dental assisting in gap year

[volleyball1616]

Hi,
I wanted to be a dental assistant in my gap year before dental school. However, when i applied with a cover letter that said i would be going to dental school in a year, i received no calls back. I had applied to about 30 jobs. Then, i applied to 30 more with a vague cover letter that did not mention dental school and i have received 4 places that are interested within only 2 days. I think i am going to receive an offer for one of the jobs. They are really nice and are looking for something long term since they said the position is really involved and takes 6 months (paid) training. I feel guilty for taking the job if i know i am going to leave but its a really great job and i would love doing it. Should i tell them, or not take the job, or not tell them? Thought and opinions are appreciated.

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[doc toothache]

Hi,
I wanted to be a dental assistant in my gap year before dental school. However, when i applied with a cover letter that said i would be going to dental school in a year, i received no calls back. I had applied to about 30 jobs. Then, i applied to 30 more with a vague cover letter that did not mention dental school and i have received 4 places that are interested within only 2 days. I think i am going to receive an offer for one of the jobs. They are really nice and are looking for something long term since they said the position is really involved and takes 6 months (paid) training. I feel guilty for taking the job if i know i am going to leave but its a really great job and i would love doing it. Should i tell them, or not take the job, or not tell them? Thought and opinions are appreciated.

You mean you are unclear when you should start acting professionally?

 

[2TH MVR]

The simple answer is you would be deceiving them by taking the job. An employer spends lots of money and time to find and train the right employee. This is not a game to them.

 

[Lau Sang]

Honestly, if i was the dentist that hired you and it turned out you were applying after 6 months of paid training, I would personally call up every dental school and let them know how deceiving you are. Unless you let me write your letter, in which case I would just write all that in there.

 

[socal6]

OP, it’s unprofessional. If the situation were reversed and you were a practice owner, how would you feel if a student wasted your time? Keep searching or find something else to do.

Also as s****y as it is to waste someone’s time, I would never go out of my way to hurt someone’s career @Lau Sang. I would also hope that there are better things for me to do as a healthcare professional, like focus on providing good care, than be vengeful.