Dental Jobs for Students

[ukgirl]

I was just wondering what kind of dental work experience one has when they are just a "typical" undergrad student (age-wise and no dental qualifications)?

I am finding it really hard to find dental related experiences as a typical student in Michigan and am surprised by the number of people that have had dental office experiences.

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[Bizznet]

I had the same problem and couldn't get actual work in a dental office. I contacted a dentist that my family uses and now he's going to train me to be a dental assistant. At first i'm just going to be working there for free, until i actually learn how to help him.

Hopefully you can try the same thing.

 

[rose786]

It's hard to find such jobs because the dentist would have to train you and many people just don't have the time or patience. I was told that many predents have a tendency to leave once they've been accepted, leaving them scrambling to find a replacement.

That being said, there are jobs out there if you know where to look. Chat up anyone and everyone you know that is associated with dentistry and hope that you luck out. I found my current assisting position in the unlikeliest of places...I was talking with someone who's friend is a hygienist and that person told me of an office where the dentist really enjoys training students. I had applied countless places but it was sheer dumb luck that got me what I wanted. My job isn't anything special (assistant, making $10/hr), but when I have free time the dentist pulls me away from whatever I'm doing to show me "something cool." Try to find an older dentist...for some reason, I've found them to be more willing to teach then younger dentists.

Anyways, I'm rambling. GL

 

[ummjoey]

you dont have to have a dental related job..........

i worked as a tutor and a study group leader.

i got my dental experience working for free as an assistant or just helping out with whatever they needed.

 

[ukgirl]

you dont have to have a dental related job..........

i worked as a tutor and a study group leader.

i got my dental experience working for free as an assistant or just helping out with whatever they needed.

But it is still a good experience to have and discuss on your application because it is another way to show that you know a bit more about what a dental career entails other than through shadowing. I had an interview and the person asked me if I had dental experience other than shadowing and all I could say was a simple no. The vibe after that question for the interview became really weird for me.

 

[ummjoey]

But it is still a good experience to have and discuss on your application because it is another way to show that you know a bit more about what a dental career entails other than through shadowing. I had an interview and the person asked me if I had dental experience other than shadowing and all I could say was a simple no. The vibe after that question for the interview became really weird for me.

i understand what you are saying. but, i didnt just shadow. i did everything a paid assistant did, but i just wasnt paid.

i did shadowing and assisting?

i am just saying some people can start off helping at a dentist office for free. then after a few months when they learned everything, they can ask for a job at that dental office?

 

[dkroner]

It was a little different for me, I had a year off between finishing post-bac and starting NYU (this fall). I work as a dental asst. I just contacted a bunch of offices and told them my story...i have a year, applying to dental school, want to learn and work. I got lucky by getting hired by a dentist that opened her practice 1.5 yrs ago, and needed help. Initially i started cleaning rooms and instruments so the other asst could help her, but then she let me assist and now im doing most of it. A lot of places are so worried about production that they could really use an extra room-cleaner or instrument sterilizer, something that doesnt require any certification. Even now, after working for ~8 months I am not x-ray certified, I just let the other asst or the Dr take xrays.

I am definitely glad i am assisting mostly because after learning, second-hand of course, how to do the procedures im confident about entering school and doing well, im not walking in blind. And it is for that reason it is not enough to shadow...you cant see anything and are not involved. Assisting is like youre right there with them doing the procedure, you know the next step, and you learn how to think about cases and procedures the way the dentist does. With a little handiwork getting-used-to I know i can do any class fillings, definitely extractions, and some single-canal RCT. For me assisting is huge.

Plus it looks great at the interview, and gives you something to talk about. I mentioned that I thought every applicant should assist for a little bit...the interviewer agreed.

 

[Mstoothlady2012]

It was a little different for me, I had a year off between finishing post-bac and starting NYU (this fall). I work as a dental asst. I just contacted a bunch of offices and told them my story...i have a year, applying to dental school, want to learn and work. I got lucky by getting hired by a dentist that opened her practice 1.5 yrs ago, and needed help. Initially i started cleaning rooms and instruments so the other asst could help her, but then she let me assist and now im doing most of it. A lot of places are so worried about production that they could really use an extra room-cleaner or instrument sterilizer, something that doesnt require any certification. Even now, after working for ~8 months I am not x-ray certified, I just let the other asst or the Dr take xrays.

I am definitely glad i am assisting mostly because after learning, second-hand of course, how to do the procedures im confident about entering school and doing well, im not walking in blind. And it is for that reason it is not enough to shadow...you cant see anything and are not involved. Assisting is like youre right there with them doing the procedure, you know the next step, and you learn how to think about cases and procedures the way the dentist does. With a little handiwork getting-used-to I know i can do any class fillings, definitely extractions, and some single-canal RCT. For me assisting is huge.

Plus it looks great at the interview, and gives you something to talk about. I mentioned that I thought every applicant should assist for a little bit...the interviewer agreed.

who did you tell your story to? Did you talk to the receptionist or you actually went to the clinic and spoke to the dentist? I have tried that...they dont let you go talk to the dentist unless you have an appointment ofcourse, therefore I left a resume and letter for the dentist explaining why I need this job. Been to about 20 diff clinics...looking for this job for almost 2 yrs...no luck!

 

[ToothPrincess]

You go to Michigan right? Try talking to some of the prof. In the dental school that have private practices... They should be really sympathetic... I know my mom and other prof are to predents who want to shadow and learn to assist...

 

[Chemiguy]

I just found this thread. I didn't get in last cycle and I am trying to find more dental experience. I don't know it's just me but it seems that a lot of paying dental jobs such as assistant, or receptionist are mainly taken by ladies. I mean I have not seen a dental office where they had a male assistant or receptionist working. I sent my resume to a bunch recently and I made sure to let them know that I am a male pre-dent student. So far I have not gotten one single reply. Does anyone share this experience? I am not saying it's easier for ladies but it seems dental offices prefer girls over boys.
Anyway I am also looking into Dental Lab but again, it's not going too well.
By the way, Does anybody know what it's like to be a dental techinician (salary, work environment, etc)?

 

[amalgamgrillz]

I was just wondering what kind of dental work experience one has when they are just a "typical" undergrad student (age-wise and no dental qualifications)?

I am finding it really hard to find dental related experiences as a typical student in Michigan and am surprised by the number of people that have had dental office experiences.

Well, each office will vary on the specific responsibilities, but some common jobs are:

sterilizing instruments, X-Ray Prep (then a CDA will press the actual button), X-Ray development (pan, ceph, PA) - but most offices are switching to digital X-rays anyway, operatory maintenance (stocking, cleaning, organizing), chair side assisting, impression pour-ups, initial examination/recall assistance (taking notes), doing measurements (incisor display at rest, overbite, overjet etc.), trimming models

basically anything outside of the mouth, you can do.

Alot of offices aren't busy enough or don't have the funds to pay someone to do this type of work. I had to work my way up from volunteering to get my jobs. So you might get lucky if ask for a volunteer position at a higher profile/busier practice, as opposed to the small offices.

good luck.