Dad's a dentist. Shadowing advice?

[DDSgrind8511]

I'm currently a junior who will start the application process this summer. My dad is a general dentist and I have worked (for him) full time as an assistant during summer and winter breaks for the past two years. I haven't concentrated as much on shadowing since I have hundreds of hours at his office already. I've only got about 35 hours of shadowing with other general dentists. I've heard that in cases where a parent is a dentist then working for them seems to count less. Thoughts?

Little bit of extra info:
3.96 GPA
23 AA
Over 100 service hours
Multiple leadership/officer positions on campus

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[Bernie Sanders]

Try to accum at least 50 hours with other dentists. 100 would be better. the specialists that recieve referrals from your dad would probably be more than willing to let you shadow them as well.

 

[DDSgrind8511]

Appreciate the advice. A couple of summers ago, I got about 60 hours at the ortho that my dad refers to. I was told to start concentrating on shadowing general dentists instead. Something about how dental schools want to see an interest in general since there's no guarantee you will be able to specialize if they accept you.

 

[swindoll]

I also think you should try shadowing other dentists. Ask your dad for recommendations! I'm sure he can point you to the right office.
Your stats are amazing, so why risk your chances!

 

[doc toothache]

In your case, it is hard to imagine any dental school where shadowing would be an issue.

 

[tarheel616]

My dad is a dentist as well and I had the same trouble. Ask your dad for all possible contacts in the area and try to set something up for consistent shadowing hours with colleagues of his who are general dentists and specialists.

It can only help even further when getting a letter of rec!