Shadowing

[new kid]

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How much time is enough for shadowing?
What is the minimum?
Is it okay to shadow an orthodontist instead of dentist?

 

[Sprgrover]

There is no set minimum. Some schools, such as OSU, do ask that you have at least 20 hours, although this is rare. While getting some time with a specialist, such as an orthodonist, would be fine try to focus on dentistry as you are applying to dental school. Orthodonics is just one slice of the pie of dentistry and you can't get a very clear picture of what dentistry and being a dentist entails if you simply look at one speciality. Best of luck!

 

[Irene010]

How much time is enough for shadowing?
What is the minimum?
Is it okay to shadow an orthodontist instead of dentist?

Here's what I did, and it seemed to be plenty:
I had a total of maybe 35-40 hours that I shadowed. I made sure I spent a good amount of time at general practice offices, maybe about 6-8 hours were spent shadowing at the clinics at UofL and UK. Then I shadowed about 3-4 hours each at an Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Endodontist, and Prosthodontist.

From what I've heard, they like to see that you at least spent some time at a general practice office, because you'll mainly be doing general dentistry in dental school (for the most part).

 

[egpndoc]

Here's what I did, and it seemed to be plenty:
I had a total of maybe 35-40 hours that I shadowed. I made sure I spent a good amount of time at general practice offices, maybe about 6-8 hours were spent shadowing at the clinics at UofL and UK. Then I shadowed about 3-4 hours each at an Orthodontist, Oral Surgeon, Endodontist, and Prosthodontist.

From what I've heard, they like to see that you at least spent some time at a general practice office, because you'll mainly be doing general dentistry in dental school (for the most part).

Do what Irene did, except cut down a bit on the specialists. The schools would rather you look at a general detists practice more because you are not guaranteed to specialize. So if you fall in love with a specialty or if you want to go to dental school just because of a specialty and you dont get it, then you wont be happy. Just shadow a general dentist for like 30-50 hours then do specialists after that if you have time

 

[LMav]

Once you shadow a dentist, do you need to get any kind of LOR from the dentist? ( I assume else pretty much any one can put they shadowed for X number of hours). Please clarify..

LMav

 

[egpndoc]

Once you shadow a dentist, do you need to get any kind of LOR from the dentist? ( I assume else pretty much any one can put they shadowed for X number of hours). Please clarify..

LMav

Some schools want a LOR from a dentist, others dont care. but make sure if you get one from a dentist that he/she writes good things about you and that he/she knows you well enough. That they just dont write that you were there for 10 hours or whatver. So I suggest spending a lot fo time with the same dentist instead of bouncing around a lot. Just my advice. Good luck.

 

[SPBest]

Another thing to keep in mind when you are shadowing dentists, especially if you plan on returning there to practice after school, is you are going to want a mentor. Now is a good time to start building that relationship. Find someone who shares your ideals and seems to be successful in practice and in life. Go back and visit them when you go home too. Mentors are crucial to your survival as a new dentist.

As far as the amount of time spent. I do know Ohio has a basic requirement, I think they also have a form they like to have the dentist sign that verifies hours spent. You might want to check their website. If you are still going to school remember that your grades are more important than you hours spent shadowing.