Proving you are serious about dentistry

[DoctorSaab]

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How do I prove I am serious about dentistry to the interviewers?

I haven't dont ANYTHING relating to dentistry. I will be a sophomore next sem and its the summer now.

Should I start volunteering? Job shadowing? How much do I do this? The poor dentist guy is gonna be liek what the hell is this boy's problem. Keeps comin in here bothering me. lol... umm yeh... so help me out... Thanks.

 

[savvysearch]

To volunteer, look up a Free Dental Clinic on the internet, phone book. Call them and ask if they have any volunteer opportunities. That's basically all there is to it. But do it quick. I didn't start my volunteer work until a month and a half after I called them. Im usually volunteering for 3 hours a week and basically all I do is observe the dentists or make patient charts.

 

[PENN Diddy]

savvysearch is right on! I would also recommend you go to nearest dental school in your area & ask to volunteer in their free community clinics. I know for instance, at Loma Linda, every sunday morning for 3 hours dental students go to a poor area & provide free oral health care to those without insurance. This offers an extra incentive because you will actually be associating with dental students & begin networking & making a name for yourself in that school before even applying!
Good Luck

 

[shootin4par]

Best thing I found is calling up a local dentist and talk with them. Ask if you can shadow them and get to know the profession. Thats what i did. Infact i think thats the best way. I have been fortunate enough to learn not only about dentistry, and how a practice operates, but also see some cases on total reconstruction and restoration that is generally taught in post-doctorate programs. If your school has a dental school find a faculty member who is also in private practice and get to know them.