Shadowing Questions

[DaktoorTaj]

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Hello All,
I was wondering if anyone could provide any info on what is considered an adequate amount of hours to shadow a dentist in order for it to be positively reflected on one's application. This is a part of my application that is lacking since I have had no shadowing/office experience. In addition, I would also like to know what are some good things to do in the office while shadowing. I want to make use of my time and be constructive while shadowing and not just physically there "in the way". Any response to these two questions will be greatly appreciated.

Taj

 

[phosphorylation]

an adequate amount of hours could range from one day to one year.....or more....i've seen people do exactly one day....an 8 hour shift....and they put it on the app...I've also seen people do a couple of months....I guess what I would really reccommend is do it atleast for a couple of weeks...maybe like a total of 40 to 50 hours....that way, not only can you be sure it will be reflected as something good on your app, but atleast you get to go to bed at night sure that dentistry is or isn't the right thing for you. my 0.02

best of luck....

 

[IcemanDDS]

I started shadowing in Feb or Mar of this year (cant remember exaclty) for a full day on Mondays. I'm still in this routine and will continue until i start back taking undergrad classes. When I'm in the office I mainly stand by and watch, but I assist some whenever I can. I'm learning all the instruments and other supplies and how/why they're used. When I assist its usually during cavity fillings, sealants, and comp/crowns/bridges. It's def good to get some hands on experience while shadowing. I have also been to the nearby dental lab a couple of times to see how that operation works. Just do ANYTHING and EVERYTHING that they will allow while shadowing. Can't do anything but help you. As far as shadowing time, all I can say is the more the better. No such thing as too much shadowing IMO.

 

[llchen]

Let me introduce myself briefly.
I have BSCS. I have just decided to become a dentist 2 months ago. I have already register for Fall Sememster to finished my 1 year of BIO and 1 year of O CHEM. In the mean time, I am still looking for a full time job to make a living.
I have read the posts for over 2 months everyday. I have learned alot from everybody's post.
Here is my question. Hope someone could help me out. After reading the posts, I realize some dental office working experience is very important for myself and for the school as well. I do want to know if I am chosing the right path or not before I took my pre-req..
I have call a dentist in Long Island (my area) yesterday. And I was very excited that he will see me 12 noon today. I was waiting in the waiting room for almost one hour. He finally let me in. Cut the long story short. He don't really want to waste time on me if I don't want to be a full time dental assistant. He said it is rarely anyone will hire someone like me from the street and have no experience at all. But I can't be a full time dental assistant. First, after Sept, I can't work after 6 PM because all my classes are start from 6 PM. Second, he only paid $8/hour which is not enough to make a living for me anyway.
Does anyone have any good suggestion?

 

[The Musketeer]

You can always work as a volunteer. I am sure a lot of dentists would appreciate an extra hand. I started as a volunteer as well and after a couple of months (when I got comfortable with the procedures), then he added me onto his payroll.

 

[llchen]

That's what I did. I told him that I want to be a volunteer. He said that he won't teach me much if I am only a volunteer. He know I won't stay long and he don't want to waste time on me. He said for other dentist will be the same situation or worse. Seems like he only want a full time dental assistant period. I don't know if all the dentist like that. Is there any list I could find that the dentists will love to help out the pre-dental student? 😡
This is the most thing that I am not good at it and hate it which is asking someone for a favor...

 

[The Musketeer]

What I did was just search the phone book, take down all the dental office addresses and either call or go in person to ask about volunteering their. If I go in person, I always bring a resume with me to give it to the assistant (if the dentist is busy).

Hope you will find one soon! Keep on trying!

 

[Sprgrover]

It depends on the size of your community, but I would see if you could find a non-profit clinic or one funded by Medicaid as such places often rely to a certain degree on volunteers. I have experience volunteering as a dental assistant at a non-profit clinic. In the past I had tried to find such a place and everyone I had talked to was clueless as to where I could turn to. Then one day I read about the place in the local newspaper and gave them a call. The director practically reached through the phone and kissed me when I said I wanted to volunteer and stated that I was willing to do anything. They were really starved for help and had a tight budget. Check around, call your local department of Health and Welfare, Human Social Services, etc. and see if they know of any places.

A regular dentist office might not be the best choice to volunteer or seek work as they are a business. Profitability is maintained by speed and effienciency and, with that in mind, probably will not have a lot of patience to hire someone new when they could get experienced help. If all else fails, shadowing is just as good and most dentists love to have someone who is interested in their work and what they have to say come observe them (a real compliement and ego booster 🙂 ). Remember that in dental school you will learn the procedures - schools are interested in you acquiring working knowledge of the profession and its realities - something you can gain either in the DA's seat or behind it.

 

[llchen]

Thanks for your posts!
I will try both; phone book and non-profit clinic as well.
I just feel a little down after all the excitement and one hour waiting. I will keep trying.

Thanks again...

 

[DaktoorTaj]

Thanks