Shadowing and getting a letter of recommendation from a dentist

[exceedingexpectations]

I've seen numerous people in the forums talking about how they've shadowed a dentist for dozens of hours and then got a letter of recommendation from them. Every dentist I've shadowed so far let me come in as a one time thing or after a few times shadowing said "Have you shadowed this specialty yet? I'll call this office to see if you can shadow there." or something similar. I guess none of them have had students continue to shadow them again and again and accumulate a bunch of hours with them. I need to get a letter of recommendation from a dentist but doubt any of them would write me one if I've only shadowed a couple of times. How do you guys find a dentist that lets you come back in again and again?

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[doc toothache]

There are some benefits to biannual visits to a dentist.

 

[Cthuluhoop]

Do you have a family dentist? The dentist I have been gong to for years was the one I accumulated most of my hours at. They were more than willing to let me come in for two summers shadowing twice a week, and he wrote me a letter.

Even though I was more than comfortable with him, the assistants and hygienists, I was careful that I didn't over step any boundaries. I'm sure they wouldn't have wanted me there 5 days a week for 8 hours. Be considerate of how much time you're spending at someone's office

 

[Likkriue]

I've seen numerous people in the forums talking about how they've shadowed a dentist for dozens of hours and then got a letter of recommendation from them. Every dentist I've shadowed so far let me come in as a one time thing or after a few times shadowing said "Have you shadowed this specialty yet? I'll call this office to see if you can shadow there." or something similar. I guess none of them have had students continue to shadow them again and again and accumulate a bunch of hours with them. I need to get a letter of recommendation from a dentist but doubt any of them would write me one if I've only shadowed a couple of times. How do you guys find a dentist that lets you come back in again and again?

I would see if I could set up a plan with shadowing them. Like once or twice a week as opposed to five days a week.

 

[exceedingexpectations]

Thank you everyone for your responses.
My family dentist retired recently (unfortunate timing) so I started going to a new dentist. I did shadow there once but I guess that's something they don't normally do because they told me they're busy right now and will let me know when there's another time I can come in. I'm gonna assume that was their nice way of saying they didn't want me shadowing more.
Also, maybe I caused some confusion with my initial post. Everywhere I've shadowed I've only gone once a week, I haven't been going in everyday or anything like that.
Luckily I've been recently shadowing a new dentist that seems more open to me coming back, so things may work out with this one. How long should I shadow for before asking for a letter of recommendation? Also, what's a good way of knowing if they're likely to write me one or not?

 

[2jz]

Luckily I've been recently shadowing a new dentist that seems more open to me coming back, so things may work out with this one. How long should I shadow for before asking for a letter of recommendation? Also, what's a good way of knowing if they're likely to write me one or not?

Show a lot of interest if you can, ask questions - get the dentist to think about upcoming cases so they end up suggesting you come back to see something interesting. At the very least express interest in returning to shadow because you've really enjoyed the day, etc.

Rack up some hours before you ask. Have a few one on one conversations if you can so they get to know you better and that can really make a letter more personal.

 

[BluntForceTrauma]

If it's happening with multiple providers it may be a "you" problem. Similar to people who get tons of interviews each cycle but no acceptances.

Make sure you're polite, even willing to help, but don't be pushy, try to be funny, unprofessional, etc. Don't ask questions that would make the patient feel uncomfortable (i.e. does that hurt when you do that? Is there supposed to be that much blood? I didn't know it would bleed so much!) Sounds stupid, but it's all stuff I've heard out of predent mouths. Ask good questions that show your interest.

Agree with above, don't try to do it all at once. It's a marathon, not a sprint. I would go once a week for 3 hours for almost 2 years. That dentist ended up giving me a letter, and he's even alluded to me working with him after graduation and my military commitment is up. The key is, I've stayed in touch. We'll see where both of us are when that time comes.



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