When you think of preparing for dental school, what’s the first thing that comes to mind? Probably grinding through science classes, keeping your GPA sky-high, and checking off every prerequisite, right? That’s all important—but there’s something else that can make a huge difference in your journey: real-world experience.

Getting hands-on exposure through shadowing dentists, volunteering at clinics, or working in a dental office isn’t just a resume booster. It gives you a front-row seat to the job, beyond textbooks and lab work. It helps you connect the dots between what you’re learning in class and what it means to care for real patients. And maybe most importantly, it shows dental schools that you’re serious, prepared, and invested in the profession.

Real-World Experience Builds Practical Understanding

Knowing the science behind oral health is one thing, but knowing how to apply that knowledge in a real dental setting is something else entirely. That’s where hands-on experience makes all the difference for pre-dental students.

When you shadow a dentist or assist in a clinic, you start to see how textbook concepts play out in real time. You learn how dentists communicate with patients, manage procedures, and make quick, informed decisions. You see how a treatment plan comes together—not just why it works on paper, but how it’s tailored to each person who walks through the door.

This kind of exposure gives you a practical understanding of the profession that no lecture or lab can fully provide. It bridges the gap between what you study and how you’ll actually practice. And that understanding isn’t just helpful—it’s essential when you’re preparing for dental school and a future in patient care.

It Strengthens Dental School Applications

Admissions committees appreciate when applicants have taken initiative to gain experience beyond the classroom. It shows commitment and maturity. Real-world experience is a key talking point in interviews and personal statements.

Plus, schools often require or strongly recommend a certain number of shadowing hours. Having a strong background here not only fulfills these expectations but can give you an edge over others.

If you're still researching, look into the best pre-dental programs—many offer built-in internship opportunities or strong partnerships with clinics and dental practices.

Experience Helps Meet Pre-Requirements for Dental Hygienist and Dentist Roles

Most dental schools and dental hygiene programs aren’t just looking at your grades. They also want proof that you’ve spent time in the real world of dentistry. That’s why many of them require a certain number of shadowing hours, volunteer work, or even paid experience in a clinical setting as part of their application process.

These requirements aren’t just formalities. They’re designed to make sure you’ve seen what the job actually entails—and that you still want in. By getting early experience, you’re not only meeting the technical pre-requirements for dental hygienist and dental programs, but you’re also building the kind of soft skills that can’t be taught in a classroom.

Things like reading a patient’s body language, communicating clearly under pressure, or working smoothly with a dental team—those are critical, and you only pick them up by being in the environment. So yes, this experience checks a box—but it also sets you up to succeed once you’re in the program and eventually in the profession.

Volunteering Abroad: A Unique Advantage for Pre-Dental Students

Getting experience in a dental setting is important, but volunteering abroad offers something even more powerful. Programs like Smiles Movement's global dental outreach programs don’t just give you clinical hours—they immerse you in new cultures, challenge you to adapt, and connect you with people from all over the world who share your passion for healthcare.

Spending time in an international setting helps you:

• Build real dental skills while serving communities that need care the most
• Develop cross-cultural communication—something that’s critical for working with diverse patient populations
• Practice or learn a new language, enhancing both your empathy and your resume
• Network with dental professionals, volunteers, and mentors who can support your career long after the trip ends

Here are a few ways pre-dental students gain meaningful experience:

• Volunteering abroad with dental-focused outreach programs like Smiles Movement
• Shadowing dentists in private practices
• Working with local clinics or mobile dental units
• Joining university pre-dental clubs or associations that organize shadowing and service trips
• Checking university websites from the best pre-dental programs for clinics and partner organizations they’re affiliated with

Volunteering abroad goes beyond just ticking a box on your application—it shapes you into a more informed, connected, and compassionate future healthcare provider. If you want to make a difference while gaining valuable experience, this is one of the most impactful ways to do it.

Join the Smiles Movement to Promote Oral Health

If you're serious about becoming a dentist or dental hygienist, real-world experience is one of the most valuable tools you can have. Not only does it support your academic journey, but it gives you a meaningful look into the work you'll be doing for the rest of your career.

Ready to take action?
Download our brochure to learn how to get involved with the Smiles Movement and start making a difference in oral health today.