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Wellness is one of ASDA’s top priorities as it’s in the best interest of you and your patients if you are the most well version of yourself. ASDA Wellness is centered around five dimensions that strongly influence the dental student experience. Click on each dimension below to learn more and access related resources from peers and subject matter experts.
Emotional Wellness

Emotional Wellness

 

Emotional wellness concerns your ability to express your feelings, cope with stress, maintain satisfying relationships and deal with conflict. It encompasses optimism, self-esteem and self-acceptance. It involves cultivating a positive attitude, while also being attentive to your negative feelings. 

Dental school is stressful and can feel overwhelming. If you’re struggling, reach out to someone you trust and ask for help to get connected to the right resources.  

What can you do?

Meditate or practice mindfulness.  | Learn to say no.  | Maintain realistic goals and expectations.  | Express your anger in a constructive way.  | Laugh freely.  | Surround yourself with positive people.  | Talk to someone when you struggle with your feelings.  | Practice your faith.

Dental student insights:
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Physical Wellness

Physical WellnessPhysical wellness promotes proper care of your body for optimal health and functioning. It involves routinely carrying out behaviors that have a significant impact on your wellness like routine check-ups, a balanced diet and exercise, while avoiding destructive habits such as tobacco, drugs and alcohol. 

What can you do?

Eat homemade meals and avoid fast food.  | Add regular exercise to your daily or weekly routines.  | Get at least six hours of sleep per night.  | Take the stairs instead of the elevator.  | Get regular check-ups. | Moderate your alcohol intake.

Dental student insights:
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Intellectual Wellness

Intellectual WellnessIntellectual wellness encourages us to engage in creative and mentally stimulating activities. It involves actively participating in educational, cultural and community events and combining life lessons with those learned in the classroom. It’s about nurturing curiosity and lifelong learning. 

What can you do?

Read books for fun.  | Play trivia and board games.  | Visit a museum or art gallery.  | Take up a craft or hobby. | Listen to music or play an instrument.  | Take a new route home.  | Attend a lecture on a topic that’s new to you.

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Occupational Wellness

Occupational WellnessOccupational wellness entails seeking personal satisfaction and enrichment while being fully engaged in your work. It refers to developing work-life balance, managing working relationships and having enthusiasm for your job. It also means constantly developing the skills required to do your work well.

What can you do?

Attend networking events with colleagues.  | Find a mentor or become a mentor.  | Maintain open dialogue with colleagues.  | Explore volunteer opportunities that interest you. | Seek out professional development opportunities.

Dental student insights:

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Financial Wellness

Financial Wellness ImageManaging finances during dental school can feel overwhelming, especially while balancing tuition, living expenses and daily responsibilities. Financial wellness is not about having unlimited money, it’s about building long-term habits that build stability and peace of mind. It includes understanding how to budget, save, and manage expenses so you can reach your current and future goals  

What can you do?

Take advantage of student discounts. | Set short-term savings goals. | Create and stick to a monthly budget. | Monitor your credit score. | Seek out resources from your university’s financial aid office about available scholarships and loans. | Consult with an expert, such as a financial advisor. 

Dental student insights:
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