Taking a job as a dental lab tech?

[Jordan95]

Hi, would this be worth my time? Or should I just stick to shadowing.

Thanks for any input,

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[ncide]

I would take it. It'll help with dental anatomy courses and it'll hone in your artistic abilities as a dentist.

 

[DC206R]

Definitely take it!

 

[Jordan95]

The only thing is the hours suck, it's M-F (1PM - 9PM). I just don't want it to impact my grades, as I usually study during that time.

 

[Nelson16]

Can I ask how you landed the job? I'm in my gap year right now and have been trying to find work as a lab tech over craigslist/monster/ect. but haven't had any luck so far.

 

[Mason91]

Can I ask how you landed the job? I'm in my gap year right now and have been trying to find work as a lab tech over craigslist/monster/ect. but haven't had any luck so far.

Same.. work experience as a dental lab tech can be a plus on my app yet, I know most people won't hire someone who hasn't had any training.

 

[doc toothache]

Grades are valued infinitely more than learning how to trim models or making deliveries.

 

[Jordan95]

Full-time work as an undergrad? That's a great opportunity!

How's your course load this semester?

16 credit hours, all classes are before noon.

 

[Jordan95]

Grades are valued infinitely more than learning how to trim models or making deliveries.

I agree, but I feel like a job in the field I plan on entering shows I have a genuine interest in the career.

 

[Jordan95]

Same.. work experience as a dental lab tech can be a plus on my app yet, I know most people won't hire someone who hasn't had any training.

Can I ask how you landed the job? I'm in my gap year right now and have been trying to find work as a lab tech over craigslist/monster/ect. but haven't had any luck so far.

I have no clue, I applied to it online and they called me back the next day.

 

[Mason91]

I have no clue, I applied to it online and they called me back the next day.

They didn't ask for a certification or anything? No previous experience needed?

 

[Jordan95]

They didn't ask for a certification or anything? No previous experience needed?

They didn't ask for a certification or anything? No previous experience needed?

I didn't even realize they had dental lab tech certification. But to answer your question, no. I clearly stated in my cover letter that I have ZERO experience in the dental field other than 10 hours of shadowing an orthodontist.

 

[super frank]

They didn't ask for a certification or anything? No previous experience needed?

There are a few places here and there that are more than willing to take you on. I almost took an opportunity to come on as an "intern" during senior year but decided against it. There is some luck involved, especially when it comes to finding one that is within a reasonable commute.

 

[Jordan95]

There are a few places here and there that are more than willing to take you on. I almost took an opportunity to come on as an "intern" during senior year but decided against it. There is some luck involved, especially when it comes to finding one that is within a reasonable commute.

An intern as a Dental Lab Technician? Lol, I don't think I would even get out of bed for that. I'm contemplating going in for the interview at 14 an hour. I feel like I'd be better off taking some part time research position at my school and keeping it simple.

Also, it's not that close.

 

[PerioDont]

An intern as a Dental Lab Technician? Lol, I don't think I would even get out of bed for that. I'm contemplating going in for the interview at 14 an hour. I feel like I'd be better off taking some part time research position at my school and keeping it simple.

Also, it's not that close.

I would take it. I think its going to help you as a dentist more than you realize as pre-dent...

said by someone epically struggling in sim lab as a D1 lol.

 

[DogeDDS]

16 credit hours, all classes are before noon.

16 hours of class + working full-time? I definitely did not have the time management skills to do this in undergrad taking sciences courses, but if you can pull it off, go for it

 

[Jordan95]

16 hours of class + working full-time? I definitely did not have the time management skills to do this in undergrad taking sciences courses, but if you can pull it off, go for it

I do have 2 online classes. It's gonna be tough, I know that. My social life as I know it will be gone. But I just want to know if it's even worth it it in the long run. I have a feeling it's not.


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[fayevalentine]

As someone who worked throughout my entire undergrad, I would say that unless you really need the money, don't sacrifice your grades. 40 hours (you never know if they'll demand overtime) and 16 credit hours will be hell.

 

[Mason91]

As someone who worked throughout my entire undergrad, I would say that unless you really need the money, don't sacrifice your grades. 40 hours (you never know if they'll demand overtime) and 16 credit hours will be hell.

^this
I've posted similar thing in other thread but it's really tough. Prioritize your GPA over everything else. I had to work 50+ hours/week through my undergrad and my GPA took a hit. Now I'm going back to take post-bacc to do GPA repairing. If you're financially not obligated to work, don't!

 

[doc toothache]

Despite what others have said, if you feel confident about balancing your schedule, you should be fine. 16 semester units isn't too bad. I was in a quarter system and took 16 quarter units (equivalent to 24 semester units) and volunteered and worked total 30 hours a week.

How about the reverse?

 

[super frank]

An intern as a Dental Lab Technician? Lol, I don't think I would even get out of bed for that. I'm contemplating going in for the interview at 14 an hour. I feel like I'd be better off taking some part time research position at my school and keeping it simple.

Also, it's not that close.

It's not really an intern hence the quotations. It was paid at the mid teens per hour. They take you on to assess your dexterity first, and then depending on your proficiency they hire you as a full-timer.

You would be better off doing research anyway.