research in dentistry as an undergrad?

[dexadental]

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I was standing outside studying for a test today (gotta hate human nutrition...tedious and absurd facts we have to learn in this class...ahem back to topic...) and I was talking to this girl who apparently does research at our medical school/dental school on campus here at the University of Florida. I think research would nonetheless be interesting and EXTREMLEY valuable in getting into dental school. I think anyone can get great grades, but its research and other activities that set you apart from the mass. I want to get involved, especially in orthodontics, so do I just approach the dental school? I already volunteer there and know my way around, but the thought of coming off as a snoody undergrad to many of the "higher ups" there makes me a little nervous. Has anyone else done research, in addition to studying for the DAT, and taking 15 credits one semester? Furthermore, how time consuming is research? Is it pretty much based around your schedule and on your own time? After all, it is research. Lastly, should I do it for credit or just to do it? I'm sure that not doing it for credit would look better, but maybe its expected you earn credit for it...I'm just not sure about these things. Anyone with experience here, let me know!

 

[DREDAY]

I was standing outside studying for a test today (gotta hate human nutrition...tedious and absurd facts we have to learn in this class...ahem back to topic...) and I was talking to this girl who apparently does research at our medical school/dental school on campus here at the University of Florida. I think research would nonetheless be interesting and EXTREMLEY valuable in getting into dental school. I think anyone can get great grades, but its research and other activities that set you apart from the mass. I want to get involved, especially in orthodontics, so do I just approach the dental school? I already volunteer there and know my way around, but the thought of coming off as a snoody undergrad to many of the "higher ups" there makes me a little nervous. Has anyone else done research, in addition to studying for the DAT, and taking 15 credits one semester? Furthermore, how time consuming is research? Is it pretty much based around your schedule and on your own time? After all, it is research. Lastly, should I do it for credit or just to do it? I'm sure that not doing it for credit would look better, but maybe its expected you earn credit for it...I'm just not sure about these things. Anyone with experience here, let me know!

I've done research for 2 years. The way I initially got involved was by emailing every dental faculty at my school. I wrote them saying I was an undergraduate student extremely interested in dentistry and sent them my CV with the email. I got a few replies saying there was a position available for me to do research. I chose the laboratory that did research in what most intrigued me, neuropathic pain. When I initially started the laboratory I spent 30 hours a weak learning different procedures on developing neuropathic pain model, immunohistochemistry, dorsal root ganglion extraction surgery, and analysis of data. I did not get credit when I first started. After that quarter, however, I did do it for credit for 1 year and a half. The first quarter in getting unit credit, was graded on pass no pass, the following quarters were letter grades. I think it is important that when you do research for you to get credit for it, so you have something to show for it. Anyone can say, they did research... a good way to prove it, is by getting unit credit. hope this helps.

 

[sidewalkman]

The above post is pretty much how I found a position, though my research and duties were completely different. I started off as PT scutboy/data input guy, learning about the field and so on, and within a few months, was offered to do my own project. I only worked 8-10 hours a week; I could never imagine working 30 hours per week, and don't think that's the norm with a full class load. As for getting transcript credit, every school has this, but I think the above poster overvalues getting official transcript credit for it in terms of 'proving' you did it. Finally, you should do research because it sounds interesting, not just to pad the ol' resume.

 

[DREDAY]

The above post is pretty much how I found a position, though my research and duties were completely different. I started off as PT scutboy/data input guy, learning about the field and so on, and within a few months, was offered to do my own project. I only worked 8-10 hours a week; I could never imagine working 30 hours per week, and don't think that's the norm with a full class load. As for getting transcript credit, every school has this, but I think the above poster overvalues getting official transcript credit for it in terms of 'proving' you did it. Finally, you should do research because it sounds interesting, not just to pad the ol' resume.

You are right, you should do research on something that you enjoy and take pride in doing. However, if many dental schools place emphasis on research experience, you should definitely partake in research any way you can. Research is something that can eventually grow into a person's liking. Also if you are partaking in research because dental schools highly recommend it, then you should somehow be able to show them through publications and research awards. If you dont think you will work at the lab long enough to be able to create accomplishments such as those then the best route is to show them that you have engaged in research through having transcript credit in order to "prove" that you did. In any case publications and research awards are never a guarantee so the safe bet is to get transcript credit for doing research. Also, many majors give you credit for research that will take place of a requisit.

 

[gatorchc27]

I also attend the University of Florida and have been involved in research at the Academic Research Building down by Shands. I've been here for about a year now and I love it. My freshman biology teacher pointed me to a web site where professors post there research topics and I emailed all the ones that sounded interesting to me. The professor that I'm doing research for now emailed me back and said I could come in and meet with him. And, that's where it started. At first I didn't get credit, I just did it for the experience. But, then I was informed about the University Scholars Program. I applied, and recieved a scholarship in which you do research for the Summer and following Fall term. This is my first semester taking credits, but my major, IDS Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, requires a minimum of 7 research credits. As far as studying for the DAT, taking 15 credits, and doing research...that's what I'll be doing next semester. I don't remember how often I came in when I first started. I think it was 3 days a week for 2-3 hours. Now I'm here everyday, with two full days on Tuesday and Thursday. This combines to about 18-20 hours a week. But, the amount of time you put it depends on the lab and how much you want to get out of it. If you don't put in the time, you won't learn much. The people in my lab are great, and if I need a few days off to study for a test, than it's never been a problem. But, I have also put a lot of hours in and shown my dedication, so that helps when I need time off. If you have any more question, feel free to message me!

P.S. sorry for such a looooooooong post