What to look for in a Dentist LOR?

[TheSandlapper]

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Obviously we want a dentist who will speak positively of us, but beyond this what? Do they need to be a general dentist or is a specialist ok? Also, do they need to be currently involved in a private practice or is it fine if they are presently doing non-profit work at a clinic? And lastly, would a committee dental letter be a good idea if I could get one, and by committee I mean several dentist who work together draft one letter and all sign off on it. Would there be any disadvantages to this? Thanks for the advice.

 

[JLT223]

It's preferred to be written by a GP in my opinion; you don't go to dental school to be an orthodontist, you go to be a GP first and foremost. Obviously any type of dentist would work in the long run. They do not need to be in private practice, clinic is fine. A committee dental letter sounds like a great idea, but make sure it is personable and that the dentist writing the letter is known. The letter should speak about your character, motivation, what you did in the office, etc.

 

[Soleus715]

I think that professor LOR should speak of the ability and potential of an applicant in dental school,
whereas dentist LOR should talk about the applicant's passion in dentistry and how they showed it through out the shadowing experience.

Shadowing requirements/ recommendations are usually a very small amount of time and dentists may not get to know you that well.
When my boss had to write a letter for an applicants that shadowed a short time (50-100 hours), it was difficult for him because he did not really know exactly what to include in the LOR.

It's in your best interest to give the dentist enough material to write about. Follow his/her policies and do your best to ask questions that show genuine interest.

 

[Socolaphile]

For me, I steer the dentist in the direction by providing him with my CV, personal statement, and a short description. The CV included my academic achievements, community services, office held in pre-dental club, etc... Personal statement gives him an idea of why I chose to be a dentist such as giving back to my community. Then a short description such as, "I am applying for dental school this cycle. Attached are my CV and personal statement. I was hoping if you could emphasize on my community service from my past volunteer experience. I am hoping to hear your honest insights about my personality or characters as a future dentist and also my ability to complete dental education".

I hope it helps. That's what I did.