shadowing dentists

[PharmDr.]

Today, I shadowed a dentists for half a day and absolutely loved it. I saw 1 extraction, a couple crowns, bonding, and a bridge. The dentist was really helpful and tried to explain all the things involved w/ the procedure. I have called around to other local dentists and it seems that all they want to be involved w/ me is a one time shadowing experience. I guess I should just say I want to come in once a week but is this more common w/ you guys shadowing experiences? I have setup 2 other shadowing dates w/ different dentists so I guess I'll have to suggest me wanting a longer type of shadowing "relationship". I just don't want to impose on them and their business. Anyways, my expectations were met and then some for today and I hope I can get some kind of volunteering in an office sometime.

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[drat]

I started shadowing two dentists last week, and really, really love it. I'm more convinced than ever that dentistry is the career for me.

Anyway, I think when you speak with these dentists, say something along the lines that you're a dental school applicant and would like to shadow/observe them with patients for a few hours per week for a couple of weeks. I was 2 for 2 with this approach. If they are only willing to have you one time, keep on looking. Say something like you were really hoping for a longer term shadowing experience and if they know anyone in the area please give you a call at ***-****. From my experience, you just need to find a dentist that LOVES his/her job. Best of luck!

 

[Sprgrover]

It has been my experience that dentists love to have a student observe them. Not only is an opportunity for you to gain exposure to the profession, it allows them to impart some of their hard earned knowledge to an eager mind and that can be rather validating for a professional. I shadowed a few dentists until I found one that was really open, ran a superb practice, and had very outgoing staff members. Speaking of staff members, try to develop a rapport with their assistants or hygienists. During down times I would talk with them and pepper them with questions such as "From your side of the operatory, what makes a good dentist 'good?'" or "What are some of the hallmarks of a good dentist, not as a practitioner, but as an employer?" A couple of his assistants have been in the business longer than he has and they were more than willing to open up and give some really good advice. Afterall, you'll be dealing not only with patients but your own staff as well.

In regards to a 'relationship', I would always call ahead and schedule a day when I could observe. My dentist was more than willing to have me come back multiple times. Enjoy your time shadowing!

 

[eric275]

The dentists that I have had the oppurtunity to shadow have also been great. The first time I shadowed I called and scheduled my shadowing appointment with their front offices. After shadowing for the scheduled day, both dentists told me to come back when ever and as often as I wanted. They told me I could just show up whenever I felt like shadowing and there was need to call into the office, pretty nice of them. I'm very greatful for the oppurtunities and make sure and thank them and their staff every day when leaving.

Another experience that I have enjoyed was making arrangements to shadow some dental specialists in my town. Though I think it's important to get most of your hours shadowing general dentists, if you start getting a fair amount of hours it's a nice change of scenery and it exposes you to other areas of dentistry. I have been able to shadow an orthodontist, endodontist, and an oral surgeon.

It was pretty funny shadowing the oral surgeon. He informed me that it is fairly common for people observing to pass out. Luckily I made it through without hitting the floor It's just so different seeing the procedures that an oral surgeon does compared to say a complete soft tissue surgery. I don't know what it is about the sounds of cracking bone and such but it just seems kind of gross, he said it does take a little getting use to. The best procedure he did that day was performing a bone grapht (sp) on a woman. He had to go in through the lower lip, expose the chin bone, cut a piece of bone off about 16mm X 6mm, and then attach it to the mandible with screws for a future implant. It was pretty cool to see the procedure and he was great about letting get up close and look into her mouth so that I could see that various stages. He told me to come back as often as I wanted, but once may have been enough at this time in my shadowing experience, heh