Bad first day Shadowing dentist

[cosmeticdent]

Yesturday I met with a othro and introduced myself and have him a CV and he told me it would be perfectly alright if I could shadow him..So i bought new scrubs and was pretty excited to start of the next day...I went there early 8:15 am (his secretary told me they started at 8:30) said hello to everyone introduced myself..and then began shadowing (following the dent)...and I could tell that he did not like it..His secretary (manager of the whole operation)said I was doing fine...but I got the feeling the dent did not like me shadowing him so I began observing the dental assistants and passed my time observing them...

When I saw the dentist free (he was looking at his clay figure) I approached him and wanted ask him about the last patient procedure he told me that he could not discuss anything with me so i simply just walked away not wanting to invade his personal space any further...eventually lunch time came and I did not feel good about the whole thing (that feeling you get in you gut) but still came back after lunch because they thought i would so i did...after that i followed the assistants the rest of the time and did not get much time with the dentist...

I helped the girls clean up (take out trash what not) and waited till everyone had gone (5:30) one and then spoke with his personal secretary and then she told me it was not gonna work out and the dentist did not like that I was "dogging him all the time".. ( i think she meant shadow but she used the word "dogging" ) I felt really bad and honestly really wanted to cry that instant...but kept calm and sadly said goodbye....at the end she said i hope it works out for u....

I really did give it my all and really did stay out of the dentists way....My feet hurt been on them all day and I did not want the dentist to think i am lazy so i was standing the whole day....This dentist was voted the top dentist in 2009 by a dental association...so I guess I just expected much more...

Anyhow I am really blue and cant help but to feel bad...sorry for making this really long...but it really hurt and I had a terrible experience the first and my last day of shadowing that dentist... so I just had to let it out....so thank you for listening appreciate it....

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[iluvdentistry]

That is really too bad. Start searching for new dentists to shadow. Did you say you shadowed an orthodontist? You may want to consider a GP dentist so you can see more while shadowing. You know, there is something positive that can come of this situation. If I was you, this experience would make me all the more determined to get into dental school so I could become a great dentist and eventually be able help some future pre-dent student who will be in the shoes you're in today. Don't give up, just go somewhere else.

 

[lmaozedong1]

Although that guy sounds like a good dentist (being ranked that high), he also sounds kinda rude. Don't worry about it, I'm sure there are other opportunities for ya. Keep your head up.

 

[doc toothache]

Yesturday I met with a othro and introduced myself and have him a CV and he told me it would be perfectly alright if I could shadow him..So i bought new scrubs and was pretty excited to start of the next day...I went there early 8:15 am (his secretary told me they started at 8:30) said hello to everyone introduced myself..and then began shadowing (following the dent)...and I could tell that he did not like it..His secretary (manager of the whole operation)said I was doing fine...but I got the feeling the dent did not like me shadowing him so I began observing the dental assistants and passed my time observing them...

I helped the girls clean up (take out trash what not) and waited till everyone had gone (5:30) one and then spoke with his personal secretary and then she told me it was not gonna work out and the dentist did not like that I was "dogging him all the time".. ( i think she meant shadow but she used the word "dogging" ) I felt really bad and honestly really wanted to cry that instant...but kept calm and sadly said goodbye....at the end she said i hope it works out for u....
I really did give it my all and really did stay out of the dentists way....My feet hurt been on them all day and I did not want the dentist to think i am lazy so i was standing the whole day....This dentist was voted the top dentist in 2009 by a dental association...so I guess I just expected much more...

By your own admission it does sound like you were following him around like a puppy and his personal secretary did get it right although you were not too willing to listen to her comments. Next time let the Dr. guide you.

 

[321931]

Hey hey, don't sweat it. Don't worry about it. Just call up other dentists and ask them whether you can shadow.

My BIGGEST advice I can give you is- only shadow for 2-4 hours. Shadow from like morning to break. Overstaying your stay even with the nicest dentists tend to feel ackward/annoying towards the end of the day.

Just do it probably one day a week. That way you don't overstay your welcome.

I don't know how you and him talked/whether you were overbearing etc etc, but I think you can be the judge of that.

Don't let it get you down. Everything will be alright

 

[rejuvenatedsoul]

sorry to hear how your day went some dentists are just like that...he shouldn't have agreed to let you shadow, but i guess he didn't know that shadowing meant being followed around the whole day. i suggest going to your own dentist or asking a pre-dent friend about a dentist who would allow shadowing check out some dentists near your university, perhaps they are used to having students ask for shadowing opportunities? good luck

 

[UndergradGuy7]

Oh well find someone else. Most people would not want someone shadowing them. No big deal. And as said above, do like 4 hours the first day. Then if all goes well come back next time for 4-6 hrs.

Also when looking for someone to shadow, if they avoid it by saying "I'll call you back." If they never do, don't call back, they obviously don't want you there. Then it will be just awkward if you kind of force them into shadowing. Find someone that calls back/says yes without you haggling them.

 

[jenbruin]

Awwww man!! Don't even worry about it, that dentist sounds really weird and crabby. That's totally stupid, they should have never agreed to let you shadow them if they didn't want you shadowing them. Just keep on looking for more shadow opportunities, don't let this Scrooge ruin pursuing dentistry. Try asking your own dentist or a younger dentist not too long out of dental school. Chances are they will be way more friendly and eager to help you learn!

 

[ovi8]

Yesturday I met with a othro and introduced myself and have him a CV and he told me it would be perfectly alright if I could shadow him..So i bought new scrubs and was pretty excited to start of the next day...I went there early 8:15 am (his secretary told me they started at 8:30) said hello to everyone introduced myself..and then began shadowing (following the dent)...and I could tell that he did not like it..His secretary (manager of the whole operation)said I was doing fine...but I got the feeling the dent did not like me shadowing him so I began observing the dental assistants and passed my time observing them...

When I saw the dentist free (he was looking at his clay figure) I approached him and wanted ask him about the last patient procedure he told me that he could not discuss anything with me so i simply just walked away not wanting to invade his personal space any further...eventually lunch time came and I did not feel good about the whole thing (that feeling you get in you gut) but still came back after lunch because they thought i would so i did...after that i followed the assistants the rest of the time and did not get much time with the dentist...

I helped the girls clean up (take out trash what not) and waited till everyone had gone (5:30) one and then spoke with his personal secretary and then she told me it was not gonna work out and the dentist did not like that I was "dogging him all the time".. ( i think she meant shadow but she used the word "dogging" ) I felt really bad and honestly really wanted to cry that instant...but kept calm and sadly said goodbye....at the end she said i hope it works out for u....

I really did give it my all and really did stay out of the dentists way....My feet hurt been on them all day and I did not want the dentist to think i am lazy so i was standing the whole day....This dentist was voted the top dentist in 2009 by a dental association...so I guess I just expected much more...

Anyhow I am really blue and cant help but to feel bad...sorry for making this really long...but it really hurt and I had a terrible experience the first and my last day of shadowing that dentist... so I just had to let it out....so thank you for listening appreciate it....

First off, do not let this bad experience deter you from being a dentist. Dentists are just like the rest of the population, you will get along with 99% but that 1% are impossible. And don't take it personally, he is probably like that with everyone. That being said, I have to ask you how you got to shadow this dentist in the first place. I'm sure you saw that he was a top dentist and you thought it would be a good experience but did you personally ask the dentist if you could shadow him? If not, that was a mistake. Another thing, ortho is very specific and probably not the best place to start shadowing. Everyone has a personal dentist. Start there. At least the dentist there knows you and you won't be awkward. Your first shadowing experience should be observing cavity fillings, root canals, crowns, and possible extractions. This will give you a better idea about what to expect in dental school. Shadowing should be a very relaxing experience. You are better off not going back to that ortho, he seems like a real charm to be around. I have had great shadowing experiences because I asked my personal dentist and she could not have been more happy to have me observe. You will have a better time the next go around.

 

[flyingforever]

I feel you. Same thing happened to me when shadowing Ortho. I didn't went there after my first visit. Then I found this general dentist. He is really cool. He told me to come in any time and he also invited me to staff birthdays and Christmas party and everything. I love this doctor. He didn't mind me at all. He even introduces me to every patient. We enjoy three-way conversation.

 

[biorenaissance]

Yesturday I met with a othro and introduced myself and have him a CV and he told me it would be perfectly alright if I could shadow him..So i bought new scrubs and was pretty excited to start of the next day...I went there early 8:15 am (his secretary told me they started at 8:30) said hello to everyone introduced myself..and then began shadowing (following the dent)...and I could tell that he did not like it..His secretary (manager of the whole operation)said I was doing fine...but I got the feeling the dent did not like me shadowing him so I began observing the dental assistants and passed my time observing them...

When I saw the dentist free (he was looking at his clay figure) I approached him and wanted ask him about the last patient procedure he told me that he could not discuss anything with me so i simply just walked away not wanting to invade his personal space any further...eventually lunch time came and I did not feel good about the whole thing (that feeling you get in you gut) but still came back after lunch because they thought i would so i did...after that i followed the assistants the rest of the time and did not get much time with the dentist...

I helped the girls clean up (take out trash what not) and waited till everyone had gone (5:30) one and then spoke with his personal secretary and then she told me it was not gonna work out and the dentist did not like that I was "dogging him all the time".. ( i think she meant shadow but she used the word "dogging" ) I felt really bad and honestly really wanted to cry that instant...but kept calm and sadly said goodbye....at the end she said i hope it works out for u....

I really did give it my all and really did stay out of the dentists way....My feet hurt been on them all day and I did not want the dentist to think i am lazy so i was standing the whole day....This dentist was voted the top dentist in 2009 by a dental association...so I guess I just expected much more...

Anyhow I am really blue and cant help but to feel bad...sorry for making this really long...but it really hurt and I had a terrible experience the first and my last day of shadowing that dentist... so I just had to let it out....so thank you for listening appreciate it....

F what all the people said about the way you shadow. Dude you did fine you just didn't click with the dentist. The first dentist I went to was a freak she would go down into her office of a cave and do god knows what on breaks gave me the heebie jeebies. All of her employees would talk crap about her while she was down there lol. She was also a very very pushy sales person so I didn't like that ether. I don't think she liked me much ether but we ended on good terms just didn't go back. You have got to find dentist you click with normally for me the younger the better. Find somebody who graduated in like 2000-2008 they will be super excited and tell you everything about their take of the admissions process and dental school. Also about dogging people that is what you do the first time you shadow at someones office until you get to know the staff you are in there space and you don't just wonder around the practice. Unless your brave and you just decide your going to walk into hygiene and start asking her questions she has know idea who you are and what ever to the dude that said he just goes in talkin up all the staff B S

 

[amali]

This orthodontist sounds terrible. I can't believe he said "I cant discuss that with you." You are shadowing them and they should be very open to talking to you.
I personally think that when looking for someone to shadow, you should look on your campus for programs that assign you to dentists, like a mentor program. These dentists generally know how to handle people shadowing them and are open to talk about pretty much anything.

 

[bloop]

Jeez, that really sucks. I don't think you did anything wrong at all. I shadowed some different dentists and at the oral surgery place I went to, I noticed right off the bat that some of the surgeons were super happy to show me things and explain stuff while some were a lot quieter and cagey about you being too close and such.

At another dental office, I sorta think I came off as "dogging" around after the dentist, but he was super cool about it and just said "you should watch the assistants and see what they do too," so I knew after that to try to divide my time between watching him do stuff and watching the assistants. Like if he was doing something I'd already seen a bunch of times, I knew to switch to one of the assistants and observe them or chat up the patients, etc. Your ortho shoulda given you a heads up like that or something instead of getting all rude. Doctors need to understand that student observers don't always "know what to do." Some doctors expect you to be right at their side at all times while others don't, I guess, so they should be more understanding that you're kinda learning as you go along.

 

[321931]

Oh yeah...

Another tip I think could help is when you first meet the Dentist, take some time out to quickly say "Excuse me Dr. so and so, I really appreciate this opportunity and I also don't want to like a bother...so is it okay if I ask questions while you do procedures and hop around to dental assistants etc." Usually they say no problem and it clears the air on what is expected/not expected. Also say it with assertiveness. =D cheers.

 

[DoctreDrey]

this sorta happened to me too. When I first visited the office to ask, one of the associates gladly took down my name , contact info, etc. and I gave him my resume. He then scheduled a time to meet on a seperate day with the boss dentist. The interview went well and they were both rly nice and scheduled a first day to shadow. Towards the end of that day, they agreed and told me that they "weren't rdy for an intern" so I only ended up shadowing them for that one day. O well.

 

[sahiwal86]

i wud say dont give up on ur dream n dont get discouraged coz it happened to me but i continued to work at the dental offce as an assistant/ trainee for almost an year... there were days when i went back home with tears but my skin thickened....i had no choice coz of financial reasons but i wud say...HATS OFF to u for maintainin ur calm... n ace d B****! this country needs some sane compassionate encouraging dental professionals as well

 

[wantVCUdental]

Sounds like you did everything right, it's not you, it's HIM. By your description, you are a very observant individual, it's too bad that you were matched up with a stuck up dentist, I guess you can't really blame him too, he's an Ortho and let's be honest here, orthos probably hate their lives considering how tedious the job is.

Good luck and all the best.

 

[sahiwal86]

i second VCU on that ! very well said...
besides u shd NEVER let anyone discourage or tell u that u can't do something... besides some orthos r lil ummm brrrrrrr! no harshness intended lol

Sounds like you did everything right, it's not you, it's HIM. By your description, you are a very observant individual, it's too bad that you were matched up with a stuck up dentist, I guess you can't really blame him too, he's an Ortho and let's be honest here, orthos probably hate their lives considering how tedious the job is.

Good luck and all the best.

 

[cosmeticdent]

Thank you for all your encouraging support...This site is great it really helps you through tough times...

 

[476515678234896]

it's not that hard. just sit there and watch, like this:

find a GP, they have a lot of interesting stuff and more variety. the ortho I shadowed was dull (but he was awesome).

 

[aelian]

My BIGGEST advice I can give you is- only shadow for 2-4 hours. Shadow from like morning to break. Overstaying your stay even with the nicest dentists tend to feel ackward/annoying towards the end of the day.

Just do it probably one day a week. That way you don't overstay your welcome.

Listen, listen, listen to Rainee. IF you shadowed for 9 hours, I would have probably been tired of you too. Nothing against you. But you have to understand that you are a stranger and as is, there are plenty of regulations against having outsiders in the office. Two to four hours are the max, especially for a beginner. And I completely understand how you feel though. I've shadowed some dentists that just didn't have time or didn't seem compatable. Eventually you'll find the right one who will answer your questions and then some. Maybe someone who will go out of your way to vouch for you. This guy was a douche. And find yourself someone in a general practice. That is what the admissions committee is looking at you to do, not some specialty that you aren't guaranteed to be doing in 5 years. Good luck.

 

[AmpedUp]

Honestly, you should have walked out of the clinic after he told you he wasn't willing to discuss anything. I would've.

 

[yappy]

It's odd he didn't talk to you personally at the end of the day... that comes across unprofessional and weak. GL with your next GP shadow.

 

[Blue Panther]

If you are just starting out, the first shadowing experience should be with a general dentist. Later you can branch out and shadow different specialists that you might find interesting. There are plenty more dentists to shadow call their office or visit them personally.

Also as someone mentioned earlier, break down your shadowing hours into 3-4 hours/day. Start the day and leave at lunch or arrive when the office gets back from lunch and leave whenever the last patient is finished.

 

[tendram]

I wouldn't feel too down about it if I were you. The dent should have known what shadowing entailed and prepared for it whether he liked it or not. Like the others have said, find a GP to shadow. The GP I shadowed was really cool and even explained an extraction of a childs tooth and what the differences between adult and childhood teeth were, got to see an abscessed tooth extracted, and a lot of other cool things. Find a GP with a good reputation and you should have a much better experience. Good luck and don't let this discourage you

 

[goffdent]

Similar situation: I went to shadow at a local clinic. I learned that the dentist was voted best in the city the previous year... I thought, awesome. i'm going to get a great experience. Well, they didn't seem to keen on me coming in from the get-go. When i got there, the manager was nice and got me a labcoat. Gave me a tour. One thing was their huge marketing guy who had big posters of the dentist and his magazine cover... and how their marketing is crucial. They were totally talking this guy up. When i finally met him, he barely had anything to say. It was a slow night, and when he was done with the first patient, he walked by me and went straight to his office to surf the net. The next time he was done, i caught him and tried to ask a few questions which he did, but was really brief. The place had like 8 operatories, and were bare... I spent most of the time watching assistants and walking aimlessly around the big facility as he spent the night on his computer.

Few weeks later, i shadowed my fiancee's new dentist who invited me only because she mentioned i was interested. This guy was so cool, laid back, talkative. During a conversation i anonymously mentioned my (actually 2) bad shadowing experiences at another clinic and he said,: you know how they win dentist of the year... They nominate and vote for themselves. It's just a big scam.. Like class president.

Lesson is, just because they're reportedly voted the best in town, doesn't necessarily mean aynthing... You will find some who accept you, and others who don't. It's all a crap shoot. Just keep looking

 

[Tooth Pulp]

Tough luck man. It's part of the process though. Just move on and find a dentist you click with. Things to remember:
1) Be very polite to the assistants and administration. You will end up spending a lot of time with them.
2) As Doc said, let the dentist guide you. If anything I would pester the assistants and administrators and wait for the dentist to be like hey_____, come in here and check this out. Then i would ask him questions.
3) At most, shadow 2 days a week for 3-4 hrs a day
4) Stay out of the way
5) Look into shadowing an office with 2 or 3 partners. Will give you more to see and do, and will keep you from "annoying" one dentist.
6) Do not look over the Dentist's shoulder, stand next to the assistant (his/ her left side). If you can't see, too bad.

 

[FreeFallin]

Tough luck man. It's part of the process though. Just move on and find a dentist you click with. Things to remember:
1) Be very polite to the assistants and administration. You will end up spending a lot of time with them.
2) As Doc said, let the dentist guide you. If anything I would pester the assistants and administrators and wait for the dentist to be like hey_____, come in here and check this out. Then i would ask him questions.
3) At most, shadow 2 days a week for 3-4 hrs a day
4) Stay out of the way
5) Look into shadowing an office with 2 or 3 partners. Will give you more to see and do, and will keep you from "annoying" one dentist.
6) Do not look over the Dentist's shoulder, stand next to the assistant (his/ her left side). If you can't see, too bad.

I've really gotta agree with you here. I work at a fast-paced dental office as an RDH (for the past few years now). Biggest thing is be respectful and professional. Dentists are busy. Some are willing to allow for shadowing and others aren't. It's completely on an individual basis. Excellent advice by Tooth Pulp.

 

[Near]

In all fairness, maybe that dentist was just going through a rough time in his life or was just in an unusually grumpy mood.

 

[cosmeticdent]

Hey guys...just wanted to update you all and wanted to let you know that today I met with the best dentist in the world and he let me shadow (follow) him and he did not say anything but was explaining the processes as he was doing his procedures...at then end he told me we will work with your schedule and he is totally fine with me coming in anytime...im soooo happy!! I got a long great with his wife and staff also... Thank you all for the input and support! And to all those out there trying to shadow DO NOT give up! There is a dentist out there that will help, teach and suit your needs!

Just remember there is always a new day the sun does shine and there is ALWAYS a light at then end of a very dark tunnel...always be positive!

 

[Banana of doom]

okay so its stated that you should shadow for about 4hours. The question is how often should you shadow the same dentist. Is it better to have multiple shadowing experiences or consistency.

 

[dentaldawg32]

I can see how having some predent looking over your shoulder all day would be INCREDIBLY annoying. Especially when the doc is doing a lot of complicated, painstaking procedures that require lots of focus. I most likely won't allow anyone to shadow me when I practice, either.

 

[biorenaissance]

I can see how having some predent looking over your shoulder all day would be INCREDIBLY annoying. Especially when the doc is doing a lot of complicated, painstaking procedures that require lots of focus. I most likely won't allow anyone to shadow me when I practice, either.

Why not just invite them to shadow then tell them that you can't handle the pressure of their inferior status observing you and you must have serenity while you create your masterpiece laughing very grimly and chase them out of the practice elevator and forceps slashing wildly. You would get more satisfaction that way then posting on a website about how you all mighty pumba will deny predents to see the marvelous ways you work!

 

[PharmaTope]

guy sounds like an a-hole. don't sweat it. find another person. that guy was not helpful to you and prob has some sort of other issue. Don't sweat it.

 

[dentaldawg32]

Why not just invite them to shadow then tell them that you can't handle the pressure of their inferior status observing you and you must have serenity while you create your masterpiece laughing very grimly and chase them out of the practice elevator and forceps slashing wildly. You would get more satisfaction that way then posting on a website about how you all mighty pumba will deny predents to see the marvelous ways you work!

...right.

 

[dennisDDS]

Dont sweat it too much. I think next time you shadow, try to average only at most 4 hrs a day, once or twice a week. I find many dentist do not want you to be there forever and some do. Always say you have to hit a certain number of hours that always put them at ease. In the end you'll find that they really grow to love you. How would you like a random person staring over your shoulders, watching you while you work?

As far as that dentist, was he rude? yeah but what are you going to do? I've had this one dentist tell me to "you just kinda have to been invisible". How is that possible I am not invisible. In the end they all warm up to you, if they don't well then you move on.

 

[Lethstang]

OP,

Im really sorry you had a horrible first experience. Listen, it was not you, it was the Dr. Its already uncomfortable for you to be there meeting all the new people, not knowing what to do. Its ridiculous that he made you feel unwelcome. To the poster above who said you should have listened to the secretary - the OP is there to shadow. He is there to follow the dr around. Its what the experience is. Again, you did NOTHING wrong. Kudos to you for sticking out the day.

Find a willling general dentist who would enjoy giving you the shadowing experience. Theyre out there. They want to develop a relationship with an aspiring hopeful as much as youd like to with them. Call your local state dental school and ask them for any advice on the matter. They may have a list of willing dentists, and it will give you some face time. Goodluck you are going to do just fine.

 

[doc toothache]

Shadowing does not mean you hover around the poor doctor like a swarm of mosquitoes nor is it carte blanche for acting like a pest. The only place the op didn't acknowledge following Dr. Twin Tracks was to the can. Or, did he? When are we going to accept that there are times when it is us and not someone else?

 

[sfoksn]

I highly suggest others' advices on shadowing GPs first.

This is how I started: I have tons of procedures done in my mouth by my GP. The GP loves me and my family because we pay them crap load of money and because we have 6.5k max insurance.

So I went to him, shadowed him, he was very nice as I am one of the valuable patients. I got to know him really well, he let me assist him even, and wrote me a fantastic letter for dental school.

At the same time, he referred me to many of his friends and colleagues, allowing me to shadow other doctors as well, and sometimes he would invite the specialty dentist into his practice to let me shadow them.

 

[darkwalk]

I want to chime in here. I had a fantastic shadowing experience. I just realized now that:

1. It was a husban and wife. One of them worked first shift and they switch off. That allowed me to stay the whole day if I wanted.

2. They did not have an assistant. I had an unobstructed vire of everything.

3. The dentist was involved in the dental society, so he was used to students hanging around.

I guess I lucked out. So in my opinion, those three helped tremendously.

 

[DrReo]

Ortho shadowing is as boring as it gets. Especially routine recalls.

As mentioned, go shadow a GP. Get 30 hours with a single GP and shadow others. Shadowing an oral surgeon is fun too. Maybe find one that has an association with an institution. Two of the dentists I shadowed taught some dental hygiene and the other was a professor.

 

[Lane138]

I definitely recommend shadowing an oral surgeon! Their procedures are inherently more fascinating to watch, and pretty self explanatory, so I got to watch and figure out, rather than be bored and ask tons of questions.

 

[dentstd]

Next time, when you shadow the dentist, don't shadow the assistants.

 

[BlueQuasar]

A few weeks ago, I started up on my shadowing; I was really lucky to have found both an oral surgeon and a GP who let me come in once in awhile. While I'm still warming up to where I can squeak out a few questions when they're working, they're both cool with talking after procedures. And when they're hiding out in their offices to dictate, the assistants are plenty willing to chat. Frankly, I'm really glad that I shadowed with those two first, because I just finished following a new guy and man, it wouldn't have made for a good first shadow. None of the staff wanted anything to do with me, much less talk, and that was a problem only because the doc would hide for ages between procedures. At first he seemed willing to answer questions, but into the second visit, it was clear that I was getting on his nerves. I couldn't even find him to thank him for letting me shadow before I left.

By the way, I've been wondering what would be a good way to keep up with dentists and shadowing after classes start. I was thinking, when fall comes, I'd set up a short afternoon shadow with each of the two once a month, and bring pastries around the holidays. Anyone have other ideas? More frequency in visits, perhaps?

 

[vicsin]

By the way, I've been wondering what would be a good way to keep up with dentists and shadowing after classes start. I was thinking, when fall comes, I'd set up a short afternoon shadow with each of the two once a month, and bring pastries around the holidays. Anyone have other ideas? More frequency in visits, perhaps?

That sounds like a good idea! Try to get them talking about their experience in dental school, maybe they'll enjoy reminiscing about it or venting about it.

My shadowing experience was actually really great. At first, not so much. I started by going to my childhood dentist and asking if it would be okay to shadow with him for the summer. He said it was fine with him but he didn't seem like he really meant it. When I came to shadow along with my twin sister, we took turns. We both came in for about 2 hours in scrubs and just followed him and the assistants around. Most of his patients were old Russian people (who can be pretty rude) and the dentist seemed like he didn't really want me there. I kept my distance and stood by the door and watched. I got bored, and there was another dentist at the office who introduced himself to me right when I came in. I went to see what he was up to and he was super friendly. I asked him if there was anything I could help him with and he was glad I asked. He let me stand right next to him by the chair and pass him his equipment (he hated the assistant so he really appreciated my help haha). He loved to talk so he talked through every procedure for me. The next day he let me and my twin sister shadow him together and he wanted us around all the time. We ended up with over 100 hours of shadowing with him and a great letter of rec. He just loved having us around, he was a recent graduate and he remembered really well what it was like to be in our place. I still visit him and update him on our progress. He is amazing and hilarious.

You guys should find someone who hasn't been a dentist for too long, I feel like they are friendlier (but at least has done it a few years...maybe 5?)

Sadly at the end of the summer the dentists' wife left him and he came in all depressed. She took the kids to the other side of the country and his car. It was cause he "worked too much", though he was working to pay both his and her school loans. He went to NYU and his bitch of a wife graduated a med school and never got a job O_O.

 

[ajusf16]

That sounds like a good idea! Try to get them talking about their experience in dental school, maybe they'll enjoy reminiscing about it or venting about it.

My shadowing experience was actually really great. At first, not so much. I started by going to my childhood dentist and asking if it would be okay to shadow with him for the summer. He said it was fine with him but he didn't seem like he really meant it. When I came to shadow along with my twin sister, we took turns. We both came in for about 2 hours in scrubs and just followed him and the assistants around. Most of his patients were old Russian people (who can be pretty rude) and the dentist seemed like he didn't really want me there. I kept my distance and stood by the door and watched. I got bored, and there was another dentist at the office who introduced himself to me right when I came in. I went to see what he was up to and he was super friendly. I asked him if there was anything I could help him with and he was glad I asked. He let me stand right next to him by the chair and pass him his equipment (he hated the assistant so he really appreciated my help haha). He loved to talk so he talked through every procedure for me. The next day he let me and my twin sister shadow him together and he wanted us around all the time. We ended up with over 100 hours of shadowing with him and a great letter of rec. He just loved having us around, he was a recent graduate and he remembered really well what it was like to be in our place. I still visit him and update him on our progress. He is amazing and hilarious.

You guys should find someone who hasn't been a dentist for too long, I feel like they are friendlier (but at least has done it a few years...maybe 5?)

Sadly at the end of the summer the dentists' wife left him and he came in all depressed. She took the kids to the other side of the country and his car. It was cause he "worked too much", though he was working to pay both his and her school loans. He went to NYU and his bitch of a wife graduated a med school and never got a job O_O.

maybe he could be "the one" for you ?

 

[Stephie3]

listen man, shadowing has absolutely nothing to do with how much you'll succeed in dental school.

i shadowed in one office and some of the assistants just didnt like me. some dentists are just high-strung and uptight.

get away from that dentist and find one that's nicer. make his office a distant memory.

you just have to stand around a couple of dentists offices so you can write it down on your AADSAS application. all that matters with shadowing is how it looks on paper. if a dentist is a jerk to you, it doesnt matter at all. just dont have him write you a rec letter.

shadowing doesnt even matter. i think its actually an inefficient waste of time for the most part. you'll learn what you need to know in dental school.
DONT TAKE SHADOWING SERIOUSLY. its not a big deal, no one cares. every office is different anyways. yours will be different from the ones you see.

 

[judiciousjim]

That sounds like a good idea! Try to get them talking about their experience in dental school, maybe they'll enjoy reminiscing about it or venting about it.

My shadowing experience was actually really great. At first, not so much. I started by going to my childhood dentist and asking if it would be okay to shadow with him for the summer. He said it was fine with him but he didn't seem like he really meant it. When I came to shadow along with my twin sister, we took turns. We both came in for about 2 hours in scrubs and just followed him and the assistants around. Most of his patients were old Russian people (who can be pretty rude) and the dentist seemed like he didn't really want me there. I kept my distance and stood by the door and watched. I got bored, and there was another dentist at the office who introduced himself to me right when I came in. I went to see what he was up to and he was super friendly. I asked him if there was anything I could help him with and he was glad I asked. He let me stand right next to him by the chair and pass him his equipment (he hated the assistant so he really appreciated my help haha). He loved to talk so he talked through every procedure for me. The next day he let me and my twin sister shadow him together and he wanted us around all the time. We ended up with over 100 hours of shadowing with him and a great letter of rec. He just loved having us around, he was a recent graduate and he remembered really well what it was like to be in our place. I still visit him and update him on our progress. He is amazing and hilarious.

You guys should find someone who hasn't been a dentist for too long, I feel like they are friendlier (but at least has done it a few years...maybe 5?)

Sadly at the end of the summer the dentists' wife left him and he came in all depressed. She took the kids to the other side of the country and his car. It was cause he "worked too much", though he was working to pay both his and her school loans. He went to NYU and his bitch of a wife graduated a med school and never got a job O_O.

So You AND your twin sister are going to be dentists?

 

[vicsin]

So You AND your twin sister are going to be dentists?

LOL yes. Still gotta think of a good name for our future dental office. Gemini Dental? just simply Twin Dental? It could be great for marketing.

 

[vicsin]

maybe he could be "the one" for you ?

hahahaha. yeah definitely.