Is it unethical 2 volunteer @ a private dentist's office if u want 2 explore the field?

I am seriously considering becoming a dental hygienist or dental assistant and thus want experience working in the field.





The problem is that the nearest dental clinic is an hour away from where I live and therefore a huge hassle. Is it wrong 2 volunteer @ a local dentist's private practice 2 get a feel 4 what the work environment is like?

Is it unethical 2 volunteer @ a private dentist's office if u want 2 explore the field?
It is not unethical, however be aware that as someone with no experience and no certifications, you will probably not be allowed to do a whole lot. My office allows dental assistant students to come into our office as externs, but they usually are asked to either stand back and observe or to only do thinks under the direct supervision of a certified, experienced assistant or the dentist himself. I have seen many well meaning externs give patients completely inaccurate dental advice, and that can come back to bite the dentist in the rear. You really should send the dentist a letter explaining what you are wanting to do and see what he says.
Reply:Not at all....most interns and volunteers work in a private office.
Reply:Why would it be unethical? Experience is experience and its pretty important that you actually LIKE the work before you make it a career.
Reply:Absolutely not. Volunteering is a great way to learn about things, including a line of work you might be interested in.
Reply:Not at all, just explain your reasons for doing so clearly to the office. You might get more feedback/
Reply:No! Why would it be? In order to get into a Dental Hygiene Program, you have to volunteer so many hours anyway!
Reply:Definitely not. It's all the better for the dentist if you're interested in what you're helping with.
Reply:Absolutly not. In fact I encourage you to do so. Being in the medical field myself I cant tell you how are volunteers help us out. I thank you just for considering it. I wish you the best and hope you learn what you are looking for
Reply:Huskymom is right on the money with her answer. Vote her the best answer. I'm just agreeing in a long-winded way.





There would be legal considerations that would (or should) prevent the dentist from allowing you to actually DO anything involving patient care in his office if you were not an employee or if you were not there under the auspices of a dental assistant training program. Anything that you do (right or wrong) in the office would ultimately be the dentist's responsibility.





Most dentists - especially YOUR OWN - would be happy to have you come in and observe for a few hours or a few days if they knew that you were considering the profession.
Reply:Nope, that sounds like a smart thing to do.