So, here we are. After a few weeks of picking apart what others are doing right/wrong, I am now focusing on my own future. I'm going to use this blog installment to layout some of my plans for job shadowing in the next year, and to focus on some of the expectations of the dental schools to which I will soon be applying. Then, I want to stack myself up against these expectations to see how I measure up. I hope this proves to be a learning experience for all of us!
While finding shadowing opportunities might be difficult for some, I am fortunate enough to know many dentists in my hometown personally. I'm sure that I don't quite appreciate the immense blessing that this is for me - but I am seeing it in a greater light daily. Job shadowing in these dental offices gives me a number of benefits. First, I get a hands-on experience. Dental schools appreciate this, but I think it is even more important to me as a student and future dentist. Secondly, and I get closer to those professionals beside whom I could potentially find myself working in the near future. As dentists, young graduates often work under more experienced professionals for a number of years to build clientele and overall credibility.
So, here are the 4 places with which I am thankful to have shadowing opportunities:
1. Tillery Dental Clinic, Hattiesburg, MS. [under Dr. John Chandler, DMD]
http://www.tillerydental.com/contact-us/hattiesburg-office.asp
2. The Office of Dr. Terry A. Lambert, DDS [Or possibly Dr. Emily L. Harden]
http://www.yellowpages.com/hattiesburg-ms/mip/lambert-terry-a-dr-16887795
3. The Office of Dr. Fred H. Drews, DDS
http://www.yellowpagesgoesgreen.org/Hattiesburg-MS/Drews+Fred+H+Dr+III/94797
4. Baker & Graham Dental, Dr. William C. Baker Jr., DDS and Dr. Erik G. Graham, DMD
http://bakerandgraham.com/
These are some of the most prestigious dental offices in Hattiesburg, and maybe even the nicest in Mississippi. They are expecting job shadowers that are professional in both conduct and appearance. Serious students with serious goals. Adults who are not only dressed for the part, but who excel in communication and thinking on their feet. Although during job shadowing, I will not be asked to perform real medical tasks, these doctors have all expressed a desire to keep their students "on their toes" by asking critical, spontaneous questions and expecting outside study.
Ok, now that the shadowing opportunities have been presented and organized, I want to continue by listing some of the expectations of the admissions staff at any given school of dentistry. After researching at both the University of Mississippi Medical Center and the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry (where I plan to apply) [and also with the help of my pre-professional advisor, Dr. Patricia Biesiot] I have compiled the following list of criteria for potential dental students.
[ in order of importance]
1. Competitive DAT (dental admissions test) score. (17 or higher)
2. Grades: High cumulative GPA (above 3.4), and high MCBP [math/chem/bio/phys] GPA (above 3.5)
3. Volunteer work/community service
4. Good language/communication skills
5. Experience/Job Shadowing
6. Signs of maturity and responsible character
Now's the part when I insert myself into each of these criteria to see where there is room for improvement. This will help me to form an effective personal statement, and to find areas of potential growth.
1. DAT Score: I have taken the DAT once (I was unwitting of how terribly difficult it is!) and I made a 17. This is the average score. I am hopeful now, knowing the nature of the test, that with proper study I could greatly improve this score. Some sources say this is the most crucial of factors for admittance, but I know students who have been admitted with scores lower than mine. Basically, it is about the entire package as a whole. If you are a genius, but you lack basic people skills, your interview (which some say counts 60% of your chances) will greatly suffer. It's about being competitive on every account.
2. GPA: Unfortunately, when I first started college I messed up (like so many do) and dropped my GPA to 3.0. I know, some people would die for that score, but it won't cut if for me! Thankfully, this is only my GPA at USM. Cumulatively, my GPA is around 3.75. I have been working very hard since I came back to school. I have raised my USM GPA from a 3.0 to a 3.3 as well. My MCBP GPA is somewhere around 3.88. I'm proud of these numbers and I hope to see more improvement as I close in on graduation. My goal is 3.9 in both GPA's.
3. Volunteer work: This is something I love. I love doing volunteer work, but as everyone knows, it's hard to fit this kind of work into a busy schedule. I am very fortunate to have moved to South America right after my high school graduation. I moved to Bogota, Colombia and worked in a church's charity kitchen for almost 2 years. Apart from small things here and there, I feel like this is an awesome thing (in the literal sense) to have on my resume. It was definitely an awesome thing for my life personally.
4. Language/Communication: While I was living in South America, I became fluent in Spanish. This priceless gift has benefited me so many times already, and I am proud to say I can speak Spanish. Apart from knowing Spanish, I have a lot of experience with acting and drama. In high school, I participated in numerous competitions and plays. It is something I will never regret, even if I was labeled a "drama geek." While I might not list my meager acting experience on my resume, I am sure it will help me during my interview. I, of course, will not be acting during this interview, but I feel acting has helped improve my people skills immensely. My knowledge of Spanish, however, will definitely go on the resume as I feel it will give me a definite advantage.
5. Shadowing/Experience: As stated above, I have big plans for job shadowing. I plan on having 30+ hours of job shadowing prior to any interview for admission. I already have at least 30 hours of shadowing in the operating rooms of many different ophthalmologists. While I know I am not applying to ophthalmology school, I am sure the admissions staff will appreciate the fact that I have a lot of experience with sanitary technique and surgical etiquette.
6. Sings of maturity: Currently, I am a full-time student. That might not seem like much at first glance, but when you take into account the fact that I am married with two kids, and that I own a house and two cars - I would hope some semblance of responsibility would be conveyed. I am not currently employed because I am taking this opportunity to be my kids' babysitter ever chance I get. I know that when I get into dentistry school, I won't have near as much time, so I am investing as much quality time as possible now. As I have previously stated on my blog, I want the admissions staff to rightly lump me into the "non-traditional student" stereotype. I am doing all of this, not just because it will fulfill many of my life's professional goals, but because I am willing to do whatever it takes for my family. I will study hard, work hard, stay up late, go overtime - you name it. No, I am not the president of any interest groups on campus, but I have a family that depends on me.
There you have it. I think I am well on my way to a successful application to dental school, but that doesn't mean I'm cocky. I'm gonna do whatever it takes to improve my chances of being accepted.
I feel like I could be a great dentist for many reasons.
1. I am good with my hands. I have always excelled at the arts and music.
I have trained my hands to be accurate and my eyes (and ears) to be scrutinizing. I know how to use my hands to produce what my mind sees.
2. Tedious tasks do not bother me. Working on small and complicated tasks is not taxing for me.
3. I am people person. I have always had the ability to make those around me feel comfortable.
4. I love science. I love knowing how things work and understanding how all the different pieces of a puzzle fit together.
5. I have had a lot of dental work done! I know what a relief it is to have tooth pain relieved. I also know how much a patient appreciates a dentist who is kind and gentle. I have been in the chair many times. I believe I understand what a patient needs apart from just dentistry.
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