Shadowing Hours as High School - Count for College?

[RAlec114]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Right now I'm getting shadowing hours as a highschooler for various dental programs in college (direct entry/accelerated). In the case that I choose not to go to these dental programs, or I don't get into any of them, is it okay for me to eventually put these hours onto my dental application for when I'm in college?

Basically, is there anything bad about putting highschool shadowing hours on a dental application when I'm apply to dental school as a senior in college?

 

[RAlec114]

When you shadow someone, are you supposed to see them for the entire day?
I am planning on shadowing a GP for 2 hours a day/ once per week / the entire summer.

Is that weird? My friend just told me that you're supposed to do it for the entire day.. 😳

 

[dental wahoo]

yes count them for dental school. experience is experience. there ain't nothing wrong with counting hours from high school. and while you might not take away as much from the experience when you're 17, it still is helpful in experiencing and understanding the dental profession.

as for "what you're supposed to do" for the shadowing, you can do whatever you want! there's no standard protocol for how to shadow a dentist. definitely do a few full days though just to see how tiring (and awesome) a day as a dentist can be; but like i said before, experience is experience.

 

[nze82]

Right now I'm getting shadowing hours as a highschooler for various dental programs in college (direct entry/accelerated). In the case that I choose not to go to these dental programs, or I don't get into any of them, is it okay for me to eventually put these hours onto my dental application for when I'm in college?

Basically, is there anything bad about putting highschool shadowing hours on a dental application when I'm apply to dental school as a senior in college?

You can use them, if you wish! But I highly recommend you don't waste too much time on shadowing, and instead focus on maintaining a high GPA throughout college.
Shadowing is only there for you to have some exposure to the field. It's not a requirement!
Whereas, having a high GPA IS a requirement!

 

[305602]

I would definitely advise spending more than 2 hrs/day shadowing that GP.
In a two hour time span you may be able to see the GP perform some procedures and observe how he interacts with patients but spending a full day is way more valuable. Spending ~8-9 hours doing anything is quite a long day and you get a very different feel for whatever it is you're doing. Also, its a much more efficient way to rack up some shadowing hours for your app!

Some things to pay attention to while shadowing:
1. Observe the GP's work and procedures (duh).
2. See how the GP interacts with his patients, whether he communicates in a strictly professional manner as opposed to more casually/colloquially.
3. See how the business is run!

Shadowing can be a very valuable experience but it can also get pretty exhausting!!

To restate, definitely spend 5+ hours shadowing per visit.

 

[RAlec114]

I would definitely advise spending more than 2 hrs/day shadowing that GP.
In a two hour time span you may be able to see the GP perform some procedures and observe how he interacts with patients but spending a full day is way more valuable. Spending ~8-9 hours doing anything is quite a long day and you get a very different feel for whatever it is you're doing. Also, its a much more efficient way to rack up some shadowing hours for your app!

Some things to pay attention to while shadowing:
1. Observe the GP's work and procedures (duh).
2. See how the GP interacts with his patients, whether he communicates in a strictly professional manner as opposed to more casually/colloquially.
3. See how the business is run!

Shadowing can be a very valuable experience but it can also get pretty exhausting!!

To restate, definitely spend 5+ hours shadowing per visit.

thanks, this is all GREAT help.