How important is dentistry/shadow experience?

[spraypainter]

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Hello guys,

So I was just filling out the US dental applications and saw that you could add up to TEN things for dentistry/shadow experience.. TEN?! That seems like a lot!

Anyways, I am not a traditional dental applicant (if there even is one); after my undergraduate degree in a breadth of science courses, I still wasn't sure what I wanted to do. I actually applied to do a Master's in my 4th year because I knew I wasn't done with school. Anyways, during my Masters of Science, one of my supervisors was actually a dentist before he became a professor and his research revolved around bone/teeth; and that's where I first became interested in dentistry. I don't have any dentistry shadow experience and was wondering how badly that would hurt my chances for an acceptance?

EDIT to add: I have a good amount of research, extracurriculars/volunteering, work experience, and awards/scholarships

EDIT to add again: Is there a minimum number of shadowing hours that schools require?

Any input would be helpful! Thanks,

spraypainter

 

[doc toothache]

Working on pristine teeth in the lab doesn't quite have the same resonance as getting your fingers on bombed out teeth.

 

[spraypainter]

Working on pristine teeth in the lab doesn't quite have the same resonance as getting your fingers on bombed out teeth.

Sorry I should also add that my research didn't involve teeth - I actually did research on the intervertebral discs of the spine... so I don't even have lab experience, unfortunately.

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

I would say shadowing is vital to have on your application. How do you know if you really want to be a dentist then if you've never seen it firsthand, you know?

 

[spraypainter]

I would say shadowing is vital to have on your application. How do you know if you really want to be a dentist then if you've never seen it firsthand, you know?

Fair enough. I can only assume that doing any shadowing now and putting that on my application won't look so hot - but as you said, I infer that it is better to have it now than never so I can show that I want a career in dentistry? I am applying this year btw.

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

Fair enough. I can only assume that doing any shadowing now and putting that on my application won't look so hot - but as you said, I infer that it is better to have it now than never so I can show that I want a career in dentistry? I am applying this year btw.

Having some hours is better than none, but like you said, it may not be ideal to tack shadowing on your application so close to submission. If I was part of the committee, you wouldn't appear convincing enough to me that you truly want to pursue dentistry as a career with minimal, last-minute dental experience. Sure you have all the shebang, but where lies the evidential proof of your interest? If you're applying this year, you'll have to apply soon since they're already giving out interviews. If you apply soon, that doesn't give you a substantial amount of time to shadow, but yes, better to have it now than never 🙂 Have you taken the DAT yet? When do you plan on submitting your application? How many hours can you gather between now and then?

 

[xkc9126x]

I would say shadowing is vital to have on your application. How do you know if you really want to be a dentist then if you've never seen it firsthand, you know?

I've been working at a dental office for the last two years - applied for the receptionist position, then quickly adapted and learned to do credentialing, billing, basic assisting when we are short of hands with too many walk-ins), and became assistant office manager - I plan on staying in the practice until dental school comes around (crosses fingers). My question is, will I still need to shadow other dentists for extra hours?

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

I've been working at a dental office for the last two years - applied for the receptionist position, then quickly adapted and learned to do credentialing, billing, basic assisting when we are short of hands with too many walk-ins), and became assistant office manager - I plan on staying in the practice until dental school comes around (crosses fingers). My question is, will I still need to shadow other dentists for extra hours?

That sounds like great experience, and it's awesome that you have a leadership position as well! I'm just a pre-dent (so don't take my word for it lol), but I think it'd be a safe choice to at least get some shadowing hours in. Being an office manager is a different experience than shadowing since you're working mainly at the front desk and preoccupying your time with billing, greeting patients, and phone calls. On the other hand, shadowing allows you to just focus on the procedures and observe dentist-patient relationships. Most dental applicants will report shadowing hours (and for some, probably in addition to other dental-related experience), so it's better to be safe than sorry, right? I work in a dental office as well as a DA, but I have pure shadowing hours in addition to working. On the days you're not working, maybe you can ask the dentist you work for if you can shadow him/her, or you can ask your dentist if he/she has any dentist friends in the area that could take in a shadower.

 

[xkc9126x]

That sounds like great experience, and it's awesome that you have a leadership position as well! I'm just a pre-dent (so don't take my word for it lol), but I think it'd be a safe choice to at least get some shadowing hours in. Being an office manager is a different experience than shadowing since you're working mainly at the front desk and preoccupying your time with billing, greeting patients, and phone calls. On the other hand, shadowing allows you to just focus on the procedures and observe dentist-patient relationships. Most dental applicants will report shadowing hours (and for some, probably in addition to other dental-related experience), so it's better to be safe than sorry, right? I work in a dental office as well as a DA, but I have pure shadowing hours in addition to working. On the days you're not working, maybe you can ask the dentist you work for if you can shadow him/her, or you can ask your dentist if he/she has any dentist friends in the area that could take in a shadower.

true, better safe than sorry, thank you 🙂 I really like your signature quote too! good luck!

 

[okiedokeartichoke]

true, better safe than sorry, thank you 🙂 I really like your signature quote too! good luck!

D'aww, thanks! It's good to live by, and I should remind myself more of it haha. Good luck to you, too!

 

[oralcare123]

Shadowing is very important, because it gives you an idea of what the real life of a dentist is like with all good and especially bad stuff

 

[beanie5]

Program websites should have their requirement breakdowns listed, including the number of shadowing hours they require/recommend (they're not all going to be the same).

In general, for each program you plan on applying to, you should probably take a thorough look at their specific requirements before you apply. You can always call admissions offices with clarifying questions or for advice, but make sure to do your homework beforehand first (You shouldn't be asking them any questions that can be answered by reading their websites).

 

[ajj70]

Every school has a minimum "suggested" number of shadowing hours, other schools flat out require a certain number of hours. You need, at minimum, 60 hours, but 100 hours is generally what most schools look for, except KY, they want 200 hours. Having no shadow hours is not going to play in your favor at all and no, putting hours on your app now is too late really.