Working in a Dental Lab...

[btfred2]

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Since we're getting closer to the end of the cycle, I'm trying to think of the backup plan that would look best on an application for next cycle (if I have to reapply again). I've heard some people talk about getting their master's degree and doing other things, but I'm thinking about working in a dental lab for the next year. Here are a couple of questions for people that have done this in the past...

Do you feel that you gained a lot of experience/knowledge working in the lab?

Were you able to do a variety of procedures or was it the same thing every day?

Do you feel that the schools you interviewed at were impressed that you had done this or do you think that getting a masters would look better?

Please let me know what you think...

 

[supraman]

My father is a dental lab owner so throughout my life I spent a great deal in the lab. I learned a lot and even did some of my own crowns towards the end of my years. I was able to shadow the dentists that were fitting the PFM crowns in the patient so that was a really cool experience to get perspective on both sides of dentistry.

You will gain a lot of experience and it was mentioned a lot in my interview. In fact, I made a hand movement like I was doing a waxup at my interview and he spoke about it for a good 5 minutes and how I have the hands for a dentist. (lol?)

Do this work absolutely, it will only help you. Forget the post bacc BS unless you really have low a sGPA (sub 3.2) and good DATs (20). If you can do both a postbacc and work in a lab, that's even better!

 

[doc toothache]

There are only two things that will make your application look better for the next cycle: higher GPA and/or higher DAT scores. Working in a dental lab/dental assisting is pretty much a lot of fluff- kind of down feathers with large volume but negligible weight.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=602095

 

[Auron]

DAT is more important, but it can only help to have such experiences, good interview fodder.

 

[Hawkeye7685]

I found research experience was a huge plus. My GPA may not have been as high as some other people and my DAT's were good but all of my interviews brought up my research and asked a lot about it. One actually said my research was the main reason they were interested in my application because they were more of a research oriented school.

 

[DRHOYA]

I agree with above. GPA and DAT are not the only selection criteria for dental school. Unless you have really low grades in all your science pre-reqs, then I would advise to actively stay involved in the field, and if you want to continue with education, take some grad science classes in the meantime. If you have the opportunity to put some time in at a dental lab, then do it, the experience will help alot. I was fortunate enough to be involved in a major research project in undergrad, and it was great experience.

 

[btfred2]

I agree with above. GPA and DAT are not the only selection criteria for dental school. Unless you have really low grades in all your science pre-reqs, then I would advise to actively stay involved in the field, and if you want to continue with education, take some grad science classes in the meantime. If you have the opportunity to put some time in at a dental lab, then do it, the experience will help alot. I was fortunate enough to be involved in a major research project in undergrad, and it was great experience.

I think I agree with this also. I had a lower science GPA, so after fall of my junior year I decided to quit playing soccer for my collegiate team and spend a year bringing my grades up, which I have done. I did fine on the DAT, but the only thing missing I feel like was my dental experience. I was never able to have a job like this before while I was playing soccer all year round, so I think this would fill in a little space in my application.

If this plan falls through, or if I have extra time, does anyone else have any other ideas regarding jobs or volunteer work that I could do?

 

[doc toothache]

DAT is more important, but it can only help to have such experiences, good interview fodder.

There are plenty of topics that make for good "interview fodder" such as fishing for minnows in the swamps of Louisiana/Florida, elephant trekking in Thailand or raising mosquitoes for fun and profit. However, they are not of much use if the applicant never makes it to first base (interview).