“Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” —Walt Whitman
Photo courtesy - @indykadeer
The letters are crucial in evidence in supporting your application (be it a job/admission) as it is one of the only parts of the application that allows the application committee to learn about you from a third party that has worked with you in a professional setting.
A strong letter of recommendation from a local dentist that you have worked with addressing the 4 D's
Depth of knowledge of the field
Dependability
Determination
Dedication.
Dated is preferable.
2 would be a good number from the country you are applying to give more credibility.
Good to mention leadership skills shown this list is non-exhaustive ( be useful and innovative!)
make a patient information leaflets
do newsletters
maintain their website
write up cases done by the dentist (with photographs)
arrange patient evening explaining OHI
Help make an implant list for the practice checking who all has had extractions in the past 5 years
do a questionnaire for denture wearers if they are happy
do an audit for the practice eg: record keeping/radiograph quality
Qualities to mention is
team player
time management
punctuality
kindness to patients/staff
chairside manners
going out of the way for someone
dealing with complaints
dealing with difficult patients
written appreciations from patients
helpfulness, cheerfulness
positivity
keenness to learn
knowing the legalities of the state
adhering to cross-infection (like washing hands before every session/hair tied)
knowledge of up to date research
knowledge of materials used
knowledge of instruments used
dental photography
So as you can see, if it needs to be written on your LOR you should achieve these and prove to be a very good and motivated person who would be an asset to any institution/practice.