Semester Off

[tooth900]

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I am graduating a semester early in December. I've already sent out my application for this cycle and just hoping for the best. I am not really sure how to spend my semester off though...A lot of people have suggested travelling but given my financial status, that might not be the best option. Also, moving back home sounds terrible but a better option financially, I suppose. I want to work as a dental assistant to gain some experience but I also know those can be difficult to find sometimes. Has anyone taken a semester off? If so, are there any cool programs you suggest? I would love to do something service oriented like Americorps but I think their minimum requirement is a year.

 

[tooth knockn]

It is easy to get a dental assistant job, as entry level....

But the pay will be low, depending on your location, *city pays more.

Range
$9-$13- entry level range*

 

[tooth900]

Would you just suggest calling practices in the area?

 

[tooth knockn]

Would you just suggest calling practices in the area?

Yes
And

Craigslist

You can do the same but for dental lab, highly recommend.. To help you for first yr of DS.

 

[mmhswimmer]

Would you just suggest calling practices in the area?

I was able to find an assisting job at a specialty group during my gap year. I've learned way more and received awesome experience and have only been going at it for 2 months now.

Be diligent on craigslist. Got 2 offers out of at least 100 e-mails. Really helps to get X-ray certified, which is really easy to do. I'm in VA and it cost about $180 for a Saturday at the local college.

 

[CoFe2]

If I were you I would just find a good paying job and save up as much as you possibly can for living expenses and what not in the coming four years. I'm not taking a semester off but I took on a job this year and will be working during school for the first time so that I can hopefully have some money to live on next year.

 

[tooth knockn]

If I were you I would just find a good paying job and save up as much as you possibly can for living expenses and what not in the coming four years. I'm not taking a semester off but I took on a job this year and will be working during school for the first time so that I can hopefully have some money to live on next year.

Agree but also disagree.

Yea money is needed, but for such a big and long investment for ourselves it is not bad to get paid a little less for assisting a dentist.

A dental assistant will learn so much dental lingo, dental anatomy, ethical behavior, about materials, handling of instruments, the pre-cautionary stuff, and much more.

Compared to a pre-dent making 10-20% more on salary.

A pre-dent with 1 yr dental assisting experience will know 30-50% more than money making pre-dents for the first year.



IMO

I bet OP

knows what a PA and BW is!

FMS baby

 

[CoFe2]

Agree but also disagree.

Yea money is needed, but for such a big and long investment for ourselves it is not bad to get paid a little less for assisting a dentist.

A dental assistant will learn so much dental lingo, dental anatomy, ethical behavior, about materials, handling of instruments, the pre-cautionary stuff, and much more.

Compared to a pre-dent making 10-20% more on salary.

A pre-dent with 1 yr dental assisting experience will know 30-50% more than money making pre-dents for the first year.



IMO

I bet OP

knows what a PA and BW is!

FMS baby

Oh I don't disagree that this is a bad idea at all! But if OP has difficulty finding a gig like this I think the priority should be saving up the cash

 

[tooth knockn]

Oh I don't disagree that this is a bad idea at all! But if OP has difficulty finding a gig like this I think the priority should be saving up the cash

Ahhhh, ok....

I get you.....

 

[tooth900]

Thanks for the advice, guys! I am already X-ray certified so I hope that helps. How many months in advance would you suggest looking for a dental assisting position?