Ever wondered what it's really like to be a dental student at UAB? Meet Macey Neal, a friendly and engaged D2 student who also serves as her class communications liaison. An Auburn University graduate in Biomedical Sciences (pre-dentistry), Macey spills the beans on her journey, challenges, and what makes dental school an exciting adventure.
Why did you choose dentistry?
It's kind of ironic. Genetically, I have very weak teeth. As a kid and as a teenager, I did what I was supposed to take care of my teeth, but it didn't matter. I still had to have a lot of dental work done including a lot of fillings and a root canal. When I was in my early twenties, I even received a dental implant. You don't really see many 20-year-olds with dental implants. Essentially, I spent a lot of time at the dentist office as I was growing up. These appointments would sometimes take a long time and over time I became interested in the process. I would hear the dental teams talk about the treatment plans. It was so complicated, yet intriguing to me, even when I was young. I feel like most kids just received a teeth cleaning and then would leave. For me, I would start asking questions when I showed up, even if it was just for regular cleaning, I'd start asking them what they were doing. What did they see on my x-rays? What it all meant. So, in a way, I had a lot of first-hand experience with some things that I've learned now in dental school.
Why choose UAB School of Dentistry?
Well, most of my family have careers in health care. I'm the only one that chose dentistry. Growing up in Dothan, it is such a healthcare hub. There are two massive hospitals, and pretty much every single one of my health care providers, including my dentists, were from UAB. All of them excelled in their professions and it kind of set the standard of excellence in which I associate UAB with.
What has been your favorite thing about the school?
Definitely the people in my class. I think some dental schools can be overly competitive with one another, but with my class, we’re like a little family. I'm grateful for the people in my class. I feel like I can go to anybody for help. It’s very much a collaborative team environment.
What is the most important thing you've learned so far?
When I first started here, I asked Jacob Martin, one of last year’s graduates, what his number one piece of advice would be for anybody coming into a program like this. He said one word: “Adapt.” And that really stuck out to me. I'm a creature of habit. Naturally, I’m scared to undergo a lot of quick and intense changes, but that’s exactly what dental school is. You’re constantly learning things you've never done before, and you must pick up on it quick. I've never made a denture before but I'm learning now, and I've never done a filling before but I'm learning now. I think even if it's something as simple as changing your study habits or routine, adapting is important here. What worked in undergrad, maybe doesn't work now. Being prepared to change and change successfully is really important.
Who has made an impact on your dental education?
I think most of the faculty and staff have impacted me in great and different ways. Dr. Dengler is great at providing guidance and clarity throughout our clinical integration. Dr. Gummadi also stands out for me because she is so particular about what she expects, but in a good way. She is someone who upholds the standard of excellence within UAB School of Dentistry. She not only tells us how to do certain things, but she also tells us why we're doing it, and how to get to where we need to be.
What’s your perspective on your second year of dental school?
My D2 year has been one of confidence. It’s interesting to see the direct results of what you learned in your first year. I remember when I first started doing preps, it took me forever. They did not look good. But now, I come in, sit down, and can do it successfully. I’ve developed my skills and have been instilled with confidence, which makes me feel better about becoming a D3.
What advice do you have for future or prospective students?
Celebrate yourself. I think that the undergrad experience of trying to apply to dental school can be difficult. You’re focused on having a good application, and then you apply, and you're focused on getting your application finalized. You start focusing on landing the interview, and then you're focused on doing good on your interview to get in. When you get in your focused on doing well to stay in. I feel like throughout that process, it was just such a whirlwind that you forget to recognize what you’ve accomplished. I would say to just stop, take a minute, and breathe. Understand it's okay to make mistakes and think about the talent and skill set you possess that got you to where you are now. Once you get in, it's not a coincidence, you must remember that you have what it takes to be here.
Final thoughts
In a general, I really love being at UAB. It has offered me an opportunity for me to learn in every aspect. I haven’t just learned in the classrooms, labs, or clinics. I’ve learned how to communicate with people and how to work as a team with my classmates. For that, I am grateful.