shadowing

[makwendo]

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What's the easiest way to get some type of shadow position at a dental clinic. office? Is it out of the norm to call up a random dentist and ask is they would be willing to have you shadow? I need some shadow experience and have a few weeks in june but don't really know any local dentists etc. How did you guys go about this?
thx
oh im in northern nj if it accounts for anything...

 

[ianwright]

What's the easiest way to get some type of shadow position at a dental clinic. office? Is it out of the norm to call up a random dentist and ask is they would be willing to have you shadow? I need some shadow experience and have a few weeks in june but don't really know any local dentists etc. How did you guys go about this?
thx
oh im in northern nj if it accounts for anything...

tick tock tick tock tick tock - time is running out

you should've allready shadowed by now - how do you know for sure you want to be a dentist - this is a big investment of 'time' and 'money' - four years of dental school is no joke

you want to get on average about 30-50 hrs of shadowing - good luck - you also want to apply early - but before you apply - you must get your shadowing done so you can note it on the application

good luck - (You'll need it)

 

[makwendo]

tick tock tick tock tick tock - time is running out

you should've allready shadowed by now - how do you know for sure you want to be a dentist - this is a big investment of 'time' and 'money' - four years of dental school is no joke

you want to get on average about 30-50 hrs of shadowing - good luck - you also want to apply early - but before you apply - you must get your shadowing done so you can note it on the application

good luck - (You'll need it)

I fully contemplate the whole time running out aspect...between a masters and work there is literally Zero time till june....I've probably lived more of the life of a dental student (through my masters) than most of the pre-dents out there so I can contemplate the time/money/effort factor....

In terms of dentistry....I've worked dental insurance paying claims for a few months at a major dental insurace company, taken biochem and physio with the umdnj dental class (for my masters), I just don't have some time in a clinic....

 

[ianwright]

I fully contemplate the whole time running out aspect...between a masters and work there is literally Zero time till june....I've probably lived more of the life of a dental student (through my masters) than most of the pre-dents out there so I can contemplate the time/money/effort factor....

In terms of dentistry....I've worked dental insurance paying claims for a few months at a major dental insurace company, taken biochem and physio with the umdnj dental class (for my masters), I just don't have some time in a clinic....

i see - in that case - it's relatively easy - if i were you, i'd do this:

don't call dentists - it's easy for them to say 'no' over the phone - instead, dress nice, be presentable, and personally go to a dental office (perhaps when he/she is less busy (maybe before or after lunch or when the office is about to close)

introduce yourself to him/her and explain what it is you want to do and why (shadow) - if he say's no - then don't get your hopes down

I had to wait until my fourth try until i got an opportunity to shadow

But once you find that right person - your desire and motivation for denstistry will increase much more (it will suprise you how much!)

good luck! (even though I know you won't need it)

 

[reLAXgirl]

You dont' have to have your shadowing done by the time you apply. I simply put. . .shadow once a week for 2 hours (something like that) and that was sufficient. Just make sure you actually do it.

Try calling dentists first. If they say yes, you saved yourself the time to make a trip and also your oh so precious gas! Just let them know you are interested in dentistry and were wondering if the dentist allows students to come shadow. Most would be happy to help.

 

[dexadental]

I agree, call first. No dentist wants a person waltzing in asking if they can tag along for a few hours every day. Most of the dentists I called when I was planning to shadow were really nice and all for it. They will probably want to set up an interview, so you'll save yourself time if you call, and it probably would be more professional.

 

[Jaws]

I agree, call first. No dentist wants a person waltzing in asking if they can tag along for a few hours every day. Most of the dentists I called when I was planning to shadow were really nice and all for it. They will probably want to set up an interview, so you'll save yourself time if you call, and it probably would be more professional.

An interview for shadowing? I have never heard of that before.

To the OP: I would start with your personal dentist. You have already placed an investment of trust in that indivdual, they would likely be willing to have you at their office. That is a little easier than calling random people.