How long to shadow a dental specialist before asking for LOR?

[doctor_odontal]

I have been shadowing a periodontist for the past month or so. I've visited his office 6 times now with a total of 20 hours spent shadowing. I have now seen many of the procedures he performs including implants, gum grafts, scaling/root planning, etc. I've spoken to him quite a bit now and he and the staff seem to enjoy my company when I visit.

I'm getting ready to leave for vacation and was wondering if you guys think I should go ahead and ask for a letter of recommendation? I do not want to wear out my welcome or have a month break between visits. What do you all think? Is 20 hours enough before asking for a letter from a specialist? First time poster here so any help is appreciated, thanks!

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[HookahLungs]

About 100 hours

 

[ddsclass2016]

I was volunteering for approximately 4 months (2-3 days a week for 4 hours) before I asked. The most important thing is when you approach a dentist tell them the full story. "I would love to learn more about the dentistry profession and looking to apply on...". If you can wait and at least put in another 30 hours I guarantee it will help your case. You don't want to ask too soon because the dentist and staff will likely question your motivation for approaching them in the first place. 100 hours like what HookahLungs said would definitely be your safest bet.

Joe

 

[arkenstone]

I'm spreading my shadowing over maybe 6 or 7 different dentists, and I'm only seeing each one for maybe 4 visits max. (I don't want to wear out my welcome, and I feel like they'd enjoy my company better if they knew I was short term.)

Fortunately, the one I shadowed first already knew the drill---so when I shook his hand to thank him for letting me shadow that last day, he just said, "let me know when it's time for me to write a letter." I had only watched him maybe 12 hours at that point.

You just have to ask without sounding awkward. They already know that you need one.

 

[arkenstone]

Also---this is not what you asked---but my pre-dental adviser, who's been on the job for maybe 15 years, said that the school representatives she talks to like to see a preponderance of general dentistry shadowing. You can shadow whomever and get your letter from whomever as long as general is well-represented time wise.

I had to switch up my plans a bit after she told me that and shuffle some specialists off my list. I've already gotten a ton of OMS shadowing in a hospital---which was a cool opportunity and I would have done that anyway, but she advised I try to fill the rest of my hours with general.

(for what it's worth)

 

[distressstudent]

The best time is after you guys have "the talk". You will know what I mean once you get there.

 

[HookahLungs]

The best time is after you guys have "the talk". You will know what I mean once you get there.

Lol what talk I wasn't informed of this

 

[doc toothache]

I have been shadowing a periodontist for the past month or so. I've visited his office 6 times now with a total of 20 hours spent shadowing. I have now seen many of the procedures he performs including implants, gum grafts, scaling/root planning, etc. I've spoken to him quite a bit now and he and the staff seem to enjoy my company when I visit.
I'm getting ready to leave for vacation and was wondering if you guys think I should go ahead and ask for a letter of recommendation? I do not want to wear out my welcome or have a month break between visits. What do you all think? Is 20 hours enough before asking for a letter from a specialist? First time poster here so any help is appreciated, thanks!

Are you worried that in a month, he/she may not remember who you are?
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/shadowing-the-seven-stages.792000/

 

[arkenstone]

Lol what talk I wasn't informed of this

You know--the talk. After the pre-dental student asks the dentist where baby teeth come from, and the dentist gets a consternated look on their face and asks you to ask the dental assistant, who tells you to ask the dentist... then you walk back into their office and clear your throat, maybe knock on the open door once or twice---they reluctantly look up, sigh, and ask you to sit down. Then they pull out an articulating plaster model, walk around and sit on the front of their desk, and pause to find the words....

Or maybe you hadn't thought to ask yet. It's ok, everyone matures in their own time. We're all individuals.

 

[HookahLungs]

You know--the talk. After the pre-dental student asks the dentist where baby teeth come from, and the dentist gets a consternated look on their face and asks you to ask the dental assistant, who tells you to ask the dentist... then you walk back into their office and clear your throat, maybe knock on the open door once or twice---they reluctantly look up, sigh, and ask you to sit down. Then they pull out an articulating plaster model, walk around and sit on the front of their desk, and pause to find the words....

Or maybe you hadn't thought to ask yet. It's ok, everyone matures in their own time. We're all individuals.

Lol that's a very creative mind. I was enthusiastic as I was reading

 

[dp93]

68.43 hours. round up if during a leap year.

 

[SCDP]

Depends on the dentist. I shadowed a dentist once and he straight up said, you don't need to come in and waste your time I'll just tell dental schools you were always in here shadowing and write you a great LOR haha. He didn't even know me lol of course I won't get one from him because just seems shady and have a really good relationship with another dentist.

 

[FOX_ONE]

when they begin to go beyond smalltalk with you and talk about their lives/you both begin talking about your lives and connecting... that would be a good time to pop the question.

for the love of god dont ****ing get on one knee though

 

[doc toothache]

Depends on the dentist. I shadowed a dentist once and he straight up said, you don't need to come in and waste your time I'll just tell dental schools you were always in here shadowing and write you a great LOR haha. He didn't even know me lol of course I won't get one from him because just seems shady and have a really good relationship with another dentist.

Maybe he was trying to give you a hint.

 

[FOX_ONE]

Maybe he was trying to give you a hint.

yes dentists usually are good-hearted people. it is literally not a big deal for him to write you a nice letter (he may already have a template letter set up). It will be a pleasure for him/her.

 

[doc toothache]

yes dentists usually are good-hearted people. it is literally not a big deal for him to write you a nice letter (he may already have a template letter set up). It will be a pleasure for him/her.

Writing a letter using a "template", pretty much, makes an lor worthless.

 

[doctor_odontal]

I asked him after my 6th visit with 20 hours and he seemed happy to do it. I made sure that he seemed to be in a good mood and it felt like an appropriate time to ask.