Extracurriculars as Pre-dental

[deleted1040417]

What are must-have extracurriculars for pre-dental students outside of shadowing? All I've done is volunteer in an underserved free clinic (with medical + nursing students) and food pantry with little shadowing.

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[MGA100]

No specific must-have activities. It is more important to have extracurriculars that you partake in for extended periods of time, such as 6+ months. Adcoms just want to see you commit to something and for a long time. You can't go wrong with dental assisting, this was a huge talking point for all of my interviews. If possible, get your shadowing to at least 100 hours, that is the bare minimum of shadowing for many d-schools. Good luck to you.

 

[deleted1040417]

No specific must-have activities. It is more important to have extracurriculars that you partake in for extended periods of time, such as 6+ months. Adcoms just want to see you commit to something and for a long time. You can't go wrong with dental assisting, this was a huge talking point for all of my interviews. If possible, get your shadowing to at least 100 hours, that is the bare minimum of shadowing for many d-schools. Good luck to you.

How did you go about landing a position in dental assisting? Did you land a part-time opportunity or gap year? I think that's a cool opportunity to get right there in the action and was looking into dental receptionist positions as well, but those are full-time in my area.

Edit: It looks like most dental assistant positions in my area are either looking for graduation from an accredited program or 2 years experience.

 

[MGA100]

I took a course that got me licensed and it was during my gap year. Some dentists do on the spot training for their dental assistants so you just have to keep calling or visit offices to see if it's a possibility. Of course, it would be preferable to hire someone with experience but that is not always possible. Just try your very best to get your foot in the door. If you are certain you want to do a gap year, then consider taking a dental assisting course. I learned sooo much and made incredible connections.

 

[deleted1040417]

I took a course that got me licensed and it was during my gap year. Some dentists do on the spot training for their dental assistants so you just have to keep calling or visit offices to see if it's a possibility. Of course, it would be preferable to hire someone with experience but that is not always possible. Just try your very best to get your foot in the door. If you are certain you want to do a gap year, then consider taking a dental assisting course. I learned sooo much and made incredible connections.

Thank you! I am looking at a gap year and hoping things work out.

 

[tperry24]

Dental schools love seeing leadership positions/ experience. Also any kind of extracurriculars that aren't directly related to dentistry/ science also look good because they show versatility.

 

[deleted1040417]

Dental schools love seeing leadership positions/ experience. Also any kind of extracurriculars that aren't directly related to dentistry/ science also look good because they show versatility.

Unfortunately, I am a rising senior now and have failed to engage in clubs/organizations. I have TA'ed a couple of courses long-term though, but I heard that's not seen as significant leadership since you aren't necessarily managing anything like money/events.

 

[clark5013]

There arent any must haves. Get a job. It gives you money and is an extracurricular activity that provides new experiences

 

[BasicG]

Unfortunately, I am a rising senior now and have failed to engage in clubs/organizations. I have TA'ed a couple of courses long-term though, but I heard that's not seen as significant leadership since you aren't necessarily managing anything like money/events.

I never liked clubs and refused to join one. I got 14 interviews and my only extracurricular activities were being a microbiology lab TA and biology TA

 

[tperry24]

Unfortunately, I am a rising senior now and have failed to engage in clubs/organizations. I have TA'ed a couple of courses long-term though, but I heard that's not seen as significant leadership since you aren't necessarily managing anything like money/events.

Working as a TA also looks pretty good, I worked as Writing Tutor for a few years and schools seemed to like that

 

[deleted1040417]

Thank you all. One of my close peers also mentioned they would put a word in for me with their research lab centered around oral health if I wanted. I may look into that and just get a job. Again thank you!

 

[deleted1040417]

I never liked clubs and refused to join one. I got 14 interviews and my only extracurricular activities were being a microbiology lab TA and biology TA

That's good to know! I hate clubs as well haha.