Shadowing experience?

[ULTRON]

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Hello,

I'm seeking a shadowing experience. The problem is that I don't know how to approach a dentist and what to look for.

It may seem funny but if I just march into a dentist's office requesting that I'll observe him every day for 6 months, wouldn't I be disturbing him/her on job?
I mean, this dude is working on patients and I'm tailgating him around the office...wouldn't it be annoying for the dentist?

So, I have these silly questions,

How should I go about asking for a shadowing experience?
How many hours should I spend everyday in the office?
How should I actually DO the shadowing..I mean, just sit in a place? Or walk around asking questions?
Where should I spend most of the time - in the main clinic room where the dentist actually works on patients?

I'm asking these questions because you must have done shadowing - could you share your experiences? Your help will be highly appreciated. Thanks guys.

ULTRON
Hoping to begin in 2004.

 

[ecdoesit]

first of all, i would get a list of dentist
and ask them if you could shadow them.
preferably, your own dentist.
(since you r paying him, he might be more easy to do something nice to you)
then discuss with the dentist.
being everyday is tough.
i think once a week is a good time.
also, the dentist will usually tell u what to do.

 

[BingDent]

I had the same concern as you are having now.

This is what I did.... I went up to a dentist and ask if I can "volunteer" as a dental assistant and explains that you are pre-dent and seeks some clinical experience.

If you ask like that, there's no way he can turn you down coz you are performing free labor!

I ended up volunteering/observing a week at the office and befriended the dentist and got an awesome LOR. I learned quite alot in that week of time (about 6 hr/day). it was a busy clinic, I did some sanitizing of equipments, suction (of blood), explain to patient of procedures.....The dentist also explains alot of dental science to me as he was doing the procedures.

Hope this helps a bit

 

[ULTRON]

Thanks guys. It helped......yes, I should work once a week...it sounds more reasonable.

ULTRON

 

[DDSdude]

I recently moved here so I don't really have a relationship with a family dentist yet. I picked up the phone book and started calling.

I told them who I was, what I would like to do (observe) and asked if their office offered that opportunity. I called two places and was called backed the following day by either the dentist's schedulers or the dentists themselves. They told me I was welcome to come in whenever I wanted to.

If this happens to you just make sure you give them some notice that you are coming in. At lease a day or two in advance. For the most part they seem willing to help where they can.

As far as what to do when you are there. I would first start off by asking the dentist what they are comfortable with, in terms of watching from a chair, standing up, etc. If they get to know you and like you than they may ask if you would like to assist or they will specifically point things out to you and tell you what they are doing. As the observing continues you can ask questions. Do you enjoy being a dentist? What would you do differently? What are some challenges you see each day? What challenges do you see in the future? Did you buy into a practice, start from scratch, or buy someone out? Any advice about dental school? Things like that seem to get them talking.

Hope this helps. Good Luck!!

 

[UBTom]

Another alternative:

If there is a big medical center/hospital complex near where you live, it will most likely have a dental department (also Oral Surgery and Peds). Being a hospital volunteer at such a place is a great way to get shadow time too.

Moreover, most of these hospitals are teaching institutions, so asking questions while observing is encouraged!

HTH!

 

[ULTRON]

Folks,

I took your advice and got the opportunity to shadow a dentist !! I'll be working 4 hours per week at a dental clinc.

thanks !

ULTRON

 

[Bickle]

Good for you ULTRON,

You'll find that the hours will pass by very quickly. Have fun, and learn as much as possible.

Good Luck

 

[ULTRON]

Well, today was my first day and I alread observed 2 crowning proceedures! The dentist is really great. Thanks Dentaldream - good luck to you too.

ULTRON