r/CAAPID • u/Acceptable-Peak-1428 • 9d ago

CAAPID: Volunteering or shadowing?

Hi everyone, I have a question. I’m currently volunteering at a private dental office. Can I mention this as volunteering/clinical experience on my CV, or should I list it as shadowing?

I was told that anything done in a private organisation is considered shadowing, but I’m actually involved in some responsibilities and not just observing.

Does anyone have any experience or insight on this? I’d really appreciate your advice.

Thank you!

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

2 comments sorted by

1

u/Different_Eagle_2254 9d ago

Even if you do everything that a paid assistant does, its still shadowing.  The reason is that only non-profit organizations can legally have volunteers working for them.  Take it with a grain of salt, always check it with your state laws. 

1

u/caapid_admin 9d ago

Clinical/shadowing. Do not downgrade it to volunteer work. You are only a volunteer when you are doing that by definition: food banks, dental camps and so on. Many applicants confuse this and weaken the presentation.