Questions about dental experience....

[Big_E]

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I volunteered 40 hours in a dental office last summer, I was wondering if that was enough or do dental schools want to see more dental expierence? Do they also look at other clincal experiences not dental related. Finally do all schools require a letter of rec. from dentist?
Thanks

 

[Uracil]

It all depends on the dental schools you are applying. You should ask the dentist you shadowed for a letter of recommendation.

 

[Smileisland]

I think more is important. If you are truly interested, 40 really shouldnt be your limit. I've been working in an office for 6 years now and think it will help me tremendously in my application and interviews.

 

[TheJuneSpirit00]

the more experience the better off you are, especially when its broad experience, not just with one dentist or office for years but get out there and go to different dentists, offices, and check out the specialties as well. However, as i remember only one school that i applied to actually required proof in a letter from a dentist that you had had over a certain number of hours experience, that was Tufts and if remember correctly the hours required were at least 30 hours. Check some websites to see if anyone has a minimum, but just because you've met their minimum does not mean you should stop what your doing. good luck

 

[aggie-master]

I have a combined 35 hours of shadowing experience with two dentists.

It was never brought up in interviews as an issue that I didn't have enough. I think they just want you to know what you're getting yourself into. Some people hear about all of the good parts of the job (money, being the boss, great hours) and jump into without realizing some of the negatives (stuff YOU might not like) that you'll see when shadowing.

 

[kjayquen]

I know that at UMKC they require like 100 hours split among at least 5 different places. They are the toughest as far as minimums from what i have found.