providing you the quality final restorations you need to deliver, or how you show up better for your office and yourself. Dentistry is a practice with lessons that apply all through life. Let this be a reminder to edit your life’s work to live a better life.
Kaylee Salesky, D.D.S., partner in dental practice
Kennewick, Washington
A lesson that I learned during dental school that has quite literally changed the path of my career is how to use a DSLR camera to take high-quality pictures of my work. This skill alone has allowed me to grow my practice exponentially through ways of marketing. It’s also given me the opportunity to practice high-level cosmetic dentistry early on in my career. Not only do I get to witness my skills as a dentist progress through the documentation of pictures, but I have seen a significant increase in production by utilizing the photos we take. If you can learn how to be a dentist, you can learn how to use a camera.
Muhalab Al Sammarraie, D.D.S., site dental director at federally qualified health center
Los Angeles
One of the most valuable lessons I learned in dental school is that leadership is a choice, not a title. It comes from vision, belief and the constant drive to elevate yourself and those around you. I realized early on that it’s not the school's name that defines you — it’s your name, consistency and impact that make the school proud to be part of your story. Leadership taught me how to face fear with clarity, how to protect my wellness under pressure, and how to stay grounded when the stakes were high and the path forward uncertain. That same mindset helped me challenge norms with respect and strategy. Those weren’t just achievements; they were proof that you can move systems that once seemed fixed with resilience, precision and purpose. And that’s a lesson I carry into every room I lead today.
McAllister Castelaz, D.M.D., dental policy consultant for state Medicaid program
Madison, Wisconsin
The value of community and meaningful engagement with peers and mentors has been a guiding force throughout my journey in dentistry. During my time at Boston University as a predoc student, I was immersed in a learning environment that encouraged open dialogue around diverse practice philosophies, evidence-based care and continuous self-improvement beyond the operatory. This foundation not only shaped my growth as a clinician but continues to inform my work in dental public health. Whether navigating complex policy decisions or advancing systems-level improvements, I draw upon the collaborative spirit and critical inquiry instilled in me during dental school. Maintaining these connections and embracing a mindset of shared learning remains central to how I approach leadership, mentorship and service in the field today.
