The Role of Shadowing, Volunteering, and Extracurriculars: How Parents Can Open Doors for Their Child
When it comes to dental school admissions, grades and DAT scores are only part of the picture. Admissions committees also want to see that applicants have explored dentistry firsthand, engaged with their communities, and developed leadership skills. That’s where shadowing, volunteering, and extracurricular activities play a crucial role.
As a parent, you may not be able to take the DAT for your child, but you can help create opportunities that strengthen their dental school application. Here’s how.
Why These Experiences Matter
Shadowing shows commitment to dentistry by giving students real-world exposure to the profession.
Volunteering demonstrates compassion, service, and a willingness to help others—qualities every dental school values.
Extracurricular activities highlight leadership, teamwork, and time management, proving students can balance academics with personal growth.
Together, these experiences create a well-rounded application that helps your student stand out.
How Parents Can Support Shadowing Opportunities
Many students struggle to find shadowing placements. Parents can help by:
Reaching out to family dentists or specialists in their network
Encouraging their student to contact local dental offices with a professional email and resume
Offering transportation or flexible scheduling support
Reinforcing professional etiquette, such as punctuality and gratitude
Even 50–100 hours of shadowing across different specialties can significantly strengthen an application.
How Parents Can Encourage Volunteering
Service is a cornerstone of dentistry, and admissions committees look for students who have given back to their communities. Parents can:
Suggest local organizations like free dental clinics, hospitals, or community centers
Encourage consistent, long-term volunteering rather than one-time events
Model service by volunteering as a family
These experiences also give students meaningful stories to share in their personal statements and interviews.
The Value of Extracurricular Involvement
Dental schools want students who can balance academics with leadership and personal growth. Parents can encourage participation in:
Pre-dental clubs or science organizations on campus
Leadership roles in student government, sports, or cultural groups
Research opportunities that demonstrate curiosity and discipline
Extracurriculars don’t just build résumés—they also help students develop resilience, communication skills, and teamwork.
Balancing Support Without Overstepping
It’s important for students to take ownership of their application. Parents should focus on opening doors and offering encouragement, not micromanaging. Let your child make the calls, send the emails, and reflect on their experiences. Your role is to provide support, connections, and perspective when needed.
How Dental School Declassified Can Help
At Dental School Declassified, we help students highlight these experiences in the application process—whether it’s framing a shadowing experience in a personal statement, showcasing leadership in an extracurricular activity, or preparing to discuss service work in an interview.
Our personalized advising ensures that all the hard work your student puts into shadowing, volunteering, and extracurriculars is presented in the strongest way possible.
Final Thoughts
Shadowing, volunteering, and extracurricular activities are more than application requirements—they’re opportunities for growth and discovery. With your support, your child can not only check the boxes but also build experiences that truly set them apart.
Want to help your child make the most of their pre-dental experiences? [Schedule an advising session with Dental School Declassified today.]
