How to start shadowing

[SoG]

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I am considering applying to D schools this Summer.

Unfortunately I don't have any volunteer or shadowing hours.

I should have started earlier but I didn't since I had to handle my full-time work and taking pre-requisites at night.

Can anybody give me advice about how to get the opportunity to start shadowing? Do I have to stop by hospitals or local dentists asking for the opportunity?

Thanks,
SoG

 

[crazy4clana]

Just call up local dentists and ask if they allow shadowing for students. You could also ask your regular dentist.

 

[DrSmiles12]

1-find dentist
2-ask dentist if you can shadow him
3-watch for hours

 

[DrSmiles12]

sorry that should say him/her in step 2

 

[VCURamz10]

Well, I went to my dentist and I had just asked her if it would be okay for me to come and shadow here once in a while.

She said that I am doing very well even though I only go there once to five times a month, but she wants me to work full time and also I have hands on experience from day one since I have been volunteering.

WHAT YOU NEED TO ASK:
Just ask to volunteer thats all or shadow, tell them that you are focusing on going to dental school and that you are willing to help out with ANYTHING around the office and trust me you'll come across one that will accept you. I know its hard I have been trying to find a second one for couple months now and I hava been struggling. I am looking at least to have five in next 1-2 years that I can have as a back up all the time 🙂

 

[Danny0230]

I'm from Rhode Island, so what I did was call the RI Dental Assosciation and told them what I was looking for. They sent out an email to a bunch of dentists who had people shadow in the past, and I ended up getting like 15 dentists email me willing to let me come in. The RIDA was a huge help for me so I'd really recommend trying to find a similar organization in your state. Made the process alot easier and less awkward then asking a dentist who doesn't really want you to come in. Instead they came to me!

 

[blankguy]

I started by calling dentist in the yellow pages.

 

[CaliGirl15]

I started with just asking my family dentist, and he was more then willing to help give me some hours. But I also told my family and friends, and they all seemed to know of a great dentist that would help me. I ended up getting a great internship this way, getting hands on experience along with a job doing front office work. Just ask around and you'll find stuff. Never too late to start!!!

 

[Booboohuevos]

You can probably just ask your dentist if he'd mind your following him around during a break. I got connected with a specialist at school via my ASDA chapter. Some pre-dental clubs and organizations have shadowing programs that match you with local dentists. Most dentists love to have you around.

 

[Composite A2]

There are actually volunteer positions at hospital dental clinics, these positions are hard to come by because every body wants them for shadowing hours, however they do exist and are perfect.

 

[DDS Nuke]

I found 3 dentists to shadow but felt like such a door-to-door salesman...showing up in shirt and tie with a sales pitch and all. oh well, like mentioned before, most are more than willing to let you watch. However, don't be surprised if you get the door in the face (dang you comfort dental!)

 

[Theta1]

I searched on the yellowpages online and browsed through their websites and e-mailed them. I got a few replies telling me to call and make an appointment. They all seem to only want me for one day though...🙁 I moved around a lot throughout the years and do not have a general dentist who knows me well, so I wanted someone who could really get to know me and put in a good words for me when I apply. I'm shadowing three next week, so hopefully, it'll be a good learning experience and I'll get to know the dentists well.

 

[blankguy]

I searched on the yellowpages online and browsed through their websites and e-mailed them. I got a few replies telling me to call and make an appointment. They all seem to only want me for one day though...🙁 I moved around a lot throughout the years and do not have a general dentist who knows me well, so I wanted someone who could really get to know me and put in a good words for me when I apply. I'm shadowing three next week, so hopefully, it'll be a good learning experience and I'll get to know the dentists well.

Don't give up. Have you tried to call hospitals? Some of them may have dentists.
Do you have friends that are dentist or know dentists?

 

[Theta1]

Don't give up. Have you tried to call hospitals? Some of them may have dentists.
Do you have friends that are dentist or know dentists?

If by the time May rolls around and I've only shadowed several dentists for one day at each office, then I'm going to have to take desperate measures and just ask one of them for a LOR.....

 

[Frederico Albin]

Danny, im going to follow your advice, im going to call the local dental association and let them know about my situation 😛, i hope i get a few calls/emails back. Thanks for the advice.