Traditional Small Animal GP Vet Assistant vs Dentist Vet Assistant Job

[Kirb]

Hello! I'm applying to vet school this cycle and am currently evaluating which job would be best to have the summer before I apply. I currently have about 640 hours of vet experience and am looking for a full time job this summer to give myself a considerable boost before applying. Of those 640, the breakdown is:

40 small animal emergency clinic shadow
20 small animal GP shadow
40 large animal ride along
240 equine vet ride along
300 cat clinic GP assistant

I have been offered interviews for a vet assistant position at both a traditional small animal GP and a veterinary dental clinic (the doctor is a boarded dentist) once the semester is over and I'm back home. The dental clinic would give me a better quality of life as there are no weekends. My main issue is that looking over my hours, I seem to lack a substantial amount of small animal GP (including both dogs and cats). I'm worried if I do end up with the dental clinic job, that the lack of traditional small animal GP hours will hurt me, although the experience could be a cool feather in my cap. I am kind of putting the carriage before the horse since there's no job offer yet, but I would love opinions on this. Thank you!

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[JaynaAli]

I think either would be fine and benefit your app. I see your point about not having many hours relating to dogs, but at the same time dental only practice is a pretty cool niche that may make your app stand out a little since that’s more uncommon. In an ideal world you’d probably do both. Would the GP let you just work weekends? Even if they’re looking for a more full time role, they may be willing to consider it since a lot of people don’t like working weekends. Might be something to ask if you get offered the dental position on weekdays.

 

[Kirb]

I think either would be fine and benefit your app. I see your point about not having many hours relating to dogs, but at the same time dental only practice is a pretty cool niche that may make your app stand out a little since that’s more uncommon. In an ideal world you’d probably do both. Would the GP let you just work weekends? Even if they’re looking for a more full time role, they may be willing to consider it since a lot of people don’t like working weekends. Might be something to ask if you get offered the dental position on weekdays.

That's a pretty good idea... I'd need to ask the GP about that although thinking about how busy my schedule may end up by doing that makes me woozy. I guess I'll just see how the interviews go and make a decision from there.

 

[juggling-zebra0831]

Don't think you can really go wrong tbh. I would go with what you feel you would enjoy and are most passionate about that way you can speak into those experiences in your essays and future interviews. Also, don't be afraid to change course too either. Out of undergrad, I joined a pre-clinical comparative orthopedic research lab but quickly realized about 3 months in that it wasn't for me. I was much happier in clinical setting in GP or speciality where I got to talk to owners, promote client education and witness the long-standing relationships formed between doctors and their patients. Though funny enough it was that niche lab animal experience that formed the thesis of my personal statement. Totally get the need though for life balance and having weekends free. Imo consider the hourly pay/benefits too. Any money you can start putting away now is savings in your future. Wishing all the best for you! 🙂