Shadowing Experience Question

[MedHopeful234]

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Hey guys,

I was wondering what you thought would be better: to shadow one general dentist for a long time (100 or so hours), shadow two dentists (one with a specialty and one general) for 50-70 hours each, or to shadow 3-4 different dentists with various specialties for a total of 100+ hours?

Would the variety allow me to appear as a stronger applicant? I was considering shadowing the general dentist I've been shadowing a bit now for longer because then he can get to know me better as a student and write be a great LOR rather than a few dentists for less time. I guess I could also always put more time for this general dentist and do 20-25 hours for the specialty ones to see what they are like and learn about their specialty.

Any suggestions/recommendations?

 

[Springs01]

I think dental schools prefer more time shadowing a general dentist. After that, you can shadow specialties.

 

[SicEm]

It would probably be good to have a variety...not only that, but it would be ideal if you could shadow more than one general dentist. I shadowed two different general dentists who worked in very different environments, and I learned very different things from each one. I can't speak to what adcoms want to see, but for your own benefit, I think that would be a good way to go.