Prior to obtaining a license to practice dentistry, your ability to work in the industry is limited. Some of the best ways to obtain dental work experience while still pursuing our education is to take a paid or unpaid support position in a dental office or volunteer for a public interest project that promotes dental care in underserved communities. An applicant to dental school does not typically need to have prior dental work experience. It is beneficial to be able to show a history of interest in dentistry, however, and that can include past work experiences.
Dentistry is regulated in most countries. An aspiring dentist typically must undergo two levels of formal education and a period of on-the-job training. The formal education often includes obtaining a bachelor's degree and successfully navigating a stint in dental school. Throughout the educational process, the student is often expected to demonstrate a specific desire to be a dentist. The way a student makes his case regarding why he wants to be a dentist can make the difference in an admissions application or when applying for initial job placements out of school.
Prior dental work experience can make a dentistry candidate stand out. Perhaps the easiest way to obtain such experience is to look for a job working in a support position in a dental office or clinic. Dental practices usually have a number of job positions that help a dentist manage his patients and business obligations. These positions range from general office positions doing filing, answering the phone, handling reception or making appointment to positions that require some moderate training or certification.
In most instances, you should look for work with a dental practice that pays. If you can afford to work for free as an intern, however, you will likely find it easier to locate opportunities. Sometimes, work explorations programs that are affiliated with high schools, nonprofit organizations and dental trade associations will facilitate internship opportunities that can place you in an open position for the express purpose of providing you with dental work experience to help you decide to pursue a career in dentistry.
Another way to obtain dental work experience is to look for volunteer opportunities with dental programs in underserved communities. There are programs operated by dental organizations, community clinics and hospitals that bring dentistry into communities of need by using mobile vans and setting up temporary facilities where people can obtain free services. Some international organizations recruit people to work with dentists in third world countries during volunteer vacations. Whether you choose to work as a volunteer locally or internationally, you will likely find that you are exposed to a broader range of dental practices by working in the field than you would by working in an office.
