EMT Cert

[free99]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I got my EMT-B cert after I graduated college and started in on the pre-reqs; at the time I wasn't sure which path I wanted to go down, medicine or dental. I rode with my local ambulance squad (all volunteer) a bit, but this eventually got pushed to side by academics and my other job (that pays me). While time is certainly not in abundance this coming semester, I'm considering getting back involved with them. I live in a small town and being involved in the community is important to me.

I'm wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and how adcoms reacted to it? I don't want it to appear as if I'm prepping myself for a back-up plan, if I don't get into dental school when I apply next cycle.

 

[wo5678]

I got my EMT-B cert after I graduated college and started in on the pre-reqs; at the time I wasn't sure which path I wanted to go down, medicine or dental. I rode with my local ambulance squad (all volunteer) a bit, but this eventually got pushed to side by academics and my other job (that pays me). While time is certainly not in abundance this coming semester, I'm considering getting back involved with them. I live in a small town and being involved in the community is important to me.

I'm wondering if anyone else has been in a similar situation and how adcoms reacted to it? I don't want it to appear as if I'm prepping myself for a back-up plan, if I don't get into dental school when I apply next cycle.

any kind of volunteer work looks good. Just because you want to be a dentist, it doesn't mean that it is the only thing in life you care about. If you really care about being involve in your community, I think you should do it.

I have tons of EC's not relating to dentistry and adcoms liked it. Just make sure you have enough dental shadowing on your application.

 

[stewwars]

I applied this cycle, and had two pre Dec 3 interviews. I was accepted to one on Dec 3, my top choice in state school. I have worked as an EMT Basic for several years for an ALS level service (paid thankfully). In the interview and my personal statement I emphasized the hands on patient care, working with the community and treating patients aspects of the job. They seemed to like this. Not everyone can work as a dental assistant or something else in the dental field while in school. I would say anything patient care related is also good.
My situation is a bit different, since I worked as an EMT pretty much throughout undergrad. That experience along with a CNA class let me know that I wanted to work in healthcare, but not necessarily as a nurse or a lot of medical specialties. Hence I'm going to be a dentist. This seemed to answer the "why dental" question pretty well.
Like the other responder (is that Mozart? I know it is a composer not quite sure which one) said do shadowing and volunteer if possible in dental related activities. Other ec's look good too. Long story short I would not worry about looking like you are trying to have a back up plan. Hope this helps.

 

[bchurchmanpac]

I agree with the above posts, any health care experience is a plus. I had a similar path, working as a Paramedics full time through undergrad before pursuing grad school then finally dental school. It is well received as long as you can describe how it affected your decision to enter dentistry and your ability to interact with people.
I would say my experiences certainly opened my eyes to an utter lack of oral health care to the uninsured and underinsured.

 

[Athaloo]

Add phlebotomy or IV skills, and you can also show hand dexterity experience.