Response time when asking to shadow.

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

KyoPhan

Full Member
10+ Year Member
15+ Year Member
Joined
Jun 8, 2008
Messages
331
Reaction score
15
Points
4,601
  1. Pre-Dental
Advertisement - Members don't see this ad
Hey guys, I just went out today and asked about 5 dentist place if I could volunteer/shadow. I was pretty bit nervous at first, but after a few times asking it wasn't so bad.

Unfortunately, all of the places said to give them my contact info, or to come back another day. I'm just wondering how long it took you guys/gals get a response from them.

And also I was wondering if I should ask more places.

Thanks a lot for all of your inputs! I really .appreciate . it!
 
for me, for the places that I was able to shadow, they said sure right away and I made appointments right away.

but for the places that said hey we'll call you back... they never called me back.... so I suggest you calling them back in a couple of days just to check, and usually assistants are lazy to tell their doctors or they'll forget about you.

I found going to the office in person was very helpful since you are able to meet the doctor in person.

good luck
 
Hmm, I actually went in person for all of the places. Maybe its my approach?
I always went to the front counter and told them my intention hoping they will let me speak to the dentist, but they all said to leave my contact info.

I can't even speak to the dentist =/. Is it just bad luck?
Should I ask them to allow me to speak to the dentist from the start?
 
Hmm, I actually went in person for all of the places. Maybe its my approach?
I always went to the front counter and told them my intention hoping they will let me speak to the dentist, but they all said to leave my contact info.

I can't even speak to the dentist =/. Is it just bad luck?
Should I ask them to allow me to speak to the dentist from the start?

Do you have perfect teeth? Because I don't, I asked my dentist when I went for cleaning.
 
Why don't you just shadow with your own dentist and ask them if they know any friends in the area that you can also shadow with if you don't want to stay with them. I do hope you have your own dentist lol
 
yea pretty much when they say leave your contact info and we'll get back to you, that means we won't call you back, not always, but most of the times.

So if you can actually talk to the dentist that would be better since he can actually give yes or no answer.
 
What I did was that I e-mailed a local dentist association and ask them if they are willing to put me in contact with a dentist who might be willing to let someone observe. Not the most personal approach, but it worked out nicely.
 
I went in the offices in person. None of them called me back so I had to find one through family connection. Don't wait around for them to call you.
 
Why don't you just shadow with your own dentist and ask them if they know any friends in the area that you can also shadow with if you don't want to stay with them. I do hope you have your own dentist lol

bingo!
people who know people
 
Go to the phone book, flip to the yellow pages of dentists and call them asking if they allow student shadowers, etc.

Works wonders.
 
1) Ask your dentist and while you're sitting there waiting for them, chat up the assistant/hygienist and see if they can help. 2) If neither the dentist or staff can help, ask if they know of someone who can. 3) Call up some local city/state dental organizations 4) If all else fails, cold-call or show up to random offices. Politely persistent!
 
1) Ask your dentist and while you're sitting there waiting for them, chat up the assistant/hygienist and see if they can help. 2) If neither the dentist or staff can help, ask if they know of someone who can. 3) Call up some local city/state dental organizations 4) If all else fails, cold-call or show up to random offices. Politely persistent!

I found this the most efficient and successful
 
Hey guys, I just went again to seek somewhere to shadow today. The first one I tried actually brought the dentist to me to let me talk to her. So I told her my intentions and asked her if I could shadow and she said she was willing to let me watch!

Success! Thanks all for all of your responses!
 
Top Bottom