Protocol For Shadowing

[pre-dentalguy]

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I know that many of you have shadowed many dentist b/f getting accepted into D school. My question is how does one go about shadowing? What is protocol? I don't personally know any dentists in my area, so do I just walk into dental offices and ask the doc to allow me to shadow him/her... do I send resumes attached with an official letter inquiring about allowing me to shadow? How should I go about this?

Also, what is considered an adequate amount of time per day/week to shadow and how long should the shadowing last (couple of weeks/months)?

 

[toothfairy85]

I shadowed my family dentist first for a week or so right when school got out for the summer. Then when summer school started I walked into dental offices with a cover letter stating my intentions to apply to dental school and a resume so they knew a little bit about me... that way they could write a letter of recommendation when the time came. Most will be more than happy to allow you to shadow and help out around the office. I would make sure you spend more time in a general dentist office, and if time permits, observe some specialties here and there. Just my opinion. Hope it helps 🙂

 

[Fuji]

A letter, a phone call, or a walk-in visit are all acceptable for initiating the contact. After that, expect to shadow at least 4 hours a day. As for duration and frequency, it all depends on the dentist. Some may only want you to come on a certain day of the week (I had one who only let me shadow on Fridays because it was his slow day), while others may let you be there more often. The longer you shadow, the better, because going just a few times probably won't expose you to the rare cases and the most interesting procedures. Plan to be up close and personal with the patients - talking to them helps break the ice so you aren't just some weird dude lurking in the corner. Some doctors may even let you assist with basic stuff like suction, meaning you'll have to wear a coat, gloves, and a mask. Those are always my favorite!

 

[pre-dentalguy]

All of those things sound great!! As for walk-ins, phone call, or mailing in your resume', which one would you recommend the is most prevalent? And second, what does shadowing really consist of? My depiction of it is follow the dentist around the office and just watching over his/her shoulder with patients. Moreover, do they allow to view the thing they do when they're behind the desk (not with a patient); Do they allow you to understand how the billing and transcriptions are done; Or even more intimately, allow you the understanding of how they get paid or how bills are reconciled?

Additionally, when I start shadowing, is there anything that I need to bring with me or the dentist expects you to bring on day 1, such as: Lab coat, pen, pad, etc.

 

[dds_sdc]

i dont know any dentist either. i got my shadowing experience through my orgo professor. im doin well in the class and she asked me what i wanted to be and i said a dentist. then she was able to contact an alumni from teh school whos a dentist now for me to shadow her.
it helps to have a relationship with ur professor to get hookups.

 

[DAS]

All of those things sound great!! As for walk-ins, phone call, or mailing in your resume', which one would you recommend the is most prevalent? And second, what does shadowing really consist of? My depiction of it is follow the dentist around the office and just watching over his/her shoulder with patients. Moreover, do they allow to view the thing they do when they're behind the desk (not with a patient); Do they allow you to understand how the billing and transcriptions are done; Or even more intimately, allow you the understanding of how they get paid or how bills are reconciled?

Additionally, when I start shadowing, is there anything that I need to bring with me or the dentist expects you to bring on day 1, such as: Lab coat, pen, pad, etc.

Go in person, that is the ONLY way I would recommend because dentists are usually busy ( or they just pretend that they are busy), so get your self dressed looking like a professional and ask them if you could come to their office once a week or so and learn some procedures AS YOU ARE ABOUT TO START DENTAL SCHOOL SOON.

 

[pre-dentalguy]

i dont know any dentist either. i got my shadowing experience through my orgo professor. im doin well in the class and she asked me what i wanted to be and i said a dentist. then she was able to contact an alumni from teh school whos a dentist now for me to shadow her.
it helps to have a relationship with ur professor to get hookups.

That's awesome... Seems like you got the hook up over there! I'm not that fortunate though. Thanks for the intel.

 

[Turnerjo13]

I would recommend shadowing more than one dentist because each one does things differently. This will allow you to pick up on some things that you like best about each one.
Also one dentist will be able to hook you up with others to shadow.
Remember that most of the younger dentist had to shadow when they were in our position so they are willing to help us out.
And ask a lot of questions.

good luck!