Join Atlantis Dental Society and find out!
We all wish there were a shortcut or at least an easier path. The harsh truth is that becoming a dentist in Canada is not easy, and the competitive nature of the field doesn’t make it any simpler. So, how can you increase your chances? I’m glad you asked because there is a way to improve your chances of becoming a dentist: choosing the path that fits your personality.
Hi, I’m Shays, a biology student and founder of the Atlantis Dental Society. My journey into dentistry began in 12th grade when I had the opportunity to interact with many dental students, dentists, and pre-dental students. They shared their diverse opinions on the best and easiest ways to become a dentist. Some advised going to another province to take advantage of provincial seats, while others suggested attending York for easier grades (I can assure you that “if you can hold a fork, go to York” is nothing but a myth!). Some even recommended going abroad to enter dental school directly. After being bombarded with this information, I realized the importance of choosing a path based on personal strengths and characteristics.
Many students love to study far from home, while others prefer to stay close to their families. It’s a personal decision.
What Does Our Club Provide to Students?
Do you know what routines doctors have? Do you enjoy working in an office 8 hours a day, possibly for the next 40 years? Understanding this is crucial before committing to a dental career. Our club provides an opportunity for potential dentists to experience this before choosing dentistry. To pursue a career in dentistry, you should have a strong desire to become a dentist and a well-planned course selection and preparation for the DAT.
A crucial factor for dental school acceptance is your résumé, reflecting your dedication and involvement in the dental field. Interviewers want to ensure that you will become a great dentist, and your active participation in dental-related activities demonstrates your determination. We provide our members with shadowing opportunities, volunteer placements in the dental field, and jobs as front desk staff or floaters. This will help you get a sense of how a practice runs and help you when you become a dentist. By that time, you would have established your goals and networks and possibly attracted your patients.
How Can Dentists Benefit from Us?
Our club is associated with multiple practices that love to give back to the community and help us help them with this. If you are a practice owner, you could help us by giving our members an opportunity to experience dentistry before they start their careers. We usually request the following, which also inevitably assists the practice.
Volunteer Support: Our members are eager to gain experience and can provide valuable assistance. We are happy to volunteer for your events or community outreach programs.
Shadowing Opportunities: We want to understand the daily routines and responsibilities of the profession. We are eager to shadow dentists and assist them in any way possible.
Event Participation: We can help organize and support your dental events, ensuring they run smoothly and effectively.
Speaking Engagements: We would love to have you come to our club meetings and share your experiences and insights on what it takes to become a dentist. Your stories and advice can inspire and guide us, the next generation of dental professionals.
Atlantis Dental Society aims to create an easier pathway for students to become dentists. We are striving to provide all the resources and personalized help needed to reach this goal. Please join the Atlantis Dental Society to get and give the support and resources a dentist needs.
About the Author
Shays Fattahian is a current York University student majoring in biology. He has a wide range of hobbies and skills, from music production to calligraphy (graffiti), and working out to reading. He has a deep enthusiasm for helping people and adding value to their lives. He has combined his social skills, academic knowledge, and passion for helping others to create the Atlantis Dental Society (ADS). As the founder of ADS, his goal is to assist students from all around the world, regardless of their academic and personal backgrounds.