Life as a dental student is all about balance. For me, there’s the academic side—full of exams, lab work, and lectures—and then there’s the social media side, where I share my journey, throw in some dental puns, and occasionally wonder if caffeine can be counted as a meal. The question I get asked most: How do I manage it all without my teeth grinding down from stress? (Spoiler: it’s touch and go!)
The truth is, juggling dental school with a side of social media can feel like a balancing act worthy of a tightrope walker. But over time, I’ve found a rhythm that keeps me both grounded in my studies and connected with a community who loves dental content just as much as I do. So, here’s my approach to making it all work—and trust me, it’s a lot like balancing a crown: sometimes it fits perfectly, and other times… well, let’s just say I’ve learned to laugh at myself.
1. “Homework first, memes later”
My rule of thumb is simple: get through the serious stuff—classwork, clinical prep, and studying—before diving into social media. This means scheduling posts for those rare windows of free time, usually when I’m not buried in content or prepping for the next big exam. After all, no one wants a dentist that can differentiate Instagram filters but not different shades of enamel!
Pro tip: some library cubicles have great lighting for reels; so maybe after finishing a lecture, reward yourself by filming a quick story-time.
2. Content creation = Creative rejuvenation
For me, social media isn’t just a task on a to-do list—it’s a chance to unwind. Whether I’m filming a “day in the life” or offering study tips that worked for me, content creation has become my creative outlet. It’s a way to reflect on what I’m learning, poke fun at the daily grind, and even remind myself why I chose this path in the first place.
One of my favorite parts? Sharing DAT review scores or showing progress on wax-up reviews. When I post my goals or progress, I’m not just putting it out there for others—I’m keeping myself accountable. I’ll post an update on my story, then follow up with how it actually went. It’s a great way to gauge my limits, stay motivated, and maybe even inspire someone else in the process.
3. Building a dental dream team online
One of the best parts of sharing my journey has been connecting with fellow dental students, future dentists, and people who just love a good teeth-whitening hack. (Yes, I get asked about that a lot!) The support and humor from this community have kept me going and turned late-night study sessions into something a little less lonely.
Connecting with others online has also given me a support network I never knew I needed. Dental school is challenging, and sometimes, knowing that there are others going through the same sleepless nights and caffeine binges can make all the difference. It’s like having a virtual study group that doubles as a cheerleading squad.
So, can you really balance it all?
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to juggle studies, patients, and social media, the answer is yes—with a little humor, a lot of caffeine, and a great support system (I love you mom). I like to think of it as an exercise in resilience and creativity. There are days when I wonder how much more I can squeeze into 24 hours, but then I remember that it’s all part of the journey I signed up for.
At the end of the day, it’s my hope that sharing these moments can show others that they’re not alone in the crazy balancing act. Whether you’re a fellow student, a dentist, or someone just curious about life in the dental field, I hope my story can inspire you to pursue your goals fearlessly. After all, if I can make it through a busy day and still find time to laugh about it, so can you!
About the Author
Mony Madlol is a first-year dental student and Class President for the DDS Class of 2028 at Schulich. Follow him on Instagram (@moony.dentistry) and TikTok (@mony.dentistry).