The Dental Hacks Podcast

In this episode of the Very Dental Student Podcast, host Mohamed Abo-Basha and Dr. Alan Mead discuss his journey through the fall semester of his D4 year. We discuss Mo's recent experiences with dental boards and externships as he approaches graduation. Mo shares that the dental boards have recently changed, moving away from live patient exams to mannequin-based clinical testing (Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics already completed, Operative to follow) and computer-based written boards. He expresses that this change is a positive step ethically. Clinically, Mo is nearing completion of his requirements, only needing a few more Scaling and Root Planing (SRP) cases. He also details his externships, which provided valuable experience in high-volume operative and extraction procedures at a low-fee clinic and a mobile unit, significantly boosting his speed and confidence in procedures like administering anesthesia and performing quick, effective patient exams. Looking ahead, his final semester will primaril