final roadblock: dentist lor

[letsdoitbama]

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So I've had pretty good luck shadowing different dentists, but basically all dentists in my area are 50+ years old and they all seem somewhat confused about this shadowing "requirement" for dental school (my old orthodontist just asked if I would be hanging around the front office the whole day..ugh). Basically I'm able to get one-day gigs once I explain myself, but issue: I need a lor and I really don't know how at this point. I obviously don't want to ask someone I spent one morning with, but I'm a little frustrated on how to get more steady shadowing to potentially lead to a lor. Any suggestions?

 

[aplcodoc]

I would think your Orthodontist would know you well enough to write you a LOR. However, if not, how about shadowing your Pediatric Dentist or General Dentist? I always love to have my patients come in to shadow. In fact one one of them has worked for me for about 5 years, and she is starting Dental School in the Fall. I am looking to replace her with another pre-dent student. Some dentists (like me) really enjoy the "mentoring" role.

 

[letsdoitbama]

I've set up to shadow my general dentist I've had for years tomorrow morning, but if he also sees it as a "one-day thing" showing me around, do you think I could still ask him for a recommendation maybe once I'm about to leave?

 

[jeffity]

I would think your Orthodontist would know you well enough to write you a LOR. However, if not, how about shadowing your Pediatric Dentist or General Dentist? I always love to have my patients come in to shadow. In fact one one of them has worked for me for about 5 years, and she is starting Dental School in the Fall. I am looking to replace her with another pre-dent student. Some dentists (like me) really enjoy the "mentoring" role.

Hopefully we all remember what it's like to be a pre-dent so we are as mindful of pre-dents in the future as you are. One dentist told me she actually feels it's her responsibility as a dentist to be a mentor. She's obviously provided the best volunteering experience for me. And I've got a hot letter too.

 

[doc toothache]

So I've had pretty good luck shadowing different dentists, but basically all dentists in my area are 50+ years old and they all seem somewhat confused about this shadowing "requirement" for dental school (my old orthodontist just asked if I would be hanging around the front office the whole day..ugh). Basically I'm able to get one-day gigs once I explain myself, but issue: I need a lor and I really don't know how at this point. I obviously don't want to ask someone I spent one morning with, but I'm a little frustrated on how to get more steady shadowing to potentially lead to a lor. Any suggestions?

They could be confused or they are just pretending. Keep in mind ortho is not what you will be after finishing ds so stick with gps.

 

[jeffity]

Basically I'm able to get one-day gigs once I explain myself...

When you first approach them, maybe you should put a little more of a time frame on the request if you haven't...like, "I was hoping you'd be willing to let me come spend a few afternoons in your office..." 2-3 hours for several days may make a request for a letter more reasonable than one 8-hour day.

A couple of older guys I have come across treat it as a career-day sort of thing. The attitude was, "If you know for sure you want to be a dentist, you don't need to hang around here." Like they were doing me a favor by releasing me from my duties. When you sense a one-day gig coming on, ask if there are any procedures scheduled that might be interesting for you to see. You could be as genuine as you want with this...you're trying to keep your foot in the door. Just make sure you're being a good shadower (bathed, not in the way, asking good questions, not checking you phone, etc) so they genuinely see your interest in the field.

You could always offer to buy them lunch and pretend you want to go to their school. (Not really though.)

 

[Maygyver]

I've set up to shadow my general dentist I've had for years tomorrow morning, but if he also sees it as a "one-day thing" showing me around, do you think I could still ask him for a recommendation maybe once I'm about to leave?

I would mention it earlier, but not right at the beginning, then they will have it in their mind and hopefully make mental notes or ask questions about you (if they agree).

 

[letsdoitbama]

Thanks for the replies, I'll try finding the best time to ask him about it tomorrow. Kind of interesting though I was real excited that I finally found a young doc in my area 3 years out of school, and she was the first out of about 7 to deny me! All she did was say I would be better off volunteering at the state dental school (which is an hour away). Anyone ever do this?

 

[youknowthedrill]

If you have a state dental school only an hour away you should try to volunteer/shadow there. Its a great way for them to get to know you so you're not just another file folder when the applications come rolling in. It would also show that you are dedicated if you are willing to drive an hour each way.