What are your study tips? 

Charles Sturt University - Shaya Salehi BDS 2 

My main study tip is to identify your own learning style early and optimise around it. For example, I learn best through visual input and active discussion. To apply this, I use resources such as YouTube demonstrations, online articles, and clinical case studies, then reinforce the material by explaining it back to myself as if I am teaching a student — sometimes even using AI as a “pretend learner” to test my clarity. 

I’ve also noticed that lectures, while useful, often feel incomplete or fragmented. To make the material engaging, I supplement them with videos or research into “clinical applications, common complications, and solutions.” For instance, when learning about local anaesthesia, I look beyond the injection technique to explore potential failures, accessory nerve innervation, and how these issues can be managed. 

This approach is especially important in anatomy, where content is often delivered in isolated segments rather than as a holistic system. Asking questions, making connections across topics, and maintaining curiosity are key for me. 

But the most underrated supplement for effective studying in my opinion is quality time with friends.  

What’s one thing you weren't prepared for this year?  

Griffith University - Jye Rajen BDHS 2 

One thing I was not prepared for this year was the transition between the general theory that many of us do in first year to the simulation unit practical labs. I found that in lectures and tutorials, success often comes down to understanding concepts and being able to recall or apply them on paper. In the sim unit, however, I quickly realised that knowing the theory isn’t enough. To be successful, I found that I had to really home in on my hand skills.

At first, it was confronting to see how difficult it is to replicate what seems straightforward in theory. Holding instruments at the right angle, maintaining vision in the mirror, and working in such a confined space all felt unnatural at the start. It’s a very physical type of learning, and progress feels slower and more gradual compared to studying for a written exam.

Even though I wasn’t fully prepared for the challenge, I found that taking photos of my work has really helped me. Though in the moment, I may feel as though my work is not where I want it to be, by taking photos, I can clearly see my progression over time, which I believe is something to still be proud of. The sim lab has pushed me to become more patient with myself and to appreciate how theory and practice must come together to form the foundation of clinical dentistry.

What steps are you taking for your future career?  

The University of Adelaide - Sruthi Gandu BDS 1 

1. Staying curious about our industry is important in ensuring success in the future! I recommend attending university run workshops, dental webinars, and reading online articles as much as you can. This helps foster your passion for dentistry and deepen your enjoyment as you begin working. It also ensures that your knowledge is up to date and that the care you provide your patients is of the highest quality.
2. Get involved! Making the most of opportunities during university allows to you get the most out your tertiary education experience. We encourage you to try going to as many initiatives or social events as possible as the connections you will make during these will last a lifetime and be incredibly beneficial as you begin to join the working community.
3. Learning how to manage studying and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important to get right in university. This will help with the transition from university to working be seamless and improve the longevity of your career. Not to mention this is an important skill for your all aspects of your life.

Tips for reducing stress around exams?  

The University of Syndey - Ben Vu 

Exams in dentistry can be stressful. Here are my top tips to cut down exam stress, boost focus, and keep you feeling steady right through your degree!

Teach a mate: Explaining a topic out loud forces you to organise your thoughts clearly. Before you know it, the nerves will disappear! 

Chunk your study: Long cramming sessions don’t stick. Instead, go for 45–50 minutes of focus, then take a short break. A realistic weekly plan will save you from last-minute panic (Try a calendar app!) 

OSCE game plan: Use structured approaches to stay calm under pressure. Utilising the Phases of Care Framework is a great example (e.g. Urgent, Control, Maintenance, etc.). It even shows examiners a professional and methodical approach! 

Sleep matters: 7-8 hours isn’t wasted time; it’s when your brain files away everything you’ve learned. Swap all-nighters for solid rest and you’ll recall more. 

Reward yourself: Finish a study block? Treat yourself to a coffee, a walk, or an episode of your favourite show. Small wins keep motivation high. 

Perspective check: Exams test your knowledge, not your value as a future clinician. Don’t measure yourself against classmates; you’re all on different journeys. 

Best advice you've received all year?  

The University of Queensland - Mia Brodoway BDSs (Hons) 4 

After a difficult experience with one of my clinical supervisors, I found myself reflecting on it with another. They reminded me that just because someone has experience does not necessarily mean they know how to teach, and one negative experience should not define my entire clinical career. In primary and secondary school, students are encouraged to learn through different methods, and teachers spend years developing the skills to guide students and manage challenges constructively through their degree. In dental school, however, clinical supervisors and lecturers are appointed regardless of formal training in teaching. This means their styles can vary greatly. I was reminded to take the time to appreciate each supervisor’s way of doing things, while also working out what resonates with me and supports my own growth. Most importantly, I learned that a bad day or an outcome that doesn’t go as planned does not make me a bad student; it simply gives me another opportunity to reflect, adapt, and learn. 

Best moment you've experienced all year?  

James Cook University - Christian Leparidis BDS 3 

The best moment was definitely after seeing my first patient. It was the highlight of two pre-clinical years, because seeing that first patient makes everything fall into perspective. It’s very insightful, as it requires a combination of medical and dental understanding, as well as all the vital interpersonal skills we honed. Just a heads up, it’s nothing like the mannequins in the simulation clinic. After direct experience in clinic, the academic content appears much easier, since you can relate to it in practice. In addition to that, having a good support network around you, such as your supervising dentist and DA, really demonstrates the teamwork of dentistry and shows how, even when you feel like you’re in the deep end, you can still remain calm. Enjoy it, every day you are surrounded by your friends, and you get to make an actual difference to your patients. 

Advice you’d give to yourself at the start of dental school?  

The University of Melbourne - Rosa Yang DDS 2 

If I could give myself advice at the start of dental school, I’d say this: there will be moments when you question yourself, whether you’re good enough, whether you belong here, or whether you can keep up. When that happens, persevere. The challenges are real, but so is your ability to push through them. 

I’d also remind myself not to go through it alone. Find your people, build a support network, and lean on each other. Dental school can feel overwhelming, but sharing the highs and lows makes it manageable and far more rewarding. Help your peers, celebrate their successes, and remember it is not a competition. You are all on the same path to becoming dentists who put patient-centred care first. 

Finally, keep sight of the bigger picture. The exams, labs, and late nights are temporary, but the skills and values you are building will shape the kind of clinician you become. Trust the process, trust yourself, and do not forget to enjoy the journey along the way. 

One thing that surprised you the most?  

La Trobe University - Rohan Ahsan BDSc (Hons) 2 

One thing that has surprised me regarding academics is how everything has started to click. In first year, it was difficult to understand why we were learning topics such as action potentials, histology, and embryology. However, over the past year and a half of dental school, this knowledge has developed and connected with other concepts. When learning about local anaesthetics, cariology, periodontology, and pharmacology, everything has begun to piece together, making dentistry feel more familiar. Additionally, applying some of these concepts in our pre-clinical sessions—whether through case-based learning or practicing local anaesthetic techniques on each other—has required us to use our knowledge in real scenarios. Ultimately, although it can sometimes be difficult to see the purpose of certain topics in dental school, rest assured that everything has its place and plays a pivotal role in your development as a dental practitioner. 

How did you build your confidence working with patients?  

The University of Western Australia - Sandra Lim DMD 2 

The transition in DMD2 from simulation lab to clinic was both exciting and daunting, but it has been an important step in building my confidence with patients. I’ve found that a big part of confidence comes from trusting the knowledge and skills I already have, while also recognising that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process. Preparing beforehand by reviewing a patient’s medical history and previous treatment has also helped reduce uncertainties and made me feel more in control. I’ve gained a lot by observing others, whether it’s peers, senior students, or dentists, as this exposure has made the clinical workflow feel more familiar. I’ve also learned not to hesitate in asking for guidance from tutors and colleagues, which has reassured me when I felt unsure. Most importantly, developing clear and empathetic communication with patients has not only improved their experience but has also strengthened my own confidence in the clinical setting.