Do dentists need to tell their patients that you are shadowing?

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Or could they just skip all of that and have you just walk in the room and watch?

Also can you participate, like in suction and other minor things, or is this illegal?

 

[Fonz]

In my experience they always let the patients know what u are doing there. It is not illegal to do minor things like that. Only certain things require a license

 

[btizzels]

It is just common courtesy to tell the patient what is going on. And no it isn't illegal to Assist

 

[SugarNaCl]

Yeah, the dentist I helped when he let me observe would ask the patients first. Though he did coach me (instead of saying... I'm applying to dental school) to say "I have 4 years left" when they asked me how much longer I had to go.

No one ever had a problem.

 

[MonchichiMan]

Yea actually for HIPPA privacy reasons there has to be patient consent. Also it depends on the state, got example, Washington just passed a law starting last July that that only allows registered assistants to work on patients. If you are not registered with the state, "no touchy touchy." So it only seems appropriate to ask, some patients are really nervous and not comfortable having just any one look.

 

[Streetwolf]

My dentist would always say 'this is (streetwolf's real name), he's a future dentist'. And then the patient would be like 'oh cool'.

 

[Ninster]

My dentist would always say 'this is (streetwolf's real name), he's a future dentist'. And then the patient would be like 'oh cool'.

ahaha same!

 

[rollredroll]

concurred. my dentist will always introduce me and ask if it's cool if i stay.

also, if he leaves the room to see another patient, i try to talk with the patient some. they are usually interested on what your plans are, dental schools, etc. it's good practice for talking with strangers, something you'll have be comfortable with.

 

[xiphoidprocess]

concurred. my dentist will always introduce me and ask if it's cool if i stay.

also, if he leaves the room to see another patient, i try to talk with the patient some. they are usually interested on what your plans are, dental schools, etc. it's good practice for talking with strangers, something you'll have be comfortable with.

That's exactly what dental schools are looking for 🙂 Its not all a numbers game. Yes, it helps you step foot in their door, but I've noticed a trend in www.predents.com where students with high DATs/GPA get interviews but end up being rejected. Shows how much the interview counts. You'll make a great dentist rollredroll 🙂 Hang in there!