need help with SHADOWING

[enfuego]

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I need help for those of you who have managed to find someone to shadow.

I've read previous threads, and it seems like people don't have a problem finding someone to shadow, but that has not been my experience. I've approached dentists in my area, and have not been able to find anyone who will never let me come in. They never get back to me, or they just flat out say no. My pre-dental advisor speculated that this probably happened because we are in the city and the dentists must be really busy, but I don't know if I buy that. A couple of my friends here have had similar difficulties. I also contacted the state's dental association to see if they could help and had no luck.

Another thing - when you asked to shadow, did you ask to come in just for one day? Or did you mention that you wanted to come in on a semi-regular basis?
I did find one person to shadow, and I went in for a few hours one day, but when I asked to come back the next week, the dentist was kind of thrown off and said no - I guess he thought it was supposed to be a one-time thing.

So I need some advice on what I'm supposed to do now? I still need 100 hours. I'm applying in 2010, so this is my last summer to really accumulate shadowing hours.

And if anyone knows a dentist who allows student to shadow in Boston, please let me know!

 

[La fea]

I need help for those of you who have managed to find someone to shadow.

I've read previous threads, and it seems like people don't have a problem finding someone to shadow, but that has not been my experience. I've approached dentists in my area, and have not been able to find anyone who will never let me come in. They never get back to me, or they just flat out say no. My pre-dental advisor speculated that this probably happened because we are in the city and the dentists must be really busy, but I don't know if I buy that. A couple of my friends here have had similar difficulties. I also contacted the state's dental association to see if they could help and had no luck.

Another thing - when you asked to shadow, did you ask to come in just for one day? Or did you mention that you wanted to come in on a semi-regular basis?
I did find one person to shadow, and I went in for a few hours one day, but when I asked to come back the next week, the dentist was kind of thrown off and said no - I guess he thought it was supposed to be a one-time thing.

So I need some advice on what I'm supposed to do now? I still need 100 hours. I'm applying in 2010, so this is my last summer to really accumulate shadowing hours.

And if anyone knows a dentist who allows student to shadow in Boston, please let me know!

You have to keep asking and asking. Several people at once.

Thats about 12.5 working days. Would it work if 12 different dentists allowed you to shadow, 1 working day each?

 

[12345a]

go in for a cleaning, tell them you are interested in dentistry, and ask them if you can shadow

be a customer first (they like customers) not another pre dent student

just make sure you get 100+ hours before your 6 month checkup 😱

 

[g0forkurself]

Have you not asked your family's dentist? They're usually more inclined to let you go in and shadow just because they know you and your family more personally. I currently shadow my dentist and he lets me assist him for almost all of the procedures.

 

[enfuego]

You have to keep asking and asking. Several people at once.

Thats about 12.5 working days. Would it work if 12 different dentists allowed you to shadow, 1 working day each?

I never thought of that. That could be a good idea, but I'm not banking on being able to find 12 different dentists when I've had so much trouble finding even 1 so far. I'll look into it though. I've asked a lot of people, but no one seems willing.

I would probably have an easier time finding dentists back home, but I don't go home anymore. I spend all my summers at school taking classes and such.

 

[enfuego]

Have you not asked your family's dentist? They're usually more inclined to let you go in and shadow just because they know you and your family more personally. I currently shadow my dentist and he lets me assist him for almost all of the procedures.

I don't go to school anywhere near my home, and I rarely go home anymore. I just get a quick check-up when I am in town on a break or something. I actually haven't been to see my dentist in almost a year because I haven't been home.

And my dentist actually retired and sold his practice to some new guy, and the new guy is NOT friendly at all. He doesn't even talk to you (the patient) when you go for an appointment, so he's probably not the ideal person to shadow anyways.

 

[Jake8]

Sounds like you are due for a cleaning.

Find a dentist in the area you want to shadow or ask around. I am sure some of your friends or professors know some in the area that they go to and like. After he works tell him your desire to shadow him.

 

[HumanCalculator]

Wow, it's unfortunate that the dentists wouldn't let you observe. I've never had that experience. But you can try to find a dental clinic where you can volunteer. That way, you get volunteer hours and shadowing hours at the same time. Can't beat that.

In my experience, they gladly welcome the extra help.

Also, you can then ask them for recommendations of who to shadow. That way you can say "Dr. ______ recommended me to observe at your place" instead of being just some random student.

 

[La fea]

I never thought of that. That could be a good idea, but I'm not banking on being able to find 12 different dentists when I've had so much trouble finding even 1 so far. I'll look into it though. I've asked a lot of people, but no one seems willing.

I would probably have an easier time finding dentists back home, but I don't go home anymore. I spend all my summers at school taking classes and such.

I understand.
How about between semesters? Most people get a couple of weeks off right?
Just a thought

 

[WilsonJing]

Hey buddy,
I completely know what you mean. HOWEVER, the trick is to offer up your free labor. Yes, people are busy but no one can turn down free labor. I got all of my shadowing done as an intern. When you approach them use the frame of someone that wants to help him or her out. Its in their best interest to hire you, because trust me there is a lot of work to be done around the office. Plus on busy days where the part-time whatever cant come in you will find yourself as an assistant or doing their job. Once you establish yourself as someone that is trust worthy, whenever a dentists has a cool procedure he will call you over and let u observe his work. In fact, I think they do it just to show off some times. I must have watched extraction 10 times, the blood turns everyone on. JK

Good luck,
Wilson

 

[BillytheEchidna]

I hate to be Captain Obvious here, but are you dressing professionally when you approach these dentists? Or do you look like a stereotypical college student? Having students hanging around, looking like slackers, would reflect poorly on their practice. Sorry!, I am not trying to be insulting, but it's another angle to consider.

You might have better luck with recent graduates, since they will have been in your shoes not too long ago. The concept of "shadowing" might be foreign to older dentists. Look for dentists who have websites, because they might be more "hip" and "with it." It might not be anything personal -- might just be HIPAA law paranoia or something. I'm sorry you're having so much trouble! I shadowed my own dentist and she let me assist a few times. The free labor suggestion is a good one!

 

[bluemanchews]

If you live in boston, chances are there are about 1000 dentists within 20 miles. You can find twelve. Also, tell them you can help out any way possible... Call it shadowing.. You know if they make you clean the bathrooms for 8 hours and you get to watch only 1 extraction (highly unlikely).. It may not be great, but you can put that down as 8 hours of shadowing.. Not trying to lie but the moment you step into their office, it starts ticking.. Get yourself in an office. Even watching how the business side runs counts.. Because that is something you need to see as well. GL

 

[enfuego]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone! Offering labor is a good idea. So is asking younger dentists - the one dentist I shadowed for a bit was in his 40s, and even he had no idea what shadowing was. Yes, I do go home between semesters, but I'm often out of town visiting family, and next year I really hope to do Gateway to Dentistry. I'll just keep on asking - as someone mentioned, there's bound to be at least a few dentists in Boston - I just need to find them.