Shadow a General Dentist or Specialist?

[adizzle87]

So far I have shadowed 2 general dentists in my area, I'm thinking about shadowing a third. Would it be better for the 3rd to be another general dentist or should he/she be a specialist? I hear that ADCOMs don't like applicants shadowing specialists too much, is this true?

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[DMDpride2013]

I recommend specialist and try to get a letter of rec.

 

[sajjy]

Quality is better than quantity.....

 

[Dentanomics]

If you've shadowed 2 general dentists already than I would suggest getting involved with a specialist. It can only look good to ADCOMS.

 

[wigglytooth]

Go for the specialist. You probably saw plenty of operative and crown and bridge done. Seeing what a specialist does might help you decide if you want to go that route or not and it shows that you want to expand your knowledge of dentistry. Either way, shadowing is great

 

[uclaDDS101]

Shadowing a specialist would expand your knowledge about the wide variety of options in the dental field. I think it is a very valuable experience to shadow different specialties. Some of them seem like a world apart from dentistry (e.g., oral surgery, etc.), and it would be a good idea to get first hand experiences in the different fields. IMO, such experiences can only help you.

 

[4thMolar]

I agree with the other posters in that you should shadow a specialist. I have talked to adcoms in the past who have advised me to shadow 2 specialists in addition to a general dentist. You don't have to shadow a large number of hours, but I think it would be better to have shadowed 2-3 specialists and general dentists for 100 hours than just shadowing a general dentist for say 200 hours.

 

[169745]

I agree with the other posters in that you should shadow a specialist. I have talked to adcoms in the past who have advised me to shadow 2 specialists in addition to a general dentist. You don't have to shadow a large number of hours, but I think it would be better to have shadowed 2-3 specialists and general dentists for 100 hours than just shadowing a general dentist for say 200 hours.

200 hours is insane. shadowing is a formality and most dentists realize this. most are nice and give good advice but why would anybody spend that much time doing nothing, i think eventually it becomes a hindrance to the dentist unless you can somehow get paid to do work or volunteer to help around the office. i think you should definitely shadow max of like 50 hours for general practice and about 20 hours or so per specialist.

 

[4thMolar]

200 hours is insane. shadowing is a formality and most dentists realize this. most are nice and give good advice but why would anybody spend that much time doing nothing, i think eventually it becomes a hindrance to the dentist unless you can somehow get paid to do work or volunteer to help around the office. i think you should definitely shadow max of like 50 hours for general practice and about 20 hours or so per specialist.

I was just spitting out random numbers. I did not actually mean for him to go shadow for 200 hours. The point was that it would be better to shadow a dentist and specialist for the same amount of time vs. shadowing just one general dentist for that same amt of time.

 

[169745]

i see, funny avatar btw, hahaha

 

[DrReo]

Make sure to shadow a single general dentist at least thirty hours. Also, you may need a LOR from the practicing dentist.

There are many things you should do if you're at 100+ hours... For example, volunteering.

I shadowed an oral surgeon and an orthodontist along with several general dentists. It is only an investment for you.

Finally, shadowing an oral surgeon was nice, they were more than happy to collect teeth for me. (Although other offices are too.)