Trouble with Shadowing

[Graphire]

I live in Canada and it is extremely difficult to get some shadowing hours. I think I got a spot with one of the dentists that work at my school, however I probably won't begin for a week or two.

The problem is I want to hand in my AADSAS application ASAP but this causes the problem of:

1. I don't have any shadowing hours as of date.
2. I don't have a reference letter from a Dentist

Do you guys suggest that I hand in my application with 3 professors and then send the Dental Reference when I get it individually to each school?

Or just wait it out a bit.

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[toothexplore]

some schools require shadowing hours so you wouldn't be able to apply to them without those hours. also i found experience at a dental office contributes to how you write your personal statement as well.
i am in canada too, it really isn't too difficult to find a dentist to shadow. Usually your family dentist will be willing, if not - look around and see. I would get on that ASAP though. If you have summer off start putting in full time shadowing hours! goodluck

 

[jeffity]

Have you had any in-person exposure to dentistry? The point of shadowing isn't to just fill up a spot on the application. You gotta know what you're getting into. I'm sure you're confident this is for you, but try to get something in before submitting.

 

[chippy]

I had a hard time trying to get shadowing hours in Canada as well. Like 0/5 offices I asked. I only called on the phone though, I think showing up in person would have helped.

 

[pk62281]

You probably don't want to hear this, but I suggest delaying your application until the next cycle. You probably want at least 50 hours of shadowing, and that's hard to get in a month. If your stats are strong, maybe youll be ok, but you'd probably end up applying "late"