How many times should you shadow before it is appropriate to ask for LOR?

[hellonurse]

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how long do I have to shadow before I can ask for an LOR?

Here's my sitaution, I have one dentist that I went to four times over the length of a year. He does not seem to want me to keep coming in, so I decided to go to a new dentist. I went to the new dentist one time and I plan on going at least 2 more times before applying.

Who should I ask for the LOR from? The one dentist that I have been going to longer that doesn't seem to be interested in allowing me to come in anymore. Or the new dentist that I have known for less time (only one visit so far), but he is incredibly encouraging. I am leaning towards the second dentist, but I don't know when to ask him for an LOR? How many times should you shadow before it is appropriate to ask?

 

[Epictetus21]

how long do I have to shadow before I can ask for an LOR?

Here's my sitaution, I have one dentist that I went to four times over the length of a year. He does not seem to want me to keep coming in, so I decided to go to a new dentist. I went to the new dentist one time and I plan on going at least 2 more times before applying.

Who should I ask for the LOR from? The one dentist that I have been going to longer that doesn't seem to be interested in allowing me to come in anymore. Or the new dentist that I have known for less time (only one visit so far), but he is incredibly encouraging. I am leaning towards the second dentist, but I don't know when to ask him for an LOR? How many times should you shadow before it is appropriate to ask?

It has less to do with the number of times that you have shadowed, and more to do with your relationship with the dentist. While you are showdowing don't just stand five feet away and be totally silent, show interest in the procedure, ask a few questions, and try to sit down and have a conversation with the dentist at some point (during a lunch break, or when a patient cancels and they don't have anything to do). During that conversation is the best time to let them know about your personal and professional goals, and to test the waters about a letter of recommendation. If they don't know you personally, and you haven't been very interactive during your shadowing time, it will be very hard for the dentist to write a strong LOR. I would recommend spending a decent amount of time (if you are welcome) at the office before asking for an LOR, unless you already know the dentist.

 

[sony102]

I support the first response, I would ask for the LOR from the dentist that I feel most comfortable with, also, I don't think it's a good idea to ask for LOR just after your 3rd/ 5th visit, I don't think that's enough time for the dentist to formulate an opnion about your interest in dentistry and thus write a good LOR, after your 10th visit would probably be resonable...also try to volunteer at the nonprofit dental clinics,and ask for your LOR from the volunteer dentists there, they are much more layed back and friendly than the dentists at the dental offices cuz they provide free service to the community and are not so stressed about extracting cash from their patients.

 

[hellonurse]

I just don't feel like I am welcome to come in 10 times. The first dentist that I went to was incredibly friendly. But the last time that I called, the receptionist asked me if I had some sort of hours that he needed to sign off on, and then she told me that I could not come in that day. So I pretty much took that as an unwelcoming experience. This last dentist that I went to was really friendly as well, but he did not say that I could come in several times. He said that I could come in again, but I didn't get the feeling that I could come in weekly or anything.

 

[hellonurse]

Also, out of about 20 dentists in my area, these were the only two dentists that even allowed me to come in at all. I hope I don't sound negative, because I am appreciative that they let me come in. I was planning on going to 4 dentists about 10 hrs each or so. That way I don't have to bother any one dentist too much. But then I won't have a solid LOR....

 

[nydds25]

Just ask one you have a great rapport with after 3 full days... so 20-25 hours. Tell them you have also seen other dentists. Dont' bother trying ot shadow the same dentists more than a couple times. I did it and I sensed they were not thrilled. Who really wants to have some person hanging around over their shoulder once a week and having to explain what you are doing... and most of it will be reptative from last time.

I dont think the dentist LOR is important at all. The dentist will be happy to say.. oh he seemed very interested and would be a good denitst., etc." The ad com's read LOR from dentists from every applicant and they all say the same thing.

 

[hellonurse]

Just ask one you have a great rapport with after 3 full days... so 20-25 hours. Tell them you have also seen other dentists. Dont' bother trying ot shadow the same dentists more than a couple times. I did it and I sensed they were not thrilled. Who really wants to have some person hanging around over their shoulder once a week and having to explain what you are doing... and most of it will be reptative from last time.

I dont think the dentist LOR is important at all. The dentist will be happy to say.. oh he seemed very interested and would be a good denitst., etc." The ad com's read LOR from dentists from every applicant and they all say the same thing.

I am so glad you said that you sensed they were not thrilled! I know they are genuinely nice people and I am a nice person that stays out of the way, but the offices are small and it's annoying to have people observing you all the time.
I think I will go in two more times over spring break, maybe half days (he never offers full days). Then I will ask. But if I find a prime opportunity on the second day, I will just ask then. I don't want to be bugging him all the time.

Thank you for the advice, it made me feel a lot better about my situation.