Whitney Lynn, ready to complete her spring semester at New York University College of Dentistry, says it’s important to build a solid support system as a first-year dental student to help when doubts arise. Like other dental students, the Connecticut resident always knew she wanted to be involved with dentistry. But the path she took to get there was unconventional as compared to most of her classmates: Lynn earned her undergraduate degree in business.

“My end goal is to run my own practice,” said the 2020 Fairfield University graduate. “Business isn’t a large part of the dental school curriculum. I feel like I have an advantage over my classmates who studied science.”

“We bounced ideas off of each other and helped each other through the application process,” she said. “It was fun to reach out to dental students and admissions representatives to see what they were looking for.”

Only in her first year at New York University College of Dentistry, Lynn already has plans to use her business degree to help her fellow classmates with managing money.

When Lynn chose her major at Fairfield in Connecticut, she knew the end goal was dentistry. During her three years on campus, Lynn founded Fairfield’s first pre-dental club.

It’s never too soon to be a dental mentor

She handed over the club to her successors, but Lynn will be making a return in the fall to speak to them about her dental school experience. Although small, the 10-person pre-dental club became a tight-knit community whose bond lasted beyond graduation.

“I arrived at NYU with an open mind,” Lynn said. “I was a business major.”

Dental school was a huge adjustment.

“I hated it the first few months. I wanted to quit,” she said.

Whitney Lynn, first year dental student at New York University School of Dentistry

With some encouragement from her parents, Lynn pushed through, and now loves the experience.

“If this is what you’re passionate about, don’t give up. It’s only four years.”

Build a solid support system as a first-year dental student

What helped Lynn find her place was finding a great group of friends and focus on mental health.

“They made the world of a difference for me and my experience,” she said. “It helps to have others in the same boat as you that are experiencing the same things.”

No one understands how necessary it is to build a proper support system from the application process through arrival on campus. Because of this, Lynn encourages all aspiring or current dental students to reach out to her on Instagram: @whitthetoothdoc.

“I remember how stressful it was, I would love to try to take the stress away as much as I can.”

Free members-only program includes job placement services for dental students

Learn details about a program that grants members instant free access to a Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA) study guide, free job placement services for personal assistance in connecting with the right post-graduation employment or associateship opportunities and a free subscription to Incisal Edge magazine here.