Question from a pre-dent: Work as a DA or a market research analyst?

hs113891 · Jun 25, 2009

Hey guys!
So I'm a pre-dent trying to get into dental school. I've just ran into a dillemma and would like your opinions.

I'm currently working as a market research analyst for a commercial real estate company. I've been working for here about 10 months now. I know this is nothing related to dentistry, but I recently decided that dentistry is the right option for me.

Last week, I walked into a dental office to see if I can find a job as a dental assistant. The doctor said that he's willing to train me and eventually hire me for a full time position.

So it seems like I'll have to choose between the two jobs... work as a dental assistant or continue working in commercial real estate. Which one do you think is better when it comes to admission to dental school?

I know that working as a dental assistant will really prepare me for the hands on experience and the admission committee will probably like that, but some have told me that the purpose of shadowing is not "on the job training", and since working in commercial real estate is something different and unique, it might be a good idea to stay in commercial real estate...

What do you guys think? I'd greatly appreciate your honest opinion and advices!

Lurchdubious · Jun 25, 2009

I'm guessing your current job pays better than assisting would? I'd stay with your job and just rack up a bunch more shadowing hrs at various practices. Or, if it's an option, maybe a part-time assisting job while keeping your current job?

hs113891 · Jun 25, 2009

Well actually there's not a whole lot of difference in the pay. Yeah part time would be ideal.
So i guess that means working as a DA would be better as far as admission to dental schools is concerned, is that correct?

Dmessina · Jun 27, 2009

depending on the dentist and the number of assistants working at a particular office it might take a long time for them to let you work full time. Training to become a DA without certification does take a long time... Especially for older dentists who are stuck in their ways and want you to be a step ahead of them in every procedure at all times.

smile101 · Jun 27, 2009

I am just going to tell you what I think...the decision is of course yours.

I don't know how much shadowing experience you had, but a dental assistant job would be undoubtedly helpful to your application. Since you've already worked for real estate for 10 months, why not try assisting at a dental office. If money is not much of a concern and if you want to be more acquainted with dentistry then go ahead and accept a position at a dental office.
On the other hand, I do think that a job as a market reasearch analyst has its advantage. It shows that you know how money works, you are a professional, and you have looked at other possibilities. A dentist interviewing you for admission knows what to expect from a student that has worked as a dental assistant, but he may not know what to expect from a market research analyst, which means that you may be able to hold his interest (which could be beneficial).
My other suggestion is more of a medium ground between the two, thats if you can manage your time well enough to do it. You may continue working as a research analyst while you shadow at different dental offices for few hours a week.

Whatever you do, I wish you all the best!

Question from a pre-dent: Work as a DA or a market research analyst?

hs113891

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Lurchdubious

the Homeless Ninja

hs113891

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Dmessina

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smile101

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