So, I'm a freshman in college...

[MrJosh9788]

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...where should I begin. I'm pretty sure that dentistry is the path for me, but I don't really know how to begin, other then to begin taking the pre-reqs. Should I ask my dentist to shadow, do volunteer work, etc?

 

[BioABC]

I too am a freshman! Try talking with the pre-health advisor at your school. Also, do a forum search because this topic comes up all the time...

 

[blankguy]

...where should I begin. I'm pretty sure that dentistry is the path for me, but I don't really know how to begin, other then to begin taking the pre-reqs. Should I ask my dentist to shadow, do volunteer work, etc?

For starters predent and premed have the same courses. Beyond that check the individual schools because they will require different courses beyond the usual general chemistry, organic, physics and biology. By all means begin by shadowing a dentist.

 

[harjay]

as BioABC said, talk with the pre-health person at your school. They may be able to direct you to classes recommended for Pre-dents or, depending on the school, may be able to direct you to mentors or shadowing opportunities or a predental club.

If those aren't available, get started early making sure that this is what you want. Call your family dentist or even one in the area and ask around to see if you may be able to get a shadowing opportunity. The more you know about the profession and career, the better decision you will be able to make.

 

[hawaiiguy24]

MrJosh, definitely shadow! When I was confused about what to do after undergrad it was shadowing a few dentists that sold me. I had also shadowed doctors and vets so I feel like I've had a basic exposure to a few health professions and dentistry caught my interest the most. Then, work hard to keep that GPA up and get involved in stuff that you like (eg. clubs etc).

PS I notice your status is pre-med. Did you recently switch to pre-dent? What made you change your mind, if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Crentist]

i would definitely shadow a dentist, or several if you can. you can arrange an internship during the summer, or shadow 1+ times/week during the school year, and definitely definitely find something to volunteer. even if it isn't exactly dental related. some schools actually require that you have a certain number of hours spent shadowing a dentist for application to their school so not only will you find out if you enjoy the field, but you'll have that requirement taken care of. good luck!!

 

[dmd2011]

...where should I begin. I'm pretty sure that dentistry is the path for me, but I don't really know how to begin, other then to begin taking the pre-reqs. Should I ask my dentist to shadow, do volunteer work, etc?

focus on keeping your GPA up. its good that you are thinking dentistry now so that you can get good grades from the beginning. many ppl choose dentistry in their later years of college, and by then it is too late to bring up their GPA without doing a masters or post bacc program.