Question about Shadowing

[predental_kygirl]

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Hey guys, so I've been doing lots of shadowing and am planning on applying to the 2016/2017 cycle. However, my mom is a Periodontist and I have watched her do many surgeries but was not sure whether or not that could count as shadowing hours as well since she is my mom. Trying to get as many hours as possible 🙂 What do you guys think?

 

[Soleus715]

It varies depending on school, but from what I've seen in pre-dental panel discussions (with admissions staff), they really frown upon recommendations from family and friends. You want to avoid nepotism.

However, I think it'd be perfectly fine to list the shadowing experience with your mom, IF you can obtain enough shadowing hours under another dentist that meets/exceeds the requirements of dental schools you're applying to. Having shadowed your mom should be supplementary to shadowing another dentist. I hope this makes sense.

 

[OBUBF]

I have 2 uncles and one cousin that are dentists. All of my Shadowing hours have come from them and one of my uncles actually wrote my rec letter from a dentist. I have received 3 interviews at good, competitive, public schools. It is probably different because it is my uncle and not my dad or mom.