Shadowing Hours

[tpwelie34]

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Hey guys, I am about to finish shadowing my first dental clinic and I am wondering if I need to acquire any certification or proof of my shadowing hours. Thank you

 

[Dusk]

Nope.
Some schools want a letter from a dentist you shadowed though.

 

[tpwelie34]

Nope.
Some schools want a letter from a dentist you shadowed though.

Do the majority of people who shadow dentists get these letters? My dentistry is a Vietnamese dentistry so the dentists there are not that good at English (enough to write a good letter). I am unsure if I can ask them to write me a letter.

 

[jeffity]

Do the majority of people who shadow dentists get these letters? My dentistry is a Vietnamese dentistry so the dentists there are not that good at English (enough to write a good letter). I am unsure if I can ask them to write me a letter.

I assume you're not applying this cycle. Just keep track of names, locations, dates, and hours yourself. Just leave on good terms in case you need a letter later. Maybe hint that you wouldn't mind coming back later so when you show up to beg for a letter at the last minute it won't be as weird.

 

[tpwelie34]

I assume you're not applying this cycle. Just keep track of names, locations, dates, and hours yourself. Just leave on good terms in case you need a letter later. Maybe hint that you wouldn't mind coming back later so when you show up to beg for a letter at the last minute it won't be as weird.

How common is it to require a letter? I will definitely leave on good terms and I will return in 10 weeks after my summer school ends to shadow some more.

 

[Dusk]

How common is it to require a letter? I will definitely leave on good terms and I will return in 10 weeks after my summer school ends to shadow some more.

well I'm not sure which school requires a letter from a dentist that you specifically listed for your shadowing hours. But many schools require one letter from a dentist. I would ask your dentist anyway after more shadowing, I'm sure even though he might appear to not speak english well, he'll write a decent/good letter.

 

[dentalWorks]

For many schools, LOR from dentist isn't required... but IMO, I think its necessary, since it shows proof of actual shadowing

 

[tpwelie34]

What if the dentists that I shadow do not speak English that well?

 

[jeffity]

What if the dentists that I shadow do not speak English that well?

They're probably aware they're not so hot with the English and would have someone else proof if not write it. You know, this Interfolio action dW speaks of (may as well be a paid endorser by now as much as he handles all the questions on here) might be a good thing to get on. As far I as I know, you can just rack up your letters as you go about your academic career/shadowing. That way you can just not use his when you apply if you don't want to, but it's there just in case.

 

[tpwelie34]

They're probably aware they're not so hot with the English and would have someone else proof if not write it. You know, this Interfolio action dW speaks of (may as well be a paid endorser by now as much as he handles all the questions on here) might be a good thing to get on. As far I as I know, you can just rack up your letters as you go about your academic career/shadowing. That way you can just not use his when you apply if you don't want to, but it's there just in case.

The receptionist told me to write the LOR myself and have one of the dentists sign it. Is this a bad idea (sure sounds like one)? Also, how do 4 LORs from science professors and research professors compare to 3 from science professors and 1 from a dentist?

 

[jeffity]

The receptionist told me to write the LOR myself and have one of the dentists sign it. Is this a bad idea (sure sounds like one)? Also, how do 4 LORs from science professors and research professors compare to 3 from science professors and 1 from a dentist?

I'd have a peek at the schools you're interested in and see what they want. The generic list of letters one should try for is: 2 science, 1 non-science, 1 dentist. But check the specific schools.

 

[Lane138]

What if the dentists that I shadow do not speak English that well?

If they don't speak english well then find yourself another dentist. You shouldn't only shadow one dentist anyway. You might as well see who'd be the best recommender/ likes you the best, and shadow that guy more.

 

[dentalWorks]

What if the dentists that I shadow do not speak English that well?

how did they pass dental school and the boards then? Maybe their accent isn't all that.... but they have writing / reading skills

 

[Nanhi]

Can you upload a sample of the letter? It ll give an idea how do we get it written.