How many hours shadowing ?? Please help

Started by Nbde 2016
This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Get help with your application

Use all the free resources available to you from SDN: articles, guides, expert advising, forums discussions, and school research.

Nbde 2016

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hi!
I have come to the US on a visitor visa to give NBDE exams. After giving NBDE part2 in June, I am planning to do shadowing.I graduated in 2015 and don't have much experience.TOEFL score :113, GPA:3.94
I have the following questions
1. Is shadowing really helpful to get admission into advanced standing programs? If yes, how many hours should it be done?
2.Is there anything else I can do on my current visa status that would help me?
3.Should I even apply to IDP program or wait till my profile becomes stronger?

please help!! the road ahead seems really confusing!

Thank you in advance
 
Hi!
I have come to the US on a visitor visa to give NBDE exams. After giving NBDE part2 in June, I am planning to do shadowing.I graduated in 2015 and don't have much experience.TOEFL score :113, GPA:3.94
I have the following questions
1. Is shadowing really helpful to get admission into advanced standing programs? If yes, how many hours should it be done?
2.Is there anything else I can do on my current visa status that would help me?
3.Should I even apply to IDP program or wait till my profile becomes stronger?

please help!! the road ahead seems really confusing!

Thank you in advance
Hey, You are a recent graduate; your gpa and and toefl scores are awesome. If I were you, I would apply this year. Add some community and volunteer work. you stand a very good chance.
 
Hey, You are a recent graduate; your gpa and and toefl scores are awesome. If I were you, I would apply this year. Add some community and volunteer work. you stand a very good chance.
Hey! thank you for the reply! it's very encouraging to hear that I stand a good chance 🙂

Quick question, volunteering/communuty service experience should be from the US or from my home country?
 
Last edited:
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hi!
I have come to the US on a visitor visa to give NBDE exams. After giving NBDE part2 in June, I am planning to do shadowing.I graduated in 2015 and don't have much experience.TOEFL score :113, GPA:3.94
I have the following questions
1. Is shadowing really helpful to get admission into advanced standing programs? If yes, how many hours should it be done?
2.Is there anything else I can do on my current visa status that would help me?
3.Should I even apply to IDP program or wait till my profile becomes stronger?

please help!! the road ahead seems really confusing!

Thank you in advance
Hi , u have good stats ...do apply.. regarding ur questions:
1. Shadowing is very helpful , I have'nt heard of a requirement in terms of no of hours for IDP bt im not sure I can suggest shadow as much as u want or like to, shadow at multiple practices if u can also getting an LOR from the dentist wud be a definite plus point
2. Just like said before do some volunteer / community work , it can be either in US or home country ,try finding some volunteer opportunities while u r in states.
3. I'll give u my opinion...since u cleared the basic eligibility for applying that is nbde 1 ,toefl ,ece nd now part 2 on the way I ll say focus on making a strong SOP , get good LORs ,being a recent grad u dnt have to worry abt exp, just maintain continuity for ur passion in dentistry nd present ur application in the best way( browse thru sdn prev posts u will find great suggestions for SOP) then apply to schools ( though u shud apply to max schools after shortlisting based on eligibility, I wud say do some research on schools u apply...find the aspects of the school that attract u to it since with questionnaire sec its better to knw y u want the particular school)
Path is difficult and confusing bt we shud stay positive nd keep dreaming big...😉
Hope this helps, all the best for part 2 🙂
 
Hi , u have good stats ...do apply.. regarding ur questions:
1. Shadowing is very helpful , I have'nt heard of a requirement in terms of no of hours for IDP bt im not sure I can suggest shadow as much as u want or like to, shadow at multiple practices if u can also getting an LOR from the dentist wud be a definite plus point
2. Just like said before do some volunteer / community work , it can be either in US or home country ,try finding some volunteer opportunities while u r in states.
3. I'll give u my opinion...since u cleared the basic eligibility for applying that is nbde 1 ,toefl ,ece nd now part 2 on the way I ll say focus on making a strong SOP , get good LORs ,being a recent grad u dnt have to worry abt exp, just maintain continuity for ur passion in dentistry nd present ur application in the best way( browse thru sdn prev posts u will find great suggestions for SOP) then apply to schools ( though u shud apply to max schools after shortlisting based on eligibility, I wud say do some research on schools u apply...find the aspects of the school that attract u to it since with questionnaire sec its better to knw y u want the particular school)
Path is difficult and confusing bt we shud stay positive nd keep dreaming big...😉
Hope this helps, all the best for part 2 🙂
hi!! Thank you for you advice! this is really helpful and cleared many of my doubts! 🙂
 
hi!! Thank you for you advice! this is really helpful and cleared many of my doubts! 🙂

i quite agree with the others.. your profile is excellent. while u prepare for the nbde part 2 i would suggest u just check on volunteer math near our community.. do few volunteer jobs. also slowly start filling out caapid if u can.. so that its good to go and all u need to update is your par 2 scores..

as for shadowing i strongly suggest it because i learnt alot. also it give u a feel of what you are in for .. the hours depends on how uch u are learning and also how comfortable your dentist is. Getting a LOR from there would def improve your chances and put u in the mix! good luck 🙂
 
i quite agree with the others.. your profile is excellent. while u prepare for the nbde part 2 i would suggest u just check on volunteer math near our community.. do few volunteer jobs. also slowly start filling out caapid if u can.. so that its good to go and all u need to update is your par 2 scores..

as for shadowing i strongly suggest it because i learnt alot. also it give u a feel of what you are in for .. the hours depends on how uch u are learning and also how comfortable your dentist is. Getting a LOR from there would def improve your chances and put u in the mix! good luck 🙂
Hey! Thank you! Shall keep that in mind.
I was wondering what kind of volunteering work I can do?
Do they allow people who are on visitor visa status?
 
Hey! Thank you! Shall keep that in mind.
I was wondering what kind of volunteering work I can do?
Do they allow people who are on visitor visa status?
Hey, as far as I knw u can shadow, volunteer , attend conferences , CE courses and short classes on a visitor visa..do check the allowed and prohibited activities on a tourist visa for details on the official site . :pompous: