Is getting a job near the dental fields that important?

[aznnytezx]

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I see so many people have jobs as a sterilization tech, dental assistant, or others.

Can't shadowing be just good enough ? I feel that my application is not even near competitive just because I don't have any dental assistant job or anything close to that.

I understand that a lot of people get accepted without any prior dental-field jobs, but does it increase your chances a lot compare to shadowing ?

 

[upcomingcycle]

I think part of it might be that these dental assistants, hygienists, technicians, etc. realized they wanted to become a dentist half way through their career (like my hygienist when I was in high school). Some just simply want the experience + money (who doesn't need money =P). But overall, I feel like it's like research. You have it? Great. You do't have it? That's okay, too!

But I guess it's definitely a plus to have those hand skills and knowledge and what not =) But then again, if the job detracts you from getting good scores in classes, I feel like it'll be more detrimental than beneficial.

 

[dentalWorks]

I see so many people have jobs as a sterilization tech, dental assistant, or others.

Can't shadowing be just good enough ? I feel that my application is not even near competitive just because I don't have any dental assistant job or anything close to that.

I understand that a lot of people get accepted without any prior dental-field jobs, but does it increase your chances a lot compare to shadowing ?

dental office job vs becoming a dentist have no impact whatsoever on your application.

the only advantage it "can" have is it limits your need for shadowing experience (strictly referring to if you worked as a dental assistant)

the only thing that SHOULD be needed is shadowing hours.... anything above that, and its just for your own personal amusement

 

[experiment626]

I see so many people have jobs as a sterilization tech, dental assistant, or others.

Can't shadowing be just good enough ? I feel that my application is not even near competitive just because I don't have any dental assistant job or anything close to that.

I understand that a lot of people get accepted without any prior dental-field jobs, but does it increase your chances a lot compare to shadowing ?

You should be fine. I never had any dental-field jobs either. Shadowing should be good enough.

 

[aznnytezx]

How much shadowing is enough? I started pre-dent around 4th semester of College. So I was literally Pre-dent from 4th semester to now (to 6th semester). I only have about 60 shadowing hours, is that fairly enough for applications?

I understand that it might not look enough, but I have 140 hours of volunteer at the hospital, and about 100 hours of volunteer of an organization (health-related organization).

My GPA is average, which is 3.57 and science GPA a 3.64. I am wondering should I apply this cycle? It will be fairly late though, as in August when I will finish my application. Assuming it is late august too.

Or should I just apply next cycle, and focus my DAT till August 20th or so rather than cramming it to August 1st to finish all three personal statements and submitting my application by September.

It is late because for Texas schools, applications opened up on May already.

 

[experiment626]

How much shadowing is enough? I started pre-dent around 4th semester of College. So I was literally Pre-dent from 4th semester to now (to 6th semester). I only have about 60 shadowing hours, is that fairly enough for applications?

I understand that it might not look enough, but I have 140 hours of volunteer at the hospital, and about 100 hours of volunteer of an organization (health-related organization).

My GPA is average, which is 3.57 and science GPA a 3.64. I am wondering should I apply this cycle? It will be fairly late though, as in August when I will finish my application. Assuming it is late august too.

Or should I just apply next cycle, and focus my DAT till August 20th or so rather than cramming it to August 1st to finish all three personal statements and submitting my application by September.

It is late because for Texas schools, applications opened up on May already.

I had about 80 hours total for shadowing different dentists and about 100 hours from other community services. My GPA and sGPA was also average, but slightly lower than yours. Still got a few bites from dental schools. I don't see any harm in applying this cycle. Why not? You'll never know what may happen. 🙂

Take your DAT when you absolutely feel ready. Try going for the earlier date, but reschedule if you need more time.