I want to be a Pedodontist

[ddfafari]

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For those who are in dental school and have gone through the whole process of interviews, meeting professors, etc. I would think you know a lot more about what schools want then anyone else. I am applying to Dental School now and am 100% certain I want to specialize in Pedo.

Would it be a good idea to write about this passion in my personal statement and talk about it in my interviews, or is it not good to jump the gun and say you want to specialize?

Thanks for your help!

 

[nyu915]

I think it's real cool how you have your mind set on a specialty already cause it shows your passion. Personal statement aside, I think you should however, give yourself more options when you get into dental school and explore other things as well. Pedo can be great, or oral surgery or ortho...whatever it is. My point is that I know many people who go in dental school so sure of something realizing later that they want something else. 4 years give you a lot of time to decide whether general is better or you or specialty. Alot can happen in 4 years and alot of events may change your mind.

Ok, haha after that. I think your personal statement shouldn't explicitly state that you want to do pedo. Instead, be more indirect and just talk about your passion. Ie: prevention; education; kids. Not sure if I am being clear, but go around it somehow.

 

[aphistis]

If you have some sort of experience with pedodontics that you can use to justify such an exclusive interest before you've even been accepted, then go ahead. Otherwise, you're just blowing smoke and the interviewers will know it.

Don't get me wrong; the world needs way more pedodontists as far as I'm concerned, and if that's what your interests fall I hope you go after them wholeheartedly. Dentistry is a big profession, though, and its different aspects can look quite a bit different from the inside than on the outside looking in. Start dental school with an open mind, and don't paint yourself into a corner before you've even had a chance to see what the whole room looks like. Good luck!

 

[ddfafari]

I probably should have explained myself a little better. I certainly am not making such an absolute decision without first knowing a little bit about the field. I never make any decisions without weighing out all my options.

I totally agree with what was said about students changing their minds once they get into dental school. I know that happens more often then not - I may even have a change of heart at some point (which seems doubtful now).

My absolute priority right now is just getting in! I was just hoping that my experience and dedication to helping children would make me stand out. I have loads of activites that I have participated in throughout the past 4 years including numerous elementary school presentations and self-written plays for children, explaining oral hygiene and what goes on in their visits with the dentist. I have experience in various dental offices working as an assistant- assisted for 6 months with an orthodontist, 6 months with a Prosthodontist, and 1 year full-time with a pedodontist (best time of my life).

I have also observed and volunteered 400+ hours in various fields: Perio, Endo, Oral Surgery, and General. I have definently gotten the exposure to know which of the fields I like the most, but again... I cant know for sure which one I will perform the best in, so I can't make my decision quite yet.

But, I just thought it would be better to be honest and show where my heart is and maybe they would appreciate my genuine concern for the oral health of children.

 

[dentalman]

Talk about your passion - and how you could use it as either a pediatric dentist or a GP. Just make sure you have some experiences to back it up. We still need GPs to see a lot of kids. Even if you are 100% certain that you want to do Pedo, you have to be realistic that not everyone gets in. (But I would hope that truly passionate people end up in the specialty.)

 

[Dr. Pedo]

Great to hear you're interested in pedo!

I don't think it is necessarily beneficial to use your desire for specializing in your interview for dental school------however, it is very beneficial during your interview for a pedo residency 😀 .
Get in to dschool, get great grades, get great board scores, do some research, meet some faculty mentors, enjoy your 4 years of dental school, apply for pedo, pray for a spot, and get ready for 2-3 more years of school. Telling admission to dental school you expect all the above and understand the overall demands is slightly premature.

Use the KISS rule: Keep It Simple Silly. If you get a chance to talk about pedo mention it but don't dwell on it-----you can't believe the number of incoming D1s that say they want to specialize 😱 .

 

[ItsGavinC]

Great to hear you're interested in pedo!

I don't think it is necessarily beneficial to use your desire for specializing in your interview for dental school------however, it is very beneficial during your interview for a pedo residency 😀 .

I agree. Focus on something else when it comes to your dental school personal statement. Focus on helping children, but not "wanting to be a pediatric dentist".

And for the record, "pedodontics" is a term that is somewhat frowned upon it seems.

 

[dentalman]

I will second Gavin's statement:

Use "pediatric dentistry" from now on (including "pediatric dentist").

 

[dentalstudent1]

For those who are in dental school and have gone through the whole process of interviews, meeting professors, etc. I would think you know a lot more about what schools want then anyone else. I am applying to Dental School now and am 100% certain I want to specialize in Pedo.

Would it be a good idea to write about this passion in my personal statement and talk about it in my interviews, or is it not good to jump the gun and say you want to specialize?

Thanks for your help!

I would strongly advise against it unless one of your parents are one or you have significant shadowing experience with one and with a GP

 

[dentalstudent1]

I agree. Focus on something else when it comes to your dental school personal statement. Focus on helping children, but not "wanting to be a pediatric dentist".

And for the record, "pedodontics" is a term that is somewhat frowned upon it seems.

I suggest that he starts getting used to referring to it as RODEO DENTISTRY.

If he doesnt understand why I said that, then he doesnt need to pursue it!

 

[ddfafari]

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments! I completely agree with everything that was said. I should really focus on what I enjoy about dentistry in general and put all my energy on just doing well when I get in. I will just have to SHOW my passion rather than TALK about it, and hopefully I will get accepted somewhere so that I am able to prove my abilities. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to write your comments. Thanks a bunch!

 

[aphistis]

Thanks everyone for your helpful comments! I completely agree with everything that was said. I should really focus on what I enjoy about dentistry in general and put all my energy on just doing well when I get in. I will just have to SHOW my passion rather than TALK about it, and hopefully I will get accepted somewhere so that I am able to prove my abilities. I really appreciate everyone taking the time to write your comments. Thanks a bunch!

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