shadowing a dentist?

[msa786]

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How necessary is it to shadow a dentist prior to applying? Does it really matter that much?

 

[dmd2011]

i think its very important. schools like to see that you have some dental experience and have seen what dentists do on a daily basis.

 

[aggie-master]

It is definitely something that you want to do before applying.

It will hurt your chances if you don't do it, but more importantly, it lets you see exactly what you are getting yourself into.

 

[Predent0607]

I would have to agree with what other posters have been saying here as well. Prior to shadowing, I really thought I had a decent understanding of what goes on at the dentist having been a patient quite a number of times along with having had braces, but there really is something to seeing it from the other side. In my experiences I think shadowing has given me a much better understanding of what dentistry is from a more professional standpoint, going beyond the work that is done on patients. It also gave me a number of things to talk about when writing my personal statement. I would definately have to agree that you might want to find a nice dentist who will let you shadow a few times a week and to have some of those kinds of experiences before applying.

 

[dmd2011]

I would have to agree with what other posters have been saying here as well. Prior to shadowing, I really thought I had a decent understanding of what goes on at the dentist having been a patient quite a number of times along with having had braces, but there really is something to seeing it from the other side. In my experiences I think shadowing has given me a much better understanding of what dentistry is from a more professional standpoint, going beyond the work that is done on patients. It also gave me a number of things to talk about when writing my personal statement. I would definately have to agree that you might want to find a nice dentist who will let you shadow a few times a week and to have some of those kinds of experiences before applying.

i wrote about my dental experience in my personal statement. i think it shows that you are serious about a career in dentistry and have a better understanding of all aspects of the profession. plus, some interviewers ask specific questions about dentistry that you wouldnt be able to answer without some experience. id start by asking your own dentist. most dentists are willing to allow students interested in dentistry to observe them with patients. be sure to ask many questions.

 

[Old School]

I'd like to add to the consensus; just do it.

You're going to get a lot of value for your time spent with a dentist. We talk of shadowing, but the more I shadowed, the more I was involved. You can learn a great deal from assisting during procedures and the experience gives you something insightful to speak about during your interview.

 

[DDSY]

Everyone on SDN is doing it. Might as well follow the herd.

 

[wizziefiend]

I think it's less important for admissions purposes in comparison to the importance in choosing a career that is most ideal for you.

Shadowing sucks...it's boring to just watch. But you get a good idea of the environment and I love the idea of actually being the dentist performing all the procedures.

Just do it!! Everyone does!!

 

[DMD to Be]

Shadowing doesn't suck if you find the right dentist to shadow. I loved my experience and even got to assist on occasion. 🙂 Great stuff and yes, you should definitely get some shadowing experience in.

 

[mmasurf]

its a must what a dumb questions, they will ask you on an interview why pursue a career you never looked into. they asked me that question on an interview and had shadowing experience ready 😉 do it for 60 + hrs which is like a few months and you'll be fine.

 

[dentalman]

How necessary is it to shadow a dentist prior to applying? Does it really matter that much?

I will agree with the other twenty posts and ask - what are you thinking? How do you know what you are getting into?