So, it’s been nearly three months since I re-entered the hallowed halls of higher education to participate in a two-year program in Dental Implantology at the NYU College of Dentistry where I’m studying the theoretical and practical aspects of the surgical preparation and placement of dental implants.

I had originally thought to report on my “back to school” experience around midterm time. But, here we are with just days until Thanksgiving and Christmas break being a mere three weeks away. Wow, Christmas break! Now that’s certainly a throwback to days gone by. But not anymore! I’m a student again and I’m LOVING IT!

What I originally conceived to be an opportunity for professional development has blossomed into an unexpected adventure that has infused me with a sense of AWE and WONDER. I am in awe that I’m actually doing this; going to school one day a week (listening to lectures and acquiring new surgical skills), getting up early each morning to read textbook assignments and various research papers (yellow highlighter in hand), and preparing Power Point presentations of my implant patients prior to performing the actual surgery (never knew from Power Point presentations until now!).

I am filled with wonder because I’m completely fascinated by what I am learning and I’m enthralled by the open exchange of ideas and support by all involved. I am decidedly older than the other participants by a good twenty years. In fact, I am older than most of the faculty! But I kid you not when I say that I have the biggest grin on my face as I sit in the lecture hall or “dance” around the clinic taking it all in (and getting faculty to sign off on the numerous procedures performed.)

In as much as I tower over everyone, I may as well be smiling.  (I’d rather be a lighthouse beacon shedding some brightness as opposed to a large (make that huge) wallflower casting an even larger shadow). I feel motivated to be an active part of the program and be invigorated by the process of learning.  I’m not sure where I heard the expression “the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know.” but that’s exactly what I’m experiencing. Well, one can never know it all, but I am inspired to keep expanding my knowledge.

I was told by one of the deans at NYU that this program would change my life.  I think he may be right. It certainly has added a bounce to my step:

Of course, when you create your own report card, you can say whatever you want!

Dr. Michael Sinkin is a NYC dentist that has been in practice for over two decades. He truly cares about the experience his patients have and takes great pride in making them feel relaxed and comfortable during every visit. Come in for an appointment and experience a different kind of dental practice. To find out more about Dr. Sinkin, please click here.