Extracurriculars

[PreDentalKorean]

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Hi. I'm a freshman and have always wanted to become a dentist, but I don't know what kind of extracurriculars I should do to get into dentistry. Some people say "do whatever you want but don't do it for dental school", but I just want to know what other people do. Also, about shadowing, when do most people start shadowing and how should i start? Do I just call a random dentist and ask if I can shadow? How many hours a week should I do it? Thank you 🙂

 

[Hotshot12]

do something that stands out and is out of the ordinary. i.e. try-out for the football team.

 

[Topgun]

.

 

[tamkhan]

It's important to do some sort of community service or volunteer work. Go for quality, rather than quantity, though.
Apart from that, just go with whatever suits your personality. Don't compromise your education, since it is most important in deciding whether you get into dental school or not. Strike a good balance b/w work and play.

Regarding shadowing, yes, you can just call up a dentist and kindly ask them if you may shadow. Shadow at least 2 dentists, preferably one general and one specialist. You can start anytime, but junior year is probably best.
Good luck.

 

[tamkhan]

Those people are right - you should do whatever you want to. As an example: I had always wanted to be a pilot - but not professionally. So in my second year I went ahead and started flying a Cessna 150, went solo, and am on my way to a private pilot's license. To boot, I met my wonderful fiance there! Flying is pretty different from dentistry (although I drew some parallels), but I had wanted to do it, so I mentioned it in my personal statement and guess what? My interviewer turned out to be a fellow pilot and we talked for 40 minutes and really bonded over the experience. Your enthusiasm and excitement will show when you get a huge smile on your face when you are talking about your extracurriculars.

So yeah, find something you love - I also like to cook, and that was something I put down too. It doesn't have to be something out of the ordinary - just something that you can get excited about! And there's tons of things out there - good luck and have fun!

Does 'Top Gun' reflect your love for F-16, by any chance?

 

[Topgun]

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[tamkhan]

Well, it refers to a love of all things aviation-related. I had just watched the movie for the 3rd time when I joined SDN - hence the name.

F- 16s rock though!! 😀 My uncle used to fly one of those in Pakistan 😍

Nice! My dad was a fighter pilot in the PAF, too. His F-16 squadron was named 'Top Gun', which is why I asked. I'm an air force kid😀. F-16's are slick as hell! I sat in it once (it wasn't moving, though..hehe). I am yet to come across a profession that caries the charm of air force.👍

Good luck to you in dental school!

 

[Regmata]

I would do some dental shadowing early on, it will speak to a long standing desire to be a dentist. Nothing crazy though, just a few trips to a GP each year. As you get closer to applying expand into the specialties. You do not need to log excessive hours though.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Get involved in leadership activities and try to get a leadership position some where, be it a tutor, TA or an officer in a club or organization.