shadowing

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shepherd

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Does anyone have any advice on how to suggest shadowing a dentist? It's never difficult for me to initiate conversation, but to elevate that to "so can I come in and watch your work day after day" seems more difficult.

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Hi,
Shepard, I also was timid about asking dentists to allow me to shadow them. But, if you call dentists, specialists, they are usually eager to allow you to shadow them. I think some of the bigger offices already have dental students shadowing them (I think this is the case). Anyway, I was nervous, but I called a few offices, one office eagerly said yes and scheduled me to come in. Once I shadowed this particular dentist he gave me numerous other dentists numbers that were also eager to have me shadow them.
 
hi,

thanks for responding, how long were you able to watch some of your dentists? Were you able to witness all areas of dentistry, and freely interact with the dentist, and did this result in letters of recommendation?

again thanks,
 
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Hi,
Yes I did witness all areas of dentistry. I shadowed a total of 32hours roughly. I could have shadowed for more lengths of time but I figure that I am motivated enough and will witness more dentists once I enter school. I shadowed endodontists, a large dental office, orthodontist, periodontist, and an oral maxillofacial surgeon. I could have asked for a recommendation(I actually did from the first dentist I shadowed). I probably should have waited and asked another dentist, since the first dentist didn't give me a stellar recommendation, but I asked him because I wanted my committee letter to be sent post haste. I first shadowed my personal dentist, and since his office was small, he didn't really want me around(only 4 hours). He was nice though. So I then looked up dentists in the phonebook until I found an endodontist who was exceptionally nice and shadowed him. He gave me more dentists to call who were also cool. I then looked up an orthodontist in the phonebook. I watched many different orthodontal cases, school was about to begin so there were MANY cases. The periodontist allowed me to watch a surgical case. I also watched him do preliminary exams. For the most part the dentists and specialists would explain and allow me to watch all phases of dentistry.

Good luck.
 
don't hesitate to shadow a dentist. i would recommend that you shadow two or three dentist. everyone has there own style of dentistry and there own preferences for materials used to treat patients. also find out as much as you can about running a office. dental school will provide some information on the business side of dentistry but it is more understandable when you can relate to the situations that are being explained. you can provide the best patient care in the world. but if you can't run you office efficiently you will be BROKE. i shadowed a dentist while i was in undergrade and 6 credit hours for it. he helped my to get into dental school and he still gives me advise today. if i need anything i can just call him up. it is important to have contacts like this throughtout your dental career.
 
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