Shadowing/working dilemma...HELP!

[iamblair]

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Hi, it may sound stupid but I'm in a big dilemma between two dental offices for full time work for about a year. I can't shadow at both locations since it is a full time job, so I have to choose ONE.

Office A:

-small office with only 1 general dentist

-not very busy (~15 patients a day)

-close to my house so I can save gas

-$5 higher starting pay

Office B:

-moderate office with ~3 dentists I can shadow

-does surgery often

-40 min drive away from my house, 1hr with traffic

-low starting pay



I'll be applying this year so B seems more appealing in that I can possibly learn more (?) by looking at the office size and how many dentists they have. They both are willing to write me a letter of rec and willing to teach me front to back office & x-rays, etc. But I'm afraid that I'm giving up A just because it is a small office. PLEASE HELP ME DECIDE!

 

[deleted1142771]

If I were you, I would do both.

 

[iamblair]

If I were you, I would do both.

I wish but I am also shadowing (non-paid) in another dental office on Saturdays and this one would be for work (paid job). Also they want at least 3 days of me working so it is physically impossible. I'm just wondering if working at either office matters, like would B look better on the apps because it has more dentists that I can write about?

 

[todentornottodent]

A for a couple of reasons. First: better pay. Second: Slower, more time to learn things and get to know the doctor = better LOR (in theory). Third: Minimal commute, after a while 40 minutes will drain you.

Don't work for B, but do shadow there occasionally.

like would B look better on the apps because it has more dentists that I can write about?

It all depends on how you write about it. If you're shadowing elsewhere occasionally I think you'll have enough to write about in like your PS. Besides, the AADSAS doesn't provide much space to write about each individual experience.

 

[deleted1142771]

I wish but I am also shadowing (non-paid) in another dental office on Saturdays and this one would be for work (paid job). Also they want at least 3 days of me working so it is physically impossible. I'm just wondering if working at either office matters, like would B look better on the apps because it has more dentists that I can write about?

I didn't know you are shadowing at another office. So choosing B is a good decision. Good luck!

 

[Ryxndek]

Sometimes having one good LOR from one dentist is better than a subpar one because you’re shadowing 3 dentists. Schools also like you shadowing one dentist more than shadowing multiple. Obviously getting multiple experiences is good but they don’t want you hopping around

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Pick the one that will not cause you to burn out or blow your grades up. It's your schedule and you need to manage it to your benefit. Alternatively, pick the one where you will get insight into the practice, not just the procedures.