how do i ask dentist for shadow?

[skazyjae]

---

Members don't see this ad.

hey guys can you guys give me little tip how to get shadow position?
I emailed to some of local dental office. no one replied...

 

[iwannabeadds]

I would throw on a shirt and tie and go into the office in person, it is easier to persuade someone with your good looks and charm that way, rather than an email. It puts a name to the face and makes you seem more enthusiastic. I have always had a problem with this too, it makes me uncomfortable to ask someone, especially a stranger for a favor like that, but remember that they went through this as well and I think a lot of dentists are happy to help because someone helped them.

 

[NguyenDDS]

What I did was email many of the local dentists. I live in huge city, so there were plenty to email. I emailed 20+. However, out of all the ones I emailed, only 2 emailed back... one of which said I can't because of patient-doctor confidentiality. And the other dentist let me shadow 🙂

But what I found to work best is to ask your general/family dentist since you're the patient and you give him/her business. I also did this method and it seems they can't really turn you down. If you have a good relationship with your general/family dentist, it will be more beneficial to shadow him/her than a stranger dentist since he/she can probably also write you an excellent LOR. Good luck! 🙂

 

[jackalo34]

Another post I saw recommended contacting alumni from the school you attend/attended and let them know your situation. They tend to be even more willing as I emailed two from my school and both politely responded that I could drop by any time as long as I let them know ahead of time, which wasn't at all unreasonable. So far, I only shadowed one of them once...and he and his father were VERY helpful/friendly. Definitely go with someone either you know or someone who has some connection to you if possible. The association also gives a nice way to start conversation.

 

[SpringDDS]

I agree with the people above. In my experience, the first dentists I emailed responded right away because I was extremely sincere and genuine in my desire to learn from them. A little humility goes a long way, I think. And a little (LITTLE) flattery never hurts either. One was a man, one was a woman, and I think they both really responded to my honest/humble approach.

Just my 2 cents.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

What I did was email many of the local dentists. I live in huge city, so there were plenty to email. I emailed 20+. However, out of all the ones I emailed, only 2 emailed back... one of which said I can't because of patient-doctor confidentiality. And the other dentist let me shadow 🙂

But what I found to work best is to ask your general/family dentist since you're the patient and you give him/her business. I also did this method and it seems they can't really turn you down. If you have a good relationship with your general/family dentist, it will be more beneficial to shadow him/her than a stranger dentist since he/she can probably also write you an excellent LOR. Good luck! 🙂

You should try looking for a dentist willing to train you as an assistant when you have zero work experience. Total hell!

 

[predent1011]

I called a local general dentist. I think calling makes it a bit more personal and usually people call back after a few days if they are busy. He allowed me to shadow him for a few days and eventually recommended different specialists that I could visit.

 

[CoolRX]

So far, I only shadowed one of them once

I realize you may have more opportunity to shadow, but the problem is that most dental schools want to see a "genuine" interest with a much longer history of shadowing. Do ADCOMs realize it's like pulling teeth, pun intended, to land a shadowing spot, let alone for an extended period of time? (since that person may write you a LOR) 🙄

 

[Riz0791]

I was in a similar situation I wasn't sure how to approach a dentist. So I emailed many dentist and I got one reply back who allowed me to shadow him.

 

[jackalo34]

I realize you may have more opportunity to shadow, but the problem is that most dental schools want to see a "genuine" interest with a much longer history of shadowing. Do ADCOMs realize it's like pulling teeth, pun intended, to land a shadowing spot, let alone for an extended period of time? (since that person may write you a LOR) 🙄

No no no. I definitely intend to shadow more. I was just explaining that I'd only shadowed him once and the first time was very informative. I'm not applying to dental school for 2-3 years, so I've got time to build up hours and plan to look around and see if I can shadow specialties as well. (I realized 100 hours seems to be a good number to aim for as that is required by some schools as of now.)

 

[WhiteCoatWonder]

i volunteer at a free dental clinic and asked a few of the dentists there who'd seen me around to shadow at their respective practices...a lot of them are really approachable and receptive to an aspiring dentist. also, i've found that it works really well to talk it up. tell EVERYONE that you're applying to dental school...you never know who is connected to whom. 😉

 

[doc toothache]

i volunteer at a free dental clinic and asked a few of the dentists there who'd seen me around to shadow at their respective practices...a lot of them are really approachable and receptive to an aspiring dentist. also, i've found that it works really well to talk it up. tell EVERYONE that you're applying to dental school...you never know who is connected to whom. 😉

The Seven Stages of Shadowing should be modified to include disqualification of anyone not well connected.

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=792000
----
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527523