Getting the most out of student membership at the library
You can save time and money by becoming a student member because you get access to an extensive dental library.
I became a member this last year, so I did not have access to the library for the first few years of dental school. Sometimes at other libraries it can be challenging to get hold of specific dental books and then you end up buying them, so I am glad I joined. The library is great because it is dedicated to dentistry with a wide range of books available.
Physical and online resources I used at the library
The librarians will post resources out to you for free, and after you have finished reading them you just cover the return postage costs. Using this method I have borrowed books and copies of the BDJ, and I have never actually been to the library in person.
As for online resources, I have used eBooks, and the online versions of BDJ Student and BDJ In Practice. I search for specific journals in order to research topics such as clinical dentistry, caries management, tooth replacement, and niche areas for essays. Planning for the future after I qualify, I had a quick look at some of the CPD eBooks too. There is a literature search function at the library too, although I have used my university library for this instead up until now.
Some of the most useful resources I have borrowed
Considering the physical books, “Master Dentistry” was very useful. There is a good amount of detail about certain areas of dentistry, but it is also concise when necessary. It is split into two volumes covering different subjects such as maxillofacial surgery and restorative dentistry. There was an eBook on orthodontics published by Oxford University Press that was on our university reading list and was really helpful core reading.
Becoming a member has proven to be an invaluable resource during my time at dental school.
Tips for student library members
I really recommend that people explore the library and take time to do it. Once you are a member, there are some additional steps to joining the library. It is not immediate, the staff set you up with eBook and online catalogue logins the week after you join, so keep an eye out for their emails. When you need to know whether a book is available the librarians are helpful and responsive to emails. They also update you on when books you are interested in will be coming, how long you can keep them, and information about renewals. I understand that if you speak to the librarians they can carry out searches for you based on your interests which is very appealing, and I might try that out in the future.
Becoming a member has proven to be an invaluable resource during my time at dental school. The dedicated dental library offers access to an extensive range of physical and online resources that have supported my studies and broadened my understanding of various dental topics. Whether you need specific textbooks, journals, or are simply exploring areas of interest, the library's offerings are both comprehensive and conveniently accessible. I highly recommend that other students take full advantage of this resource, as it can save time, money, and greatly enhance your academic experience.