Dental Shadowing

[dreamerndoer]

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I don't know about you guys, but I've had trouble finding a dentist that I can shadow for the long term (once a week, or once a month, for a year) in order to get a letter of rec..
Even my own dentist won't agree to let me shadow..

What should I do? I know that some schools require a certain amount of shadowing hours..

 

[Bman1047]

I don't know about you guys, but I've had trouble finding a dentist that I can shadow for the long term (once a week, or once a month, for a year) in order to get a letter of rec..
Even my own dentist won't agree to let me shadow..

What should I do? I know that some schools require a certain amount of shadowing hours..

By not telling them that you want a long term experience. Uh yeah, they may not want you on their coat tail that long, especially if they don't know you. Ask to shadow for the day to various dentist (each specialty perhaps) and wait for them to invite you back...at least will will, and start trying to build a relationship on the 2nd visit.

 

[dreamerndoer]

wow, they actually invite you back?

 

[Bman1047]

wow, they actually invite you back?

The majority ones I have shadowed over the years have invited me back...

 

[UndergradGuy7]

Tell them you want to shadow about 20 hours over a period of 4-5 days.
Then find 2-3 offices and get 50 or so hours.

It was not that easy to find shadowing places for me either.

 

[DazzlingSmile87]

If you have trouble finding a private practice where you can shadow [which normally shouldn't be difficult if you professionally meet with the dentist in person and bring a CV...they generally love pre-dental volunteers since they don't have to pay you! lol]...another good outlet to rack up steady hours is a free dental clinic! You will have to go thru an application process/immunizations to get thru, but once you do, they will be happy to train you...actually, becoming a volunteer dental assistant in a free dental clinic typically gives you better exposure and they allow you more responsibilities. Try both.

I volunteered for 40 hours as an ortho assistant in private practice then was hired and worked there for 300+ hours. Now, I have been steadily volunteering in a free dental clinic and have many responsibilities as dental assistant, it's worth it!

 

[sassykat]

If you have trouble finding a private practice where you can shadow [which normally shouldn't be difficult if you professionally meet with the dentist in person and bring a CV...they generally love pre-dental volunteers since they don't have to pay you! lol]...another good outlet to rack up steady hours is a free dental clinic! You will have to go thru an application process/immunizations to get thru, but once you do, they will be happy to train you...actually, becoming a volunteer dental assistant in a free dental clinic typically gives you better exposure and they allow you more responsibilities. Try both.

I volunteered for 40 hours as an ortho assistant in private practice then was hired and worked there for 300+ hours. Now, I have been steadily volunteering in a free dental clinic and have many responsibilities as dental assistant, it's worth it!

I agree. Also look for new practices. Sometimes predent clubs can get you hooked up with volunteering opportunities. I started out volunteering for a recent graduate and was there for a month then they hired me as their first dental assistant and I accumulated over 700 hours with them! It's a win-win situation cause at first they don't have the money to pay you, but they also teach you a TON. If you get paid later...even better!

 

[doc toothache]

I don't know about you guys, but I've had trouble finding a dentist that I can shadow for the long term (once a week, or once a month, for a year) in order to get a letter of rec..
Even my own dentist won't agree to let me shadow..
What should I do? I know that some schools require a certain amount of shadowing hours..

Time to find another practitioner.

 

[jirotrom]

Time to find another practitioner.

exactly what i was gonna say... that shocked me... my dentist was more than willing.

 

[sobe55]

^^ My sentiments exactly Doctoothache!

If you just run a search on google on your local schools predental/ASDA clubs, they usually post a list of dentists that are willing to have students shadow them. =)
Also, ask your friends to see if they know any friendly dentists. Connections are a great way in.

Don't be discouraged!