How to improve shadowing experience, not going so well...

[littlecalvaria]

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Been going for 2 days now and while I've been able to observe a number of procedures, I don't feel my time is being utilized well. I ask people around the clinic if there is anything I can do and they'll be like "ummm yeah you can go do blah blah" so I'll do that in 30 seconds and then I'll go back to standing around like an idiot. They know I don't actually work there so I feel they don't see an incentive to coach me or anything. I wish they would just assign me a job to do so I don't have to stand around idle but I don't want to come across as abrasive or something if I tell them to let me actually work.

I mean I've learned a lot from procedures but very little about anything else.

 

[woof44]

i mean you understand it's called shadowing for a reason, right? shadowing does get pretty boring sometimes, but i think it's necessary to spend some hours doing it. if you want to assist, contact other dentists or public health departments.

 

[littlecalvaria]

Well I say shadowing but I kind of mean shadowing the entire practice not just the dentist, and when I talked to the dentist who owns the practice he said he would encourage me to learn everything about it, not just watch procedures. So I was under the impression they would let me help out a bit but it seems difficult for them to find me stuff to do.

 

[fujindesu]

Well I say shadowing but I kind of mean shadowing the entire practice not just the dentist, and when I talked to the dentist who owns the practice he said he would encourage me to learn everything about it, not just watch procedures. So I was under the impression they would let me help out a bit but it seems difficult for them to find me stuff to do.

I did no work while shadowing. I just asked questions when I had them. Observe the dentist, ask questions when you don't know what he is doing. Observe the front desk, ask them about the different insurance policies and how scheduling works. Shadow the assistants, ask how do they deal with children, elders, people that doesn't speak English. Hell, you can go talk to the patients that are waiting in line, get their perspective on dentistry. Ask about disease control in a dental office. very rarely I would be a runner for my dentist, getting floss or instrument from another room, but most of the time you don't do anything, you're a shadow.

 

[Barking Lamb]

Being comfortable while shadowing has a lot to do with social skills. You are a guest in the facility and you need to act appropriately but sometimes it is up to you (the shadow) to mitigate social conundrums.

Awkward situations tend to arise from you feeling awkward.

Also, in my opinion, it sounds like you are getting pushy with the staff and the doctor. If they don't want you to do anything then don't! You aren't a professional and the thought of you doing things might terrify them. Don't force them to let you help.

 

[doc toothache]

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

 

[chippy]

I would say that, yeah, it can be beneficial to get a big chunk of hours from this office you're at, but I also think it's great to mix it up. Do a bunch of one day or one afternoon shadows at a bunch of different offices. That way, it's fresh each time and you don't have to worry as much about being bored, looking for things to do, or being a nuisance. And then you have a broader/more diverse view of dentistry as a whole.

 

[SeattleRDH]

i did no work while shadowing. I just asked questions when i had them. Observe the dentist, ask questions when you don't know what he is doing. Observe the front desk, ask them about the different insurance policies and how scheduling works. Shadow the assistants, ask how do they deal with children, elders, people that doesn't speak english. Hell, you can go talk to the patients that are waiting in line, get their perspective on dentistry. Ask about disease control in a dental office. Very rarely i would be a runner for my dentist, getting floss or instrument from another room, but most of the time you don't do anything, you're a shadow.

+1

 

[KittySquared]

Be polite, act interested, ask relevant dental questions. You're not there to work. You're there to shadow!

 

[Goose340]

I am pretty sure when you are shadowing the dentist doesn't want you to help out at all. Its alright to talk to the everyone there including the patients. The dentist is liable for everything that goes on in the office, and you not being an employee is a risk.

 

[jigabodo]

I would also try to learn as much as you can from the dentist's office manager. Insurance, billing, getting supplies, communicating with labs are all issues you have to face when you graduate from dental school.

 

[Jackson-Ave-Dental]

I would also try to learn as much as you can from the dentist's office manager. Insurance, billing, getting supplies, communicating with labs are all issues you have to face when you graduate from dental school.

I sure do hope that they have at least an entire class dedicated to dealing with that bad boy in dental school.

 

[jigabodo]

I sure do hope that they have at least an entire class dedicated to dealing with that bad boy in dental school.

It's actually a year long course at my school. Imo, that subject in particular is probably harder than oral path if you really want to get down to it. 😀

 

[nondescriptive]

Been going for 2 days now and while I've been able to observe a number of procedures, I don't feel my time is being utilized well. I ask people around the clinic if there is anything I can do and they'll be like "ummm yeah you can go do blah blah" so I'll do that in 30 seconds and then I'll go back to standing around like an idiot. They know I don't actually work there so I feel they don't see an incentive to coach me or anything. I wish they would just assign me a job to do so I don't have to stand around idle but I don't want to come across as abrasive or something if I tell them to let me actually work.

I mean I've learned a lot from procedures but very little about anything else.

I know exactly how you feel. My dentist didn't say much to me at first, but later he explained it as letting me get comfortable first with the procedures. I asked questions and went to his office and sat with him when he was not busy and we exchanged ideas. Sometimes I sat with patients while he was doing something else and worked on my interpersonal skill; I like getting to know about people naturally. I think you could try to shadow a few dentist to see if one is a better fit for you. Everyone at my office was always happy-go-lucky and I know not every office can be like that. It might also be your dentist who doesn't really know you that well yet. You should try to form bonds with everyone at the office; I think that helps alot; like you're not there to shadow but you're part of the office. My dentist surprised me when he asked me if I wanted to assist while he did a surgical extraction. I was surprised. I think it will take some time. Make sure you know the steps to all the procedures and ask if you don't understand. For example, my dentist usually puts in a solid composite filling. On one occasion, he used a liquid composite filling and I've seen him do that so he explained it to me. There are a lot of variations and nuance to each treatment. Know them all.