If you’re considering applying to dental school, it’s important to understand what a career in dentistry truly involves. Dental schools are looking for applicants who have gained people-focused experience providing care or service, as this demonstrates a passion for helping others and an understanding of the demands of the profession. There are many ways to gain this valuable experience, including working with people who are ill, have additional needs, or disadvantaged, or observing healthcare in action. While shadowing a dentist or doctor can be an excellent way to gain insight into the profession, it’s not the only way. Dental schools recognise that work experience can take many forms, from volunteering in a care home to working a weekend job in a shop. Whatever your experience, it’s important to showcase your commitment to helping others and your understanding of the importance of compassionate care in dentistry. So, don’t hesitate to pursue opportunities that align with your interests and goals, and demonstrate your dedication to becoming a successful dental professional.

If you’re worried that you need in-person work experience to apply to dental school, don’t be! Most UK dental schools will consider all types of work experience as part of the selection process, and there is no minimum number of hours required. What’s important is that your work experience demonstrates your commitment to helping others and your understanding of the challenges and rewards of a career in dentistry. While there are no rules about the types of work experience you should undertake, it’s recommended that your experience aligns with the three objectives of gaining people-focused experience, observing healthcare, and demonstrating a commitment to the profession. Additionally, many dental schools prefer recent work experience, so it’s best to aim for experience within the two years before you apply. Ultimately, what matters most is that you can demonstrate your passion for dentistry and your suitability for a career in this rewarding field. So, don’t let a lack of in-person work experience hold you back – there are many ways to gain valuable experience such as the Dental Mentor Virtual Work Experience Programme, and showcase your potential to dental schools.

Dental schools are looking for more than just a checklist of work experience when evaluating applicants. They want to see that you have gained insight and reflected on what you have learned about yourself and dentistry. This is an opportunity to demonstrate your passion and dedication to a career in dentistry. The dental schools may assess this in different ways, such as through an interview question or a dedicated station in an MMI, or by reviewing your personal statement to ensure you have relevant experience to discuss. Some schools may even require you to submit details of your work experience separately for verification. This is why we ensure that all of our students are awarded with certificates of completion when they complete the virtual work experience programme, to support their applications. Regardless of the method, remember that your work experience can set you apart and showcase your potential as a future healthcare provider.

In a nutshell, there is no such thing as the ‘best’ work experience. Nor is one ‘better’ than another. This is because there are many different types of work experience that are valuable. You can gain work experience through paid employment, volunteer work, or formal work experience schemes such as the Dental Mentor Virtual Work Experience Programme. The most important thing to remember is that it’s not about what you did, but what you learned about yourself, other people, and how effective care is delivered and received. What you did is only half the story. Dental schools want to see the attributes you demonstrated and what you learned from the experience. In the free Reflective Journal that is included in the Dental Mentor Virtual Work Experience, there are useful points for you to consider when you complete your work experience. So, focus on what you learned and how it made you a better candidate, and you’ll be on the right track to impressing medical schools.

Dental schools highly value applicants who have a solid understanding of the UK health service. As such, it is recommended that students undertake clinical work experience or speak to UK dentists to gain insights into the UK health system. While clinical work experience overseas can be an enriching experience, dental schools generally do not encourage it.

However, if you are an international student applying to dental school in the UK, exceptions are made for doing work experience in your home country.  What could be even better? Completing the free virtual work experience programme because additionally it will give you insight into the NHS in the UK.