letter of rec from dentist necessary?

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dthiem20

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Hey guys
I used to shadow a dentist about a year ago but I stopped shadowing to focus on my grades
Since its been almost a year its kinda hard to ask him for a letter of rec
Do I really need a letter from dentist?
 
Yep, you really do. I got a letter from a dentist with 1+ years after shadowing him, and it wasn't awkward at all.

However, don't just shoot him the line, "can you write me a letter of rec?" Ask how he has been, give him an update on what you've been doing since you last saw him, and tell him you would value his statement in your application. He'd probably be happy to do it.
 
Yes. At most schools, it is necessary.

Sent from my MB860 using SDN Mobile
 
it isn't ''necessary'' for most schools, but some actually require verification.

i would still try to get one though
 
I approached the dentist I shadowed nearly 3 years after. I told him how caught up in school and work I became and he understood. We met for an hour lunch and I filled him in on things, and he was more than happy to write my letter. I was extremely hesitant to ask him initially, since we hadn't spoke in so long, but it all worked out.

From my experience, a dentist's letter is necessary. I applied to 10 schools and if I recall correctly, around 7-8 of them specifically mentioned a DDS/DMD letter documenting work/shadowing with them.
 
I think every school I am applying to requires one.
 
skybuts said:
Hey guys
I used to shadow a dentist about a year ago but I stopped shadowing to focus on my grades
Since its been almost a year its kinda hard to ask him for a letter of rec
Do I really need a letter from dentist?
Click to expand...

well some dental schools REQUIRE this letter.

Others simply "highly recomment" (obviously, not recommended)
 
What should be written in this letter?
 
Bottle said:
pick dat guy.
Click to expand...

Aside from that? I shadowed 2 dentists because I didn't like my experience at the 1st one. But I did many more hours there before switching. Does the letter from dentist 2 "have" to contain the amount of hours (which is not nearly as many as dentist 1)? If not where else can I put it?
 
Are we allowed to submit letters from two dentists?
 
mklein said:
Aside from that? I shadowed 2 dentists because I didn't like my experience at the 1st one. But I did many more hours there before switching. Does the letter from dentist 2 "have" to contain the amount of hours (which is not nearly as many as dentist 1)? If not where else can I put it?
Click to expand...

You'll list each experience separately along with the hours on your aadsas. In the letter, just have the second one write his hours; most schools want some form of signed sheet/letter for this. Your total hours on your app will be the same.

I was told that my letter mainly discussed what I observed there, my hours, how I helped out, and an assessment of my character. They're not writing a biography. The schools just want to know if a professional sees you as a good fit for the profession. My dentist knew me decently, but he wanted a CV for background info he could mention, I assume. It turned out well, and was mentioned positively at an interview.
 
obeserabbit said:
Are we allowed to submit letters from two dentists?
Click to expand...

Check requirements of your schools of interest. I did 2 science and 2 dentists. It was better for my needs and was fine with all of the schools I applied to. Actually, I dropped 1 school from my list because I wasn't going to go hunting for a non-science letter. Some want an assortment of letters that wouldn't be possible if you had 2 dental letters.
 
jeffity said:
Check requirements of your schools of interest. I did 2 science and 2 dentists. It was better for my needs and was fine with all of the schools I applied to. Actually, I dropped 1 school from my list because I wasn't going to go hunting for a non-science letter. Some want an assortment of letters that wouldn't be possible if you had 2 dental letters.
Click to expand...

👍

I definitely had a few of those assorted-request schools. If you have more than 4 letters, upload your 2 science, 1 dentist and the 4th of your choice. Any school that requires a non-science LOR (assuming you have one), you can mail directly to their school. Several schools needed this done, so I emailed them letting them know, and they confirmed that it was placed in my file without it being a big deal.
 
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