Still feeling awkward... I hate shadowing!

[golfmontpoker]

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Anyways, shadowed again today for a couple hours... and for some reason i just cant be myself for some reason at this dental office! Im feeling awkward in a social sense, but i love watching the dentist do procedures.. For example i watched him replace a bridge and also a restoration using a Cerac. This was awsome, but I just feel like i cant shadow for longer then 2 hours... i get bored just standing there, on top of the feeling of getting in the way and not really being able to connect at all with some of these older people. Just curious if anyone else out there is feeling the same way... Dont know how im going to finish the rest of my 96 hour regime of shadowing this guy for the rest of the summer. Im sure I will finally get more comfortable and its great learning things... But honestly, Shadowing seems rather tedious and boring 😡

 

[RozhonDDS]

suck it up and do it, otherwise apply with no observational experience...that should help your chances. you might want to think about taking some classes this summer to raise your gpa

 

[golfmontpoker]

suck it up and do it, otherwise apply with no observational experience...that should help your chances. you might want to think about taking some classes this summer to raise your gpa

Oh im going to suck it up and do it... I know without any observational experiance i can kiss my chances good bye! As for taking the classes over the summer, im not worried about that... I have made almost straight As this year, its a good upward trend and I plan on doing the same my senior year (next year)... Anyways im just curious if anyone else feels the same way at all

 

[cba]

I started off shadowing (and felt the same way you do) but then the dentist let me assist him with small things like the suction tube and I enjoyed my time a lot more.

The dentist I was assisting made me feel comfortable by introducing me to his patients and explaining the procedures he was doing as he went along.

In those awkward times when the dentist left the room and I was left with the patient alone I would have to think about things to talk about. Sometimes the patients asked me about my interest in dentistry and sometimes they just start talking about their personal lives and all I had to do was listen. Other times the TV would be on in the room and we would discuss some interesting news or the all-time-favorite-to-talk-about-with-strangers is the weather! Sometimes you don't need to talk at all. Silence doesn't have to awkward. Just make sure to smile when the Dr. introduces you so the patient will feel more comfortable with your presence.

Also, don't keep thinking that you have 96 hours to complete, take one day at a time and keep in mind that you’re doing this because you want to - not just to put on your resume. That should help you get through the time easier.

 

[elinz]

Well it's funny, I shadowed at 2 places, the first place I only shadowed 8 hours because I felt the dentist didn't know what to do with me, after the first day it seemed like he was ignoring me so I said thanks and left and went to another dentist. THis guy was really excited about everything-there were some awkward moments but his personality made up for those moments, I think talking to the dentist more and the patient was fun unless they are doing someting intense. I actually felt more comfortable with the patient then the dentist (in general) because I felt the dentist -since he's writing me a LOR-was judging me more whereas patients were just fun to talk to, and they are the main reasons why I"m going into dentistry.

Anyways my point is ask dentist more questions-show that you are really enthusiastic about dentistry-and even like personal stuff-sometimes we would talk about traveling, family, having kids in dental school etc., (cuz this guy did missions in south america). Basically enjoy the time, but like the first dentist guy I shadowed-sometimes personalities don't match-oh well, too bad, if you have time and think the awkward moments is the dentist and you can't help the situation, then find somebody else to shadow, because this experience is meant for you to find out whether you want to do this or not....

and importantly if you act feel and act awkward, the dentist and patient will feel it too..

 

[melissamcg]

i felt the same way...shadowing just isn't that fun sometimes. I too felt like I was in the way. The cool thing about one of the dentist's that I shadowed was when he had free time, he would show me past cases of patients with big dental procedures and he showed me molds and wax models.

Shadowing can also be best when they are doing something interesting/exciting. I would always call up and see if they had any extractions or bridges...my favorite🙂

Find out what procedures interest u best and see if you can be there when they are scheduled! Have fun🙂

 

[golfmontpoker]

Do you guys think its appropriate and not rude to ask questions during a procedure? I think this is the most awkward part, i wanna ask a questions during the procedure, but i think it might come off as rude or somthing to the patient or the dentist... BTW i made a big mistake, i was chewing gum while shadowing for the first 30 minutes and the dentist told me to spit it out oh well... Anyways how do u go about asking questions during the procedure? Just ask and dont worry about it or be a little more cautious? thanx for the feedback guys!

 

[food4thots]

i think there is a barrier you have to break before you become comfortable. i don't think asking questions about the procedure is rude.

 

[elinz]

Do you guys think its appropriate and not rude to ask questions during a procedure? I think this is the most awkward part, i wanna ask a questions during the procedure, but i think it might come off as rude or somthing to the patient or the dentist... BTW i made a big mistake, i was chewing gum while shadowing for the first 30 minutes and the dentist told me to spit it out oh well... Anyways how do u go about asking questions during the procedure? Just ask and dont worry about it or be a little more cautious? thanx for the feedback guys!

what's wrong with chewing gum? 😕
I think it depends what procedure, though I dunno, all the procedures I had asked questions -grafts, root canals, etc.,
sometimes we talk about somehing else entirely,
though i guess when he's doing like 3 patients at a time, then I just run around with him,
I think it really depends on the dentist, like I said some dentists (the first one I shadowed) seemed irriated at questions though he signed up to be a mentor (from my school), maybe he just doesn't like teaching,...

 

[Mackchops]

Golfy, the dentist isn't going to throw you any offerings until you start asking questions. There is nothing rude about it unless the dentist seems peeved or asks you to be quiet. The patient might even like learning about what's going on.

Also, talking with the patient is a very important part of dentistry. Chair-side manner in many cases can be as important as strong clinical skills in creating a client base. Make the old ladies laugh, the nervous guys comfortable, and even ask questions about what they like the most about going to that particular dentist (never anything negative though!). If you still can't loosen up, it might not be you -- it might be this particular office and you might consider finding someone else to shadow.

Mack

 

[Doctor PJ]

you'll be fine just continue to shadow and eventually it will be better. The dentist I shadowed, we actually hang out haha yes he is a young one. I remember the first time I worked with him and his staff we all went out to eat for lunch. There all just pretty laid back. I won't forget when he drove his g35 and was listening to some T.I. haha 👍

 

[lgreen_aci]

If you don't enjoy it, its because you haven't done enough of it. (my philosophy for the day)

I agree sometimes it is a little boring, but I guess it is also fair to say it is only boring if you make it boring.

I think we all have felt that way somewhat at one time or another. Just keep in mind you don't have to stick with that dentist. If you aren't feeling the love, go somewhere else. In fact, it would probably be to your benefit to see a few different offices. You just got to find that dentist who reminds you of yourself personality wise and then it will be fun. If you are a sarcastic goof ball, guess what type of dentist you need to find?

I haven't shadowed for like 2 weeks. <withdrawl setting in>

 

[vaio]

Anyways, shadowed again today for a couple hours... and for some reason i just cant be myself for some reason at this dental office! Im feeling awkward in a social sense, but i love watching the dentist do procedures.. For example i watched him replace a bridge and also a restoration using a Cerac. This was awsome, but I just feel like i cant shadow for longer then 2 hours... i get bored just standing there, on top of the feeling of getting in the way and not really being able to connect at all with some of these older people. Just curious if anyone else out there is feeling the same way... Dont know how im going to finish the rest of my 96 hour regime of shadowing this guy for the rest of the summer. Im sure I will finally get more comfortable and its great learning things... But honestly, Shadowing seems rather tedious and boring 😡

what do you need 96 hours of shadowing for??

I felt awkward too when I was shadowing, except when observing the procedures. Other than that there wasn't much to do. The lady at the front desk was very friendly so I would just chit chat with her a bit.

 

[maksidaa]

i feel just like the original poster guy. i feel akward asking questions and i feel like i'm always in the way. i really like to talk to the patients and hear what they have to say, but after an hour and a half or two hours i get so bored of standing there. i've shadowed four dentists and only one of them really took the time to explain much about what was going on. if i asked the other three anything they would answer with one word answers and then stop talking. they were really nice and one of them wrote me a nice LOR, but i don't feel like i get much out of shadowing sometimes. but i learn something every now and then. just keep at it and shadow for as many hours as you feel like, and then go home for the day. i think more than two hours is a bad idea.

 

[lgreen_aci]

you guys stand there?

The one dentist I shadow lets me grab the extra chair in the room (usually for parent/spouse whatever) and pull up right next to him.

When I shadow w/ ortho they have a bay style office so I just grab the docs chair from the next station over and pull right up.

Yeah, that would suck standing there for 2 hours.

 

[kokobean]

i hated shadowing. i thought it was a waste of time really, because there's always an RDA there, plus the dentist, and you don't want to be in the way, so you can't get a real good look the entire time. Then, you don't want to be annoying, so you restrict yourself to one syllable word answers.

And yes it does get boring. one time during the 10th sealant of the day, I gazed out the window, and the dentist was like "hey, pay attention here!" haha
anyway, i felt really stupid and inferior the whole time. I find that working at an office is the best way to learn.

 

[bionerd]

Ahh, finally someone who thinks like me...Gosh I hate shadowing 😡 You feel really intrusive when you gawk, and when you ask questions people look bothered cause the office is always busy with patients....

 

[Chuck1441]

I had a great time shadowing, although I always stood.

While I mostly stood at the foot of the chair, or right over the dentist to get a good look at what was going on, one dentist had me STAND OUT OF THE ROOM!

Seriously, he thought I might make the patients uncomfortable. So for four hours I looked at the top of people's heads from six feet away.

 

[wigglytooth]

I had a great time shadowing, although I always stood.

While I mostly stood at the foot of the chair, or right over the dentist to get a good look at what was going on, one dentist had me STAND OUT OF THE ROOM!

Seriously, he thought I might make the patients uncomfortable. So for four hours I looked at the top of people's heads from six feet away.

Yeah... I had to stand outside the door too.. it was really crappy. And I spent 6 hours there -___- Needless to say, I'm never going back there..

Echoeing what everyone else has been saying: It all depends on who you're shadowing; if things don't get less boring soon, I would try someplace else. An oral surgeon I worked with once called me into the room the first second I got there and started to explain the patient's implant case and everything. It was so refreshing...AND fun!

 

[Yeyyy]

it's understandable to hover over the patient and look down at the procedure.. you're trying to learn, but isnt it kind of creepy just standing at the doorway looking in?

 

[xylashellx]

i had an amazing experience...but the doctor(oral surgeon) was a friend of my dads. on the second day i was already assisting hahaha. if i didnt get in really close he always made me come close and watch right over his shoulder or sometimes he would tell the assistants to move so i could see better hahaha. i would say that if you are not feeling it at the place you are at right now then go to a new place. shadowing/assisting for me was a great experience and i think it should be for everyone if possible.

 

[wigglytooth]

it's understandable to hover over the patient and look down at the procedure.. you're trying to learn, but isnt it kind of creepy just standing at the doorway looking in?

Yeah, pretty much. A contributing reason to why it sucked so much.

 

[golfmontpoker]

Standing in the door way does suck really bad... thats what happened to me yesterday for the majority of the time. Anyways just got back, and today was MUCH better. This office has 2 dentists, and the one i shadowed yesterday was kinda an dingus, but the one today was MUCH better, i felt comfortable to ask questions and he showed me ALOT... So alot of you guys are right, it takes a while, but there are some aspects of it that are rather tedious.

 

[floydthefish]

I start shadowing my dentist Tuesday morning. I don't have time, but it'll be nice to know what I'm getting myself into, ie Dentistry. Plus, I've got to get some sort of observation experience before secondaries come, which I didn't realize until I saw this forum. Thanks guys!

Plus, my dentist is young, nice, and pretty hot. I hope she's fun to work with.

 

[Mrxle3]

My shadowing experience was great. He let me assist him in his procedures in place of his regular dental assistants, and between patients we'd just chill out on the couch he had in his waiting room. Too awesome =)

 

[futuredentist23]

My shadowing experience was great. He let me assist him in his procedures in place of his regular dental assistants, and between patients we'd just chill out on the couch he had in his waiting room. Too awesome =)

dang.... you're lucky. it's still a little awkward around my dentist that i shadow...he doesn't really like to talk. i still can't figure out where to stand so i can see clearly... i feel like i'm in his way by asking him about everything that he does... oh well.... 😳

 

[La Miraflorina]

Shadowing shouldn't be awkward. If you've been there for more than a few times and you're still feeling out of place, you and your dentist probably just aren't compatible. I'd search for another dentist while continuing to shadow with that guy until you find one who you can work with. Try to schedule a meeting with the dentist before your first observation. Discuss things like where you'll be expected to stand or sit, if you can ask questions and if you might eventually be able to hold the suction. If you explicitly come to an agreement with a dentist before shadowing begins, you'll be much happier. And once you realize the new dentist is a better match, leave the other one.

 

[aggie-master]

I guess I've just been lucky.

Both of the dentists that I've shadowed have been very good about making me feel comfortable in their office.

 

[Thaxil]

I shadowed at 3 different dental offices and 5 different dentists. A lot of the awkwardness resulted from things I said. The best thing to do is not to talk too much to patients or dentists. I remember asking in front of the patient if the crown prep removes excessive a mount of tooth structure, the dentist immediately replied angrily, a gold crown prep is .05 to 1.5 mm of tooth structure removed or something like that. Also a pt, asked it the dentist I was shadowing was good, I said, “yes, she is real good dentist”. Well, the dentist started the RCT and could not finished because she could not find the other canal and had to refer to endo specialist. The patient just glared at me as she stomps out of the office after the dentist temporized the tooth. It would be good to be straight forward with the dentist about what you intentions are, how many hours, and what you expect from them to begin with. Some dentist expect a shadowing to be a one time afternoon event, others think you expect to be taught something. Just be clear what your intentions are and don’t talk too much.

 

[12YearOldKid]

I shadowed at 3 different dental offices and 5 different dentists. A lot of the awkwardness resulted from things I said. The best thing to do is not to talk too much to patients or dentists. I remember asking in front of the patient if the crown prep removes excessive a mount of tooth structure, the dentist immediately replied angrily, a gold crown prep is .05 to 1.5 mm of tooth structure removed or something like that.

Yeah, it's best to watch now and ask questions later.

"So, you're peeling his gums back from his jawbone, now?"

"Wow, I didn't think there'd be so much blood."

"So how far does the needle have to go in until you find the nerve?"

 

[sdeeds]

You know, something else that you could do is check out NC's requirements for becoming a dental assistant. The requirements vary from state to state, so I cannot generalize, but here in FL, to become a dental assistant, you can either attend a 2 year program or you can opt to find a dentist to sponsor you and take a weekend course that teaches you the basics of dentistry, then you take a test.
In TN, your options are (1) Attend and pass a two year program or (2) Find a dentist to sponsor you and attend a local dentist-taught night class (1 night a week for 8 1/2 months) then take a 3-part test.
Other states require you to become certified (national test to be a CDA).
Anyway, if the requirements are not too time consuming, go for it! This will allow you to get one of the best seats in the house (the assistant's chair)! You will have the opportunity to get PAID to learn through observing and asking questions.
The knowledge and experience that you gain is invaluable!!!!! (Also, you get to learn awesome techniques that help later on in the real world)

 

[coral2005]

I shadowed a really nice dentist who was also at different times a professor at NYU and at BU. He was very easy to observe because he enjoyed teaching and would make sure that I was close enough to the patient to see what was actually going on. Eventually, he offered to teach me how to assist so I could get "hands-on" experience. I'm really grateful for what he showed me and would recommend that you guys just find a dentist who likes to teach. They will find a way to make you comfortable.