My dentist thinks shadowing 50 hours is a waste

[camshaft]

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Hi everyone,
I've spent about 20 hours so far shadowing my dentist. He keeps telling me that to keep coming in would be a waste of my time. He said I've seen most of the standard procedures he does, and from now on he thinks it'd be better if he just calls me when he has more interesting procedures to come and watch. He said he doesn't understand why dental schools would expect something like 50 hours of shadowing before applying, since before starting dental school we don't have any dental experience or education, and therefore most of what we witness will be lost on us. He thinks that the 20 hours I've watched so far are fine for now, and that ideally I'd be watching him more after my first 2 years of dental school, so that I know enough to fully understand and appreciate the techniques and methods I'm watching. I think he makes a great point, but if admissions are still expecting something on the order of 50 hours of shadowing, then what do I do?

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Hugh Mannity]

As an applicant you are not in the position to be making radical changes to the admissions requirements. Do your shadowing, get in, then if you want to change shadowing requirements talk to the admission committee or get on one. You may want to consider different dentists to shadow also, they like to see a variety. Not every dentist practices the same and getting multiple experiences gives you a better understanding of dentistry in general.

 

[Bruinlove]

I think he makes a great point, but if admissions are still expecting something on the order of 50 hours of shadowing, then what do I do?

The answer is clear. You should listen to dental school admissions people, not your dentist who is merely one of 4000 dentists produced every year.

If he makes you feel uncomfortable coming in, just look for another dentist to shadow.

 

[TarheelKid24]

Yea, your dentist makes a valid point but you need to find another gp or specialist to shadow...I shadowed the same gp for 80 hours...needless to say it is interesting at first but just standing there can really get to you...


Look for an oral surgeon to shadow (I've had great experiences with those) or a clinic where you can even assist a little bit..

Good luck

 

[DrReo]

I shadowed with a dentist and he really recommended checking out other practices. His was a slower/medium pace practice. Every office is ran a little more different so it's definently worth your time. Oral surgery was an amazing time, too. 👍 I found orthodontic shadowing boring, IMO. Meet as many dentists as you can. Learn how they ended up where they did. It's pretty interesting.

 

[Hysteria24]

If he thinks you hit a ceiling, see if he'll let you take the next step and start assisting. There is still plenty for you to learn!

 

[camshaft]

Thanks for the fast replies guys. Seems like this is a popular hangout on Sunday mornings. I was going to start shadowing an omfs surgeon who offered, but I wasn't sure whether admissions prefer that the hours are with a general dentist. And Hysteria, I had thought of that, but I know he couldn't use another assistant, so that's not as easy of an option right now.

 

[tinman831]

The purpose of shadowing is not to learn how to do the different procedures or techniques,.but to gain insight into the life of a dentist. Sure, the cases he may be working on might not be interesting, but you don't come across interesting things everyday. Can you stand doing the things that he does? Will you be able to commit yourself to a life serving others, which can can lack "excitement" at times?

 

[lemoncurry]

the best choice would be to find another dentist to shadow to fulfill your requirements.

 

[Hugh Mannity]

Thanks for the fast replies guys. Seems like this is a popular hangout on Sunday mornings. I was going to start shadowing an omfs surgeon who offered, but I wasn't sure whether admissions prefer that the hours are with a general dentist. And Hysteria, I had thought of that, but I know he couldn't use another assistant, so that's not as easy of an option right now.

general > omfs

Remember at this time you are applying to dental school, not a specialty. Shadowing general is better than a specialty, and shadowing a specialty is better than nothing. Think of shadowing specialists as the sprinkling on a cake, with the cake being general dentist shadowing.

 

[DrSmiles12]

the best choice would be to find another dentist to shadow to fulfill your requirements.

I agree here, he probably just got sick of you being in his hair, asking questions, etc. Just find another dentist and do your time

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527523

 

[lgwdnbdgr]

Hi everyone,
I've spent about 20 hours so far shadowing my dentist. He keeps telling me that to keep coming in would be a waste of my time.

Your dentist is correct and many Deans of Admission agree. But, as has already been pointed out, many don't. If you are considering schools that want more than 20 hours, shadow someone else. Plus, it'll be a lot more interesting for you. I don't think your dentist is trying to get rid of you. It's just that is IS a waste of time to keep shadowing after you've already put in 3 days and he almost certainly went to dental school back in a time when hardly anybody shadowed before applying.

OMFS shadowing should be fine since you already have 20 hours with a general dentist. I probably wouldn't do only specialists, but as long as you have some hours with a general dentist, nobody cares where the rest of hours were spent, just that you met their requirements.

 

[SHC1984]

Your dentist is correct and many Deans of Admission agree. But, as has already been pointed out, many don't. If you are considering schools that want more than 20 hours, shadow someone else. Plus, it'll be a lot more interesting for you. I don't think your dentist is trying to get rid of you. It's just that is IS a waste of time to keep shadowing after you've already put in 3 days and he almost certainly went to dental school back in a time when hardly anybody shadowed before applying.

OMFS shadowing should be fine since you already have 20 hours with a general dentist. I probably wouldn't do only specialists, but as long as you have some hours with a general dentist, nobody cares where the rest of hours were spent, just that you met their requirements.

I agree, 20 hours would be more then enough. I shadowed a general dentist and didn't really like it at all. I would recommend Ortho or Pedia! 😀 There are more interesting things you can do to improve your application then shadowing a GP.

 

[MonchichiMan]

So I think we need to look at it differently. I don't think that you can spend ENOUGH time shadowing in a dental office. Instead of just saying "oooh thats nice," you should be asking questions where appropriate and trying to understand why things are done. You can learn a lot about diagnosis as well as simply familiarizing yourself with the office and mouth. Learn the instruments, names and numbers of teeth and their surfaces. Learn how to read radiographs and learn the terminology. There are many things you can do without assisting while observing in a dental office that can put you steps above the rest. Make a list each time you go and make a goal to accomplish everything on it. Try volunteering in sterilization and maybe you can transition into an assistant. Mainly many hours are required or suggested so you KNOW it is what you really want to do before you go. Best of luck, I know it is easy for me to say all this, I have been an assistant for a few years, but lots can be learned from observing, that is how I got my start.

 

[doc toothache]

So I think we need to look at it differently. I don't think that you can spend ENOUGH time shadowing in a dental office. You can learn a lot about diagnosis as well as simply familiarizing yourself with the office and mouth. Learn the instruments, names and numbers of teeth and their surfaces. Learn how to read radiographs and learn the terminology. There are many things you can do without assisting while observing in a dental office that can put you steps above the rest. Make a list each time you go and make a goal to accomplish everything on it. Try volunteering in sterilization and maybe you can transition into an assistant.

We may be confusing shadowing with ojt. When asking if you can shadow, that is precisely what the dentist may be willing to do. Camshaft was given a clear signal that his shadowing time came to an end. Encouraging him to continue essentially under false pretense is a sure way to wear out the welcome mat. Learning more about dentistry is a good idea but not particularly good advice for anyone with subpar gpa or dat scores.

 

[Dentalishus]

I think he is trying to tell you that your time is up with him. I would find another dentist. I shadowed a general dentist but most of my time was done with a specialist. The adcomms at the schools where I interviewed had no problems with it. I don't know if you were thinking about it but he doesn't sound like he would be a great person to get a recommendation letter from either. Just my 2cents.

 

[camshaft]

I think he is trying to tell you that your time is up with him. I would find another dentist. I shadowed a general dentist but most of my time was done with a specialist. The adcomms at the schools where I interviewed had no problems with it. I don't know if you were thinking about it but he doesn't sound like he would be a great person to get a recommendation letter from either. Just my 2cents.

Well he is a relative of mine, so I don't think he's just trying to kick me out. Well, maybe, I don't know. If he was just trying to get rid of me, I don't think he'd tell me that he thinks I should shadow him after I start dental school. He did say he has an implant coming up that he thinks I should see, and will try to schedule it for one of the days I'm available. At the same time though, I can tell he's not looking for me to try to find ways to be even more involved.

I hadn't thought about other specialties, but when SHC1984 mentioned ortho, that got me thinking. My orthodontist was the friendliest person ever and really liked me. I guess there's no harm in asking him if I could spend some time there.

Thanks again for the input guys!

 

[MonchichiMan]

We may be confusing shadowing with ojt. When asking if you can shadow, that is precisely what the dentist may be willing to do. Camshaft was given a clear signal that his shadowing time came to an end. Encouraging him to continue essentially under false pretense is a sure way to wear out the welcome mat. Learning more about dentistry is a good idea but not particularly good advice for anyone with subpar gpa or dat scores.

Not sure what you really mean. My GPA is nothing outstanding and neither is my DAT, however my extensive experience working in and around dental offices is what made me appealing to some schools. Not only that if gave me a great understanding of the field and also preparation for dental school. I am not saying in all cases, but it can make up for areas where you are lacking.

 

[lgwdnbdgr]

Well he is a relative of mine, so I don't think he's just trying to kick me out. Well, maybe, I don't know. If he was just trying to get rid of me, I don't think he'd tell me that he thinks I should shadow him after I start dental school. He did say he has an implant coming up that he thinks I should see, and will try to schedule it for one of the days I'm available. At the same time though, I can tell he's not looking for me to try to find ways to be even more involved.

Based on what you've posted here, it sounds like he just isn't familiar with the newer admissions requirements and doesn't know you certain schools need a certain number.

He's most likely just trying to help you out. The purpose of shadowing isn't to learn the basics of dentistry -- that's what dental school is for. The purpose is for you to get an idea of what it is like being a dentist. 20 hours, I'm assuming, is 3 days. Three days is more than enough to get an idea of how his practice runs and what sorts of procedures he does in a typical day. Another 4-5 days in his office isn't going to really give you any additional information. Going to another office will, though, albeit with diminishing returns.

You definitely should shadow that orthodontist. It'll help you jump through the hoops set up by some school and will give you a brief glimpse into another specialty. I'd also recommend shadowing another generalist if you can just to see more than one office.

 

[La Dentista]

Well, out of all the shadowing I've done, I can honestly say that I do see or hear something new (or that didn't sink in the previous time), or something else... like seeing each step, and drilling how some things are done into my memory. Things will be lost (especially with dental terminology, etc) but things will also be gained even if you finally learn something on your 200th visit. I learned something new or saw something different (even if I had seen the procedure before -- patients vary) every time I stepped in that office.
You just need to find another dentist, ask family/friends if they have any recommendations (dropping names when trying to shadow if the dentist doesn't know you can often help).
I don't think it's a waste... but then again, that's just me and others have their own opinions on things.

 

[AdidasPete]

Do whatever is suggested for the schools you are applying for and maybe a tad more. Thats why they suggest it. I've been in interview groups as a current student and when students are like "I did 500 hours of shadowing, will taht help me?" the adcom member will literally LAUGH at them. Do it long enough so that you can understand the basics of what is going on, "is it amalgam or composite?" "where is this cavity?" "Where is s/he putting that needle?" "what is the general order the dentist does things?" etc etc... A million hours of watching someone makes you a good watcher, not much more... In the words of an adcom, "take those hours, and study for your DATs"