Should You Become a Dental Assistant Before Dental School?

Jumping directly into dental school sounds exciting, but should you take a step back and consider becoming a dental assistant first? Here’s the scenario: you’ve decided to go to dental school. You’ve worked through the math, the science, and maybe even survived a terrifyingly competitive application process. You’re looking ahead at years of training to get that prestigious DDS or DMD degree. But there’s one question you may not have considered—should you become a dental assistant first?

Many pre-dental students don't think about this route, but it could be a game-changer. Working as a dental assistant offers several distinct advantages that may help you thrive in dental school and as a future dentist. Let's dive deep into why spending time as a dental assistant before dental school might be the smart choice you never knew you needed to make.

First, let’s talk experience.

The gap between reading about dentistry in a textbook and actually witnessing the inner workings of a dental office is wide. As a dental assistant, you get an insider’s view of the dental world without the same level of responsibility as a dentist, but with the invaluable experience of working alongside one. You’ll be exposed to routine procedures, see how different dentists handle various cases, and gain first-hand insight into patient care.

Why is this important? Because dental school is intense. Students spend hours in the classroom learning complex biological concepts and the fine details of dentistry. As a dental assistant, you’ll enter this environment with a significant advantage: a working understanding of many dental procedures and the ability to engage more deeply with the material because you've already seen it in practice. You’ll be able to recognize instruments, know how dental clinics operate, and maybe even feel less stress during practical exams because some of the routine tasks will already feel familiar.

Now, let's talk about networking.

Working as a dental assistant provides you with invaluable networking opportunities. Dentists who you work with might become your mentors, offering advice not only on technical skills but also on how to navigate the competitive waters of dental school. More importantly, they might write a glowing recommendation letter for your application, which could make you stand out to admissions committees. After all, not every dental school applicant has hands-on experience in a real-world dental office.

Your coworkers, from other assistants to dental hygienists, may also become an incredible support system. They understand the grind of dental work and can offer advice, tips, or even future job opportunities as you move through your career.

Third, patient care skills.

Dental school doesn’t always prepare you for the nuances of patient interaction. Many dentists struggle not with the technical aspects of their job, but with managing patient expectations and calming nerves. As a dental assistant, you’ll be on the front lines of patient care. You’ll learn how to make patients comfortable, explain procedures in layman’s terms, and deal with difficult or anxious individuals.

This is a huge advantage. Having solid patient care skills will not only make you more empathetic but also help you become a better dentist. Patients will remember how they felt in your chair, and being able to create a welcoming, caring environment is an underrated skill in dentistry.

Fourth, it can give you clarity about your future.

Becoming a dentist is a major commitment—both in time and finances. While many students are confident about their choice, others are less certain. Working as a dental assistant is a relatively low-risk way to confirm whether this is truly the right career for you. By spending time in a dental practice, you’ll experience the day-to-day realities of dental work, from paperwork to patient interaction to the sometimes-grueling pace of a busy office.

This experience can solidify your decision to pursue dentistry—or make you reconsider before making the significant financial and time investment that dental school requires.

Fifth, it makes you a standout candidate.

Dental school admissions are competitive. Schools want students who are not only smart but also passionate and committed to the field. Having experience as a dental assistant on your resume will set you apart from applicants who may only have academic credentials. It shows that you’re not just interested in dentistry on paper, but that you’ve already worked in the field and have hands-on experience to back it up.

Admissions committees will see that you have a realistic idea of what the profession entails and that you’ve already started building the skills necessary for success. Plus, it shows that you’ve taken initiative, which can never hurt in the eyes of an admissions officer.

Sixth, let’s not forget the financial benefits.

Working as a dental assistant offers a source of income, which can help pay for some of the costs associated with applying to dental school (application fees, exam fees, travel expenses for interviews, etc.). While it won’t fund your entire education, every little bit helps when you’re facing years of tuition and living expenses. Additionally, you’ll likely make connections that could lead to job opportunities while you're in school or during breaks, allowing you to continue gaining experience and earning money throughout your training.

The Potential Downsides

Of course, it’s not all sunshine and roses. Some might argue that the time you spend working as a dental assistant is time that could be better spent taking additional science classes, studying for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), or focusing on extracurricular activities that will also bolster your application. Additionally, not everyone enjoys the role of a dental assistant. The work can be physically demanding, with long hours on your feet, and sometimes involves tasks that aren’t exactly glamorous.

There’s also the potential for burnout. If you start working in a dental office and quickly find yourself exhausted or uninterested, it could dampen your enthusiasm for dental school, even if you were originally passionate about it. That’s why it’s essential to weigh the pros and cons carefully.

The Bottom Line: Should You Become a Dental Assistant Before Dental School?

If you’re considering a career in dentistry and have the opportunity to work as a dental assistant first, it’s worth serious consideration. The experience, networking opportunities, patient care skills, and financial benefits are significant advantages that could help you both in dental school and in your future career. That said, it’s not the right choice for everyone, and there are certainly valid reasons to focus on academics and other experiences that will strengthen your dental school application.

At the end of the day, whether or not you choose to become a dental assistant before dental school comes down to your personal goals, timeline, and circumstances. If you can handle the physical demands and find fulfillment in the work, it could be one of the most beneficial moves you make in your journey to becoming a dentist.