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Always Make Yourself Presentable. Everyone emphasizes the importance of a first impression. However, consistent academic etiquette are also key to building a foundation of professionalism. I still recall my undergraduate years, often attending class in workout clothing. Sure, I would be exercising my mind per say. However, my attire did not reflect the type of person I was aiming to become - a serious academic.

As I entered my postbac program, I vowed to always dress to impress. Not only will I be easier to distinguish amidst my peers, my professors acknowledge my how seriously I am treating their course and my postbac program in general. Of course, the way you dress is simply one aspect of academic etiquette. The Art of Manliness recently wrote a great article on scholarly etiquette which I think anyone irregardless of gender should definitely check out.

Presence on Paper. In today's society, in-person appearance is not the only limiting presentation factor. Just like when applying to professional schools or even jobs/positions, we are subjected to presenting ourselves on 'paper.' I have listed these alternate forms of presentation below:
  • Digital Portfolio: Having this resource available allows you to document your achievements and easily share resources about yourself and your work. [Reference: My Digital Portfolio]
  • Résumé: Although this should be tailored to whatever you apply for, having a generic template available allows for easy input and submission.
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV): As an academic scholar, it is important to keep track of all your educational coursework and achievements.
  • Business Cards: Making deep connections with new people take time but supplying them with your contact information makes future collaborations easier.
  • Online Profiles: As social media (i.e. LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, etc.) becomes more culturally relevant, it is important to ensure everything published will not impede but contribute to your professional growth.
Truly consider either generating these presentation content or revising them. Not only will they allow you to better network with other people, but these resources allow others to evaluate your professionalism.

 
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Update: As I have recently started shadowing a dental practice (Highland Dental of Hayward), I plan to blog weekly about dental shadowing and post-bac life.

Following up from this past week's blog post about  professional qualities of a dentist and their practice, I interviewed the dentists, dental assistants, and office manager from the practice I currently shadow to gain their perspectives on the matter. The following are their responses:


Qualities of a great...
(From the perspective of)

Dentists:





Dental Assistants:




Office Manager:
...Dentist.


- Educationally Driven: Has credentials to practice yet continues to take classes to review skills, relevant literature, and latest technology to provide patients with better treatment.

- Patience: Focusing on the quality of treatment instead of trying to sloppily finish the procedure as quick as possible.


- Understanding: Able to relate to their patients as well as clearly explain procedures, oral health, and even costs.
...Dental Practice.


- Friendly: Showcasing a welcoming atmosphere once patients arrive and displaying proper chair-side manners. 


- Synergistic: Staff work well together and educates/provides constructive criticism for one another.

- Perceptive: Staff able to gauge patient's personality and provide a positive experience without offending the patient.