shodwing/application

[camouflage831]

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Hi,

I'm a freshman (undergrad) and thinking about going to dental school but i don't know much about the whole application/volunteer/shadowing process so please help me out. 😕

From the threads I've read, it seems it's more important to do shadowing (40+hrs.) and do some voluteering. Many people have said actually assisting dentists, but if I didn't take any dental courses, and don't know any names of the tools, how do I know what to do? Or, do I just look over what the dentist is doing, and if I actually get hired or the dentist asks me to work as a DA, then I start learning from him/her?

So, is it a good idea to find a dentist where I can shadow and possibly work as a DA over the summer if I can't do it during school year? And, is it enough to do a few hours (per week) of volunteering at a hospital or a dental office?

Also, i know this may be a braod queations, but can you briefly write out a timeline of when I have to do certain things assuming I would go to a dental school right after I graduate?

Thank you very much in advance.

 

[desert]

I started with my own dentist. He was very nice and underestanding. I was just observing. He walked me through the events of that day. I remember he had a denture, dental exam and some fillings that day.

good luck

 

[utahdent123]

Its not so much important that you assist. Observation in a dental office is sufficient. Most dentists are usually very welcoming. At my school you actually get credit for observing. Every year over 50-60 students find dentists who will let them observe every week. Keep a log of the hours you observe.

AS for the timeline, just realize you apply a year before you actually attend dental school. So if you are planning to graduate in 2006, then you need to take the DAT soon (May or June), get LOR's ready for May 2006, write personal statement, get the observation and service hours in by May, prereqs need to be planned and completed of course by the time you enter dental school. Which means you could apply even if you don't have them already yet. You will have the year long application process to complete them. Applying early is crucial. If you have this stuff already by May then you could apply for the 2007 entering class.

 

[howui3]

Most dentists will not let you just start assisting. Sometimes you can start off shadowing and then inquire about a more involved position.

In Cali though, you have to be a RDA (pass the dental assistant exam).

Since you will get more hands on experience as an assistant, everybody will recommend doing that. But admissions know that not everybody can do that, so just shadowing is fine. Make sure to spend enough time so that the dentist knows about you. Make sure to ask questions, look interested, and always volunteer to help. This way you will get a good letter of rec and comments in case the school contacts the dentist (happened to me!)


As for timeline: EVERYBODY in this forum will tell you (from personal experience) APPLY EARLY!

Remember that after you e-submit your AADSAS application, they have to verify your GPA by comparing it to your transcripts that you sent and calculate your GPA. Then they will mail it to the schools. Make sure your letters are sent to them ASAP (if you decide to use AADSAS for that, some people will ask the teacher/dentist to send it directly to the school). Also make sure all of the transcripts are sent it.

Start working on your personal statement NOW, since it's the most involved sections, inputting your grades you can do anytime.

If you set a goal to have all the materials in by August, you should be in great shape. Keep in mind dental schools will get your file about 1.5-2 months after you submit your stuff to AADSAS. I applied in the middle of the cycle (AADSAS had my stuff on Sept 9th, then mailed it to dental schools Oct. 21st, schools did not get it until late Nov. early Dec.)


Good luck.