Red flag or just being overconcerned?

[AG94]

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So I wanted to ask others what they think about my situation at hand. For the past 2.5 years I have gotten the great opportunity to work as a dental assistant at a single practice (my dads) where I've worked close to 1000 hours.

I have not felt the need to explore elsewhere for 2 reasons. For one, I feel that assisting is a much more enlightening and educational experience than shadowing. I realize that I would have likely shadowed at other practices where the dentist does not know me and would probably either already have an assistant or prefer a registered assistant (not to say that I haven't learned a great deal about assisting).

Also, although I am assisting at a general dentist, I feel that he is very specialized for a general dentist (does most of his own endo, perio, surgery, implants, prosthetics) so I have seen a great mixture of specialized work without shadowing specialists.

My question is would this long term experience at a single practice (rather than shorter experience at multiple practices) raise a red flag or do you think ADCOMS would respect the long term committment where I got experience with procedures related to different dental specialties?

My GPA and DAT are well above average. I'm not sure how much weight schools put on these stats before they look at work/volunteer/extracurricular s.

Any input would be great

 

[PlasmaMembrane]

There might be an issue with the shadowing hours being done with a family member, if I recall.

 

[AG94]

Where did you hear that? I'm familiar with the issue of a letter of recommendation from a dentist who's a family member (which I didn't do, I had a volunteering experience with another dentist). I haven't heard that working at a practice with a family member was an issue?

 

[PlasmaMembrane]

You're right, shadowing isn't an issue, just the LOR (since yours isn't from a family member you should be fine).

 

[super frank]

Your DAT and GPA are exceptional. You have 1000+ hours of assisting. With that said, it seems like you're being overly concerned. Sure, a little diversity would be good to beef up your experiences, but 1000+ hours speaks for itself.

As long as you don't get a LOR from your dad, you're straight.

 

[DannyDuberstein]

I think your extensive assisting is a huge plus on your application. You probably have a very good understanding of dental anatomy and procedures and have probably developed some hand skills in the process!

I would try to speak with an admissions staff member and see if you might benefit from exposing yourself to a different setting. Nobody here who isn't an adcom member can give you a completely accurate answer.

 

[joiedevivre86]

So I wanted to ask others what they think about my situation at hand. For the past 2.5 years I have gotten the great opportunity to work as a dental assistant at a single practice (my dads) where I've worked close to 1000 hours.

I have not felt the need to explore elsewhere for 2 reasons. For one, I feel that assisting is a much more enlightening and educational experience than shadowing. I realize that I would have likely shadowed at other practices where the dentist does not know me and would probably either already have an assistant or prefer a registered assistant (not to say that I haven't learned a great deal about assisting).

Also, although I am assisting at a general dentist, I feel that he is very specialized for a general dentist (does most of his own endo, perio, surgery, implants, prosthetics) so I have seen a great mixture of specialized work without shadowing specialists.

My question is would this long term experience at a single practice (rather than shorter experience at multiple practices) raise a red flag or do you think ADCOMS would respect the long term committment where I got experience with procedures related to different dental specialties?

My GPA and DAT are well above average. I'm not sure how much weight schools put on these stats before they look at work/volunteer/extracurricular s.

Any input would be great

You might want to shadow elsewhere just to learn how something is done differently in another office - not for your application, just for you personally. I'm talking more non-dental stuff. Even if you plan on working for your dad, you could learn something elsewhere and bring it back to your family practice.

 

[hehaw]

I think you're just fine! I am in a similar situation, in which I shadowed my brother and my father at their general practice mostly. In a sense, I feel that admissions would expect you to shadow or in your case assist with a relative (especially if they are your immediate relative). You know like why wouldn't you? Also, I agree with joiedvivre86 in that it would not hurt for you personally to see another office even if just for one day. (I shadowed one other dentist for 5 hours and he had some technology unavailable at my fathers office ~ i.e. CEREC system for crowns). New perspective is a great thing; and with your academic stats being above average you shouldn't worry too much.

 

[andreadds]

So I wanted to ask others what they think about my situation at hand. For the past 2.5 years I have gotten the great opportunity to work as a dental assistant at a single practice (my dads) where I've worked close to 1000 hours.

I have not felt the need to explore elsewhere for 2 reasons. For one, I feel that assisting is a much more enlightening and educational experience than shadowing. I realize that I would have likely shadowed at other practices where the dentist does not know me and would probably either already have an assistant or prefer a registered assistant (not to say that I haven't learned a great deal about assisting).

Also, although I am assisting at a general dentist, I feel that he is very specialized for a general dentist (does most of his own endo, perio, surgery, implants, prosthetics) so I have seen a great mixture of specialized work without shadowing specialists.

My question is would this long term experience at a single practice (rather than shorter experience at multiple practices) raise a red flag or do you think ADCOMS would respect the long term committment where I got experience with procedures related to different dental specialties?

My GPA and DAT are well above average. I'm not sure how much weight schools put on these stats before they look at work/volunteer/extracurricular s.

Any input would be great

No you are fine