Building relationships

The dental profession is based on relationships and connecting with others, such as your patients, their families and the community as a whole. Dentists are able to connect with and help people different from themselves, and make their patients feel comfortable during treatment. Dentists often interact with patients one on one, which makes dentistry an intimate profession. It is important, as an aspiring dentist, that you are able to connect with people and make them feel at ease around you.

It is also important to build relationships with your professors during your undergraduate years to prepare yourself to apply to dental school. Letters of evaluation are a required part of the ADEA AADSAS® application, and building these relationships early will help professors and advisors write better recommendations for you in the future. Make sure to talk to them about your goals and aspirations and your desire to pursue dentistry. You should ask them what they think about your goals and what advice they may have for you.