Shadowing in high school: where to start?

[btpayne13]

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I'm a high school sophomore interested in going into dental later in life, so I think shadowing would be a good start. I know of two local private practices (one is general dentistry, the other is orthodontics) because I've been going to each of them for years. What's the first step I should take if I want to do some shadowing? What would I start with when I shadow?

 

[rnbaxter]

I'm a high school sophomore interested in going into dental later in life, so I think shadowing would be a good start. I know of two local private practices (one is general dentistry, the other is orthodontics) because I've been going to each of them for years. What's the first step I should take if I want to do some shadowing? What would I start with when I shadow?

Question 1: If you want to shadow: Go to any dentist and ask if you can shadow. Dress nice. I have never heard of any dentist ever saying "no". Simple as that.

Question 2: You lost me.

 

[2ne1]

Question 1: If you want to shadow: Go to any dentist and ask if you can shadow. Dress nice. I have never heard of any dentist ever saying "no". Simple as that.

Question 2: You lost me.

I actuallly got rejected twice (by two different dentists) 😱
Maybe I am too ugly......?

Follow what rnbaxter says. Dress nice, show them that you are intereted in dentistry and just ask them politely if you can shadow/volunteer at their office.

 

[doc toothache]

I'm a high school sophomore interested in going into dental later in life, so I think shadowing would be a good start. I know of two local private practices (one is general dentistry, the other is orthodontics) because I've been going to each of them for years. What's the first step I should take if I want to do some shadowing? What would I start with when I shadow?

By the time you are ready to apply you will have forgotten what you saw while shadowing.

 

[TarheelDDS]

By the time you are ready to apply you will have forgotten what you saw while shadowing.

Maybe...but I have already started shadowing, and I am planning on continuing through undergrad. My thought/goal is that since I started so early I can get an amazing amount of hours and make that part a step above the competition on my application. Plus I enjoy watching it.

 

[dentaldawg32]

Maybe...but I have already started shadowing, and I am planning on continuing through undergrad. My thought/goal is that since I started so early I can get an amazing amount of hours and make that part a step above the competition on my application. Plus I enjoy watching it.

Having an excessive amount of hours is not going to put you a step above the rest of the applicant pool. Anywhere from 50-100 hours is more than enough and anything more than that is just overkill. Do some research or volunteer instead. I've been through this process and have talked to adcoms and this seems to be the general consensus.

 

[TarheelDDS]

Having an excessive amount of hours is not going to put you a step above the rest of the applicant pool. Anywhere from 50-100 hours is more than enough and anything more than that is just overkill. Do some research or volunteer instead. I've been through this process and have talked to adcoms and this seems to be the general consensus.

I know that admissions can be cut throat, and I just think if they're sitting there comparing me to another person with basically the same DAT scores, GPA, etc.. and I have a ton more hours than them, they would be more likely to take me.

But thank you for the advice and experience, I will keep it in mind.

I am also going to get a lot of community service hours through some dental public health stuff. If I have time in college, I have heard that being a research assistant is a good thing to do, so I might try and get into that as well.

 

[doc toothache]

I know that admissions can be cut throat, and I just think if they're sitting there comparing me to another person with basically the same DAT scores, GPA, etc.. and I have a ton more hours than them, they would be more likely to take me.

Or it could be that adcoms will wonder why it took you a "a ton of hours" to figure out that dentistry is what you wanted to do not to mention that between now and application time you could change your major at least once every semester and that would include fall, spring and 2-3 summer sessions.

 

[molarbear]

Or it could be that adcoms will wonder why it took you a "a ton of hours" to figure out that dentistry is what you wanted to do not to mention that between now and application time you could change your major at least once every semester and that would include fall, spring and 2-3 summer sessions.

+1

Also, there are many more aspects of an application they look at. Not even including the interview. I don't believe "a ton of hours" compared to "a lot of hours" is going to matter that much.

 

[CarpeDium]

The number of hours that you shadow essentially makes no difference in your personal decision of whether or not dentistry is for you. If you are going to shadow, try to develop a comfortable relationship with the dentist. If you plan on shadowing for years, like through undergrad as you stated, then try to stick with one particular dentist. Depth over breadth is best in this case. If you are comfortable enough with the dentist to ask questions and be curious about the details, shadowing will be 100x more usefull for you. And, eventually, dont just observe his procedures, but also try to observe his lab work if he's comfortable with it. Try to get as much 'hands-on' experience as you can because that is essentially your future if you choose.

 

[lvtran]

It's good that you want to shadow a dentist now. For one, you'll know sooner rather than later whether dentistry is for you. But yes, you don't need years of shadowing, stuff from high school years usually don't make it to the resume 6 years later.

My tip is that the dentist isn't the only person at the dental office, learn from the assistants and hygienists and secretaries as well, it will humble you a bit.

 

[doc toothache]

The "ton of hours" would be more wisely spent obtaining an excellent gpa, which is more likely to catch anyone's attention rather than spinning your wheels.

 

[Blue Panther]

I'm a high school sophomore interested in going into dental later in life, so I think shadowing would be a good start. I know of two local private practices (one is general dentistry, the other is orthodontics) because I've been going to each of them for years. What's the first step I should take if I want to do some shadowing? What would I start with when I shadow?

I think its a great idea that you are already interested in a field. After your shadowing experience, you will learn if this is actually the field that you want to pursue during undergrad. Having a plan of attack, setting goals and high standards for yourself is the best thing you can do for yourself.

Shadow a dentist in your free time like during your summer vacation. During school concentrate on obtaining a high GPA, SAT scores and get involved with extracurricular activities.

Simply call or visit a dental office and tell them who you are and express your interest in shadowing a dentist. Don't get discouraged if a dentist refuses, he/she might not be comfortable with having a student in their office. It happens all the time. If that happens just drive down to the next office, no big deal.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Shadow the dentist who is your provider.

 

[TarheelDDS]

Would they really look at it as a bad thing? Like: "Wow he spent x00 hours shadowing to figure out he wanted to be a dentist?"

I would think it would be more of: "Wow he spent x00 hours shadowing? Hes definitely in it for real and isn't going to be likely to fizzle out!"

 

[Hordel]

Would they really look at it as a bad thing? Like: "Wow he spent x00 hours shadowing to figure out he wanted to be a dentist?"

I would think it would be more of: "Wow he spent x00 hours shadowing? Hes definitely in it for real and isn't going to be likely to fizzle out!"

Bottom line, I don't think it is going to MAKE or BREAK your application. The real meat of an app is the GPA and DAT, throw in a good personal statement + some volunteer + shadowing + research (I didn't have) + other things (playing in bands or sports or plays...etc) and you have an application. I don't think it would hurt (but I have never been in the room when they decide who to choose either). I had like 250-300 hours, but more I don't THINK would have hurt. I say if you want to shadow a lot then go for it. Just realize that it isn't going to get you in without a FULL application (I think GPA and DAT are more important then anything else, but that's me). Good luck!

 

[sclddj10]

Does your school have a Co-op program? (Like where local businesses let high school kids work there part time and you work during school either in the morning or afternoon) My school did it and offered it for juniors and seniors. I did it and worked at a dentist office. That would be some good experience before college to see it and work in it.