I just came back from Nicaragua where I was able to extract teeth and do restorations as an undergrad. Some people have told me it might not be a good idea to talk about that on my application for dental school because it can be seen as practicing without a license. Is it even worth risking or should I just say I assisted and observed practicing dentists?
Can I Talk About Doing Dentistry In a Foreign Country As an Undergrad In My App?
- Thread starter cpd22
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I am usually the last person to criticize others on this forum for wanting to present themselves in a better way. But what you did is simply not acceptable, regardless of what dental schools think.
It's fine to go on those trips (I did!), it's fine to help with patient management. I won't even criticize you for helping with cleanings. But extractions and restorations?! There is a perfectly capable dentist in the room...let them do it.
Would you want some random person with like a day in training extract your tooth/do a restoration? If you aren't willing to have the same done to you or a loved one how can you do it to others?! If you are willing to have this done to yourself, then that's a problem too.
What's done is done. But please reflect on this. Not only now, but also when your a dentist. Just because you have a piece of paper saying you can practice dentistry, doesn't mean you should. Every case is different and sometimes you will need to refer some cases to someone that is better able to serve the needs of the patient. Even if that means loss of money or admitting you can't handle a specific case.
Sorry if I sound harsh. I'm sure you meant well. It is clear you didn't realize you were doing something wrong by the mere fact you are asking if it's frowned upon.
It's fine to go on those trips (I did!), it's fine to help with patient management. I won't even criticize you for helping with cleanings. But extractions and restorations?! There is a perfectly capable dentist in the room...let them do it.
Would you want some random person with like a day in training extract your tooth/do a restoration? If you aren't willing to have the same done to you or a loved one how can you do it to others?! If you are willing to have this done to yourself, then that's a problem too.
What's done is done. But please reflect on this. Not only now, but also when your a dentist. Just because you have a piece of paper saying you can practice dentistry, doesn't mean you should. Every case is different and sometimes you will need to refer some cases to someone that is better able to serve the needs of the patient. Even if that means loss of money or admitting you can't handle a specific case.
Sorry if I sound harsh. I'm sure you meant well. It is clear you didn't realize you were doing something wrong by the mere fact you are asking if it's frowned upon.
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Obvious troll is obvious...
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Not sure if this is trolling (it's their first post). But if this is not trolling, then no, absolutely not! You cannot put this on your application. It is unethical, and as others said, you should reflect on what you took part in when you were in Nicaragua. Would you let someone without a license extract your teeth? Even if you were in pain? If I was in pain and needed something extracted, I'd still want to go to someone that knew what they were doing.
