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What can I do in the summer to gain experience if I want to become an dentist in the future?
#dentist #dentistry
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9 answers
Updated
Nathan’s Answer
Hi Shuk, I would look into internships at different offices local to you. Contact your school counselor to talk about how and where to get them. If your school has a website link to apply for internships look into that as well.
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Andrew’s Answer
There are a lot of things that you could do. I would recommend getting involved in a dental office, whether shadowing a dentist or working in the office. Another thing I'd recommend is getting involved with different activities. Dental schools would like to see a well-rounded student, so volunteering and doing community service would boost your resume. One thing that I did was join an enrichment program to get a better idea of what I wanted to do with dentistry. I highly recommend going to one, especially if you're unsure if dentistry is the right thing for you.
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Krystal’s Answer
Hello!
Some things I recommend you do are:
- Volunteer (It does not matter where but dental schools love to see that you are involved in your community)
- Shadow various dentists in your town (most dental schools require a minimum of 100 hours so if you are able to start that process now it will be very beneficial)
- Work in a dental office (You can be trained on the job to be a sterilization tech, receptionist, or maybe even an assistant if the Dr. is able to)
- Work as a dental lab tech (This will give you some exposure to the hand skills that you will be taught in dental school)
- Visit various dental schools/ attend open houses so you can understand the requirements & see which one best fits where you would like to attend
Some things I recommend you do are:
- Volunteer (It does not matter where but dental schools love to see that you are involved in your community)
- Shadow various dentists in your town (most dental schools require a minimum of 100 hours so if you are able to start that process now it will be very beneficial)
- Work in a dental office (You can be trained on the job to be a sterilization tech, receptionist, or maybe even an assistant if the Dr. is able to)
- Work as a dental lab tech (This will give you some exposure to the hand skills that you will be taught in dental school)
- Visit various dental schools/ attend open houses so you can understand the requirements & see which one best fits where you would like to attend
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Kim’s Answer
I agree with others who have posted and think the best way to not only be sure you want to be a dentist but to also to make yourself a better candidate to get into schools is to get as much exposure to the field as possible.
The first place to start might be to contact your personal dentist and ask if you can follow her /him to observe a typical day. Another idea is to volunteer at a “free” clinic or clinical event for the public. In the US these events are often advertised on the states dental society website. RAM (Remote Area Medical) is another organization that always needs volunteers.
The first place to start might be to contact your personal dentist and ask if you can follow her /him to observe a typical day. Another idea is to volunteer at a “free” clinic or clinical event for the public. In the US these events are often advertised on the states dental society website. RAM (Remote Area Medical) is another organization that always needs volunteers.
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Khushi’s Answer
Hi Shuk!
Its great to hear you are considering studying dentistry later in your career and there are a few things you can do over the summer.
- Volunteering: Being a dentist means being a 'people-friendly' person. Try and get some volunteering experience working with the public to build up your interpersonal skills.
- Work experience/ Shadowing: Try and get a placement in a dental practice/ dental hospital where you can shadow the dental team for a few days to fully understand what the role of a dentist entails,
- Research: Go do some reading into what is covered in dental school and specific training requirements you may need to fully understand if this is the career for you. One of the best things to do would be visiting dental schools that you are interested in.
Its great to hear you are considering studying dentistry later in your career and there are a few things you can do over the summer.
- Volunteering: Being a dentist means being a 'people-friendly' person. Try and get some volunteering experience working with the public to build up your interpersonal skills.
- Work experience/ Shadowing: Try and get a placement in a dental practice/ dental hospital where you can shadow the dental team for a few days to fully understand what the role of a dentist entails,
- Research: Go do some reading into what is covered in dental school and specific training requirements you may need to fully understand if this is the career for you. One of the best things to do would be visiting dental schools that you are interested in.
Updated
Daniel K.’s Answer
Most dentists would love having you come by their office and ask questions. Dental offices are routinely looking for extra help as well so it could turn into a job opportunity while you're gaining experience. Also, local volunteer dental clinics are a great place to meet dentists and others in the dental field.
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Eliza’s Answer
I would recommend reaching out to local dentistry practices and asking if they have any internships available. If that's not an option you could do any medical-related volunteer work. While it would obviously be best for your experience to be in dentistry, any experience will look good on your resume!
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Jeannette’s Answer
I would recommend reaching out to a local dentist to see if you can work part time or even volunteer in their office. It likely won't be a glamorous position, but getting your foot in the door will be valuable. You'll gain some valuable knowledge, learn the processes and procedures of how the office runs and it would be a great networking opportunity. (Networking is so incredibly valuable!). It would be a great resume builder too! Best of luck to you!
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Cathy’s Answer
There are summer enrichment programs you can join that help you with dexterity. One is called SMDEP. Do your research and see if the program is offered locally. Rutgers school of medicine has a pipeline program called gateway to dentistry that is fun you and puts you in communication with dental students and faculty. And there is also an impressions day workshop run by local SNDA chapters. You’d have to do your research of course.