Should I quit the job?

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I would take the DA job if you are serious about dentistry. You will gain awesome experience (and get paid for it) and hopefully a good LOR from the dentist as well.
 
Tatu78 said:
hello!

I know people have already asked questions regarding being a DA, but I'd like some input on my situation.

I have been working as an ESL tutor as well as math and science tutor at my college for about a year now. I love the job and the people and I am sure they will write me good rec letters.

I just recently started shadowing a dentist and the dentist is wonderful! I believe that I can get the job after a month or so...

Should I quit being a tutor and get the DA job or should I continue working there and just get my hours for shadowing in?

Thank you!
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If money is the same or provides you no monetary advantage/additional benefits, I don't think its gonna give you an edge on your application, if that is what you're looking for.

I know it does't make sense but I had the opportunity to talk to a few dental school boards/admission deans about dental assisting and they had told me that they do not give you an advantage when applying. Additionally, they told me that if you work, you can't use your work hours towards your shadowing.

Although, I personally think that being around dentists more will give you invaluable information that you could never gain on your own. I've personally got helpful tips on life, school, and everything in between from the dentist I work with. In conclusion, if you have the opportunity, It won't hurt you.

Good luck!
 
I would take the DA job if you can, everyone has mentioned that it will give you experience and give you some insight on what being a dentist is all about..
 
Thank you so much for your responses!

amaghsou said:
If money is the same or provides you no monetary advantage/additional benefits, I don't think its gonna give you an edge on your application, if that is what you're looking for.

I know it does't make sense but I had the opportunity to talk to a few dental school boards/admission deans about dental assisting and they had told me that they do not give you an advantage when applying. Additionally, they told me that if you work, you can't use your work hours towards your shadowing.

Although, I personally think that being around dentists more will give you invaluable information that you could never gain on your own. I've personally got helpful tips on life, school, and everything in between from the dentist I work with. In conclusion, if you have the opportunity, It won't hurt you.

Good luck!
Click to expand...

This is exactly why Im at a dilemma. Everywhere I've read, people either say it will make you look like a better applicant vs someone who only shadowed or they say just have good stats and the shadowing hours in and you're set. I will continue shadowing, and if I do get the offer, then I'll switch over.
 
Tatu78 said:
Thank you so much for your responses!



This is exactly why Im at a dilemma. Everywhere I've read, people either say it will make you look like a better applicant vs someone who only shadowed or they say just have good stats and the shadowing hours in and you're set. I will continue shadowing, and if I do get the offer, then I'll switch over.
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good choice!
 
You want to move from competing with college students to competing with high school dropouts?
 
TAKE THE DA JOB! I recently became a dental assistant, and I have learned SO MUCH about dentistry in my first month alone. Not only has it been educational to learn more about procedures and anatomy, xrays, etc., I'm also learning how to use the instruments. Getting a handle of the suctions, water, air, etc. is no walk in the park, my friend. And getting used to the fast pace of appointments and learning when to pass which instruments is also challenging. I think mastering this is going to be the most helpful thing for dental school. Becoming a dental assistant, I believe, will you put you at quite the advantage.
 
joker937 said:
TAKE THE DA JOB! I recently became a dental assistant, and I have learned SO MUCH about dentistry in my first month alone. Not only has it been educational to learn more about procedures and anatomy, xrays, etc., I'm also learning how to use the instruments. Getting a handle of the suctions, water, air, etc. is no walk in the park, my friend. And getting used to the fast pace of appointments and learning when to pass which instruments is also challenging. I think mastering this is going to be the most helpful thing for dental school. Becoming a dental assistant, I believe, will you put you at quite the advantage.
Click to expand...

Yea, it's a great way to get ace the clinicals in ds...especially the instruments oh boy. Haha thank you for the input!
 
I would take the DA job. During my interviews my experience working as a DA always came up. It was a great conversation starter and it made articulating my commitment and interest in dentistry much easier.
 
FanOfCostco said:
Yes you do.
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I actually don't. Yeah, we get tired sometimes of the same kind of question, but if you don't want to read them, just delete your account.
(not you, just in general -anyone not wanting to read them)

No need to be rude 99% of the times he responds.

Creating some documents from which we all have benefited doesn't give him the right to be so grumpy.
 
Last edited:
DA job. While it's not requirement, many schools like some sort of clinical experience. You learn so much more than shadowing. Not just the clinical side, but the business and management side as well. Great exposure for sure.
 
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