Shadowing vs. Dental Assisting

[Dion]

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I am aware that everybody who is interested in pursuing a dental career must have some experience shadowing a dentist. I am really looking into it now. Suppose I find an opportunity to work as a dental assistant, could this qualify as job shadowing experience on the application? Or would I have to job shadow separate from assisting. I think I would prefer assisting because it is more hands-on (though not limitless) and would feel more involved. When I go to inquire about getting experience (thru shadowing or work), should I tell them specifically what my preference is or tell them that I am interested in gaining experience (regardless of work or job shadowing)?

Thanks in advance

 

[djeffreyt]

a job shadow is different from assisting. Do the minimal amount of assisting required to get into any school you choose to apply to. Do not try to pass assisting off as shadowing. Assisting, though, is a far better way, in my opinion, to understand the field.

 

[Eisenhower]

a job shadow is different from assisting. Do the minimal amount of assisting required to get into any school you choose to apply to. Do not try to pass assisting off as shadowing. Assisting, though, is a far better way, in my opinion, to understand the field.

Word.😎

 

[MissSmiley]

I've shadowed and assisted, but it doesn't seem any different to me. When I shadow they don't explain any more or less to me than when I am assisting. Do the schools view them as two separate things? Which is viewed as better or worse? Or is it equal? But I do agree, assisting is more hands on and you can get closer. When shadowing you always have to stand away from both the assistant and the densist thus allowing you to have less of a view. When I assisted, I asked questions, this just seems more beneficial to me. But I will indeed shadow more, if that is what they are expecting.

 

[Dion]

I think that in assisting one gets the opportunity to get a better feel/grip of dentistry. I can definitely see myself assisting for the next two years as an undergrad. I would feel more involved and possibly have more opportunities to interact with the patients more to develop a better understanding of what I will be doing 6 years from now.

 

[the prodogy]

This may be a dumb question, but how do you get a dentist to allow you to assist? I don't think you can just go up to a doctor and say, "can I assist you in your next few operations?" I always thought it required some seprate school.

 

[Dehaandster]

When I volunteered the doctor let me assist in simple tasks at first. You can ask the doctor if they would allow you to assist. At first all you may be doing is holding suction. I currently work as a dental assistant and my dentist was willing to train me. So you don't need to take a course. Some dentists prefer to train their own assistants so that they do things the way they like them. Others want a certified dental assistant. Look around and try to find an assistant job I gained far more experience assisting than shadowing.