Dental Assistant Job - Your thoughts

[MrBeans]

In the event that I have to wait a year (because of rejection) or even if I get accepted right off the bat, do you think that it would be advantageous to try and get a job as a paid dental assistant?

In my region dental assistants do not need certificates to get hired and perform their duties, although it may be preferred.

Do you think it would be to my advantage? Do you think I would pick up some 'good' techniques and practice?

Do you think it would be appropriate to just walk into a clinic and solicit myself?

Any thoughts, opinion, or advice would be appreciated. 🙂

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[Baylor2011]

I was hired as a sterilization tech/assistant (assistant was whenever the other certified assistants were busy), and it was a great opportunity. As long as you work with a dentist who really does care and enjoys his job, you'll learn the procedures like the back of your hand, as well as anything else they want to teach you. The dentist I worked for would often quiz me over certain things during the procedure and what not, and would often ask me what I would do next, or how to apply pressure when performing an extraction, etc. You really do learn a whole lot, and I'm sure it's going to be extremely beneficial in dental school. At the same time, I'm not sure if it'd give you a greater chance of being admitted to DS, so I'm almost apt to say just get a job where you can make the most money - but on the other hand, if you want some experience "kind-of" in the dentist seat, then go for it, I loved it.

Didn't see your last comment, you may go into a dental office and just say you'll do whatever they need, and throw in that you're a DS applicant, and would love the opportunity to get some assistant seat time to learn the procedures. I think if you go in asking for an assistant job without the certification, you won't get many calls back.

 

[MrBeans]

I was hired as a sterilization tech/assistant (assistant was whenever the other certified assistants were busy), and it was a great opportunity. As long as you work with a dentist who really does care and enjoys his job, you'll learn the procedures like the back of your hand, as well as anything else they want to teach you. The dentist I worked for would often quiz me over certain things during the procedure and what not, and would often ask me what I would do next, or how to apply pressure when performing an extraction, etc. You really do learn a whole lot, and I'm sure it's going to be extremely beneficial in dental school. At the same time, I'm not sure if it'd give you a greater chance of being admitted to DS, so I'm almost apt to say just get a job where you can make the most money - but on the other hand, if you want some experience "kind-of" in the dentist seat, then go for it, I loved it.

Didn't see your last comment, you may go into a dental office and just say you'll do whatever they need, and throw in that you're a DS applicant, and would love the opportunity to get some assistant seat time to learn the procedures. I think if you go in asking for an assistant job without the certification, you won't get many calls back.

Thanks for the advice and input, Baylor!

I was kind of thinking the same thing that you suggested about getting a "paying job" instead of volunteering; I think the adcoms value this more.

While I have a small paying job right now, I've been trying to get another one. It's so darn hard to get a job in this economy!

I've made it to the interview phase, but I've never been able to successfully land the job. Part of my problem stems from the fact that I am applying to educational institutions for various positions. Being former staff of a university, it seems there is A LOT of nepotism within educational institutions.

Maybe I have to branch out to business, or something else.

 

[erk005]

I am doing this right now. I did not get in to a dental school, so I am trying to work at a dental school as an assistant. I hope it will help me get in!

 

[MrBeans]

I am doing this right now. I did not get in to a dental school, so I am trying to work at a dental school as an assistant.

Did you walk in and inquire if you could work/volunteer at the school?

Or did the school have a position posting, or program opportunity?