Went through a bad shadowing experience, and its only been day 3.

[StudentDentistsRock]

Hello everyone,

I just got back from shadowing an oral surgeon and wanted to share my experience and ask for any further advice. Shadowing the oral surgeon is my first dental shadowing experience (chose oral surgery through family connections and help. My general dentist is lacking employees and said now is not a good time).

So day 1 and day 2 have been fine shadowing the oral surgeon. He has been having a few light days (just some wisdom teeth extractions). Today was more heavy than usual. Before the surgeon started, I realized that I could never really see much from my angle, so I decided to move to another spot in the room. I still couldn't see much but it was good enough for me. I watched the surgeon tug and yank to pull out some teeth and for some reason I just started to feel sick to my stomach and there wasn't that much blood either (and I have seen this twice before just fine). I noticed that I started to feel weak and told everyone in the room that I am going to step out for a minute (he knew what was up). I ended up going to the bathroom sink, laying my head down and passed out for a few minutes and threw up twice, but felt all better after that.

I went to speak with the dentist in his office after that and he told me its nothing to be ashamed of and that it happens to everyone their first time. He mentioned that he had some cases where people fainted and was glad that didnt happen. He asked me if I wanted to stick around for the next procedure which involved pulling out all of the patient's bottom teeth. I told him I think I should go home and rest my head up and let it sink in a bit. He said he would understand if I decided not to show up anymore. I told him ill show up next week to let him know my decision regarding staying or leaving (was hard enough getting the shadowing position).

So what do you guys think, should I give up the position. I am not sure whether I'll be able to go through such procedures or not but I can try again. Or do you recommend that I just search for a general dentist to stick with?
thank you.

edit: I forgot to mention that I am not quite interested too much in the surgical aspect but thought I would try it out. My plan was to become a general dentist and specialize in orthodontics 🙂


Edit2: thanks for the replies everyone. I've decided to go back and give things a few more trys 🙂

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[zammyd]

Give it another shot. Seeing something like that for the first is probably unsettling, but just like anything it is something you can train yourself to tolerate. Go in another time and see if you can tolerate it any better. If it still causes you to pass out/dizziness then I'd start to reconsider my options. Another thing is instead of trying to focus on the actual gore, focus on what the dentist is trying to do and the treatment/procedure he is performing.

 

[Soleus715]

It's really up to you. If you think it's something you can get used to, you can give it another shot. If not, I'm sorry but maybe dentistry isn't such a good option for you. There are thousands of careers to choose from and it's never too late to find what you really love.

The fact that you got that sick from shadowing without a good view sounds like it's pretty bad. I'll be completely honest with you, shadowing and assisting viewpoints are worlds apart. Especially during surgical extractions, there can be lots of blood and cutting into gums. As a dentist, you'll have the best view and are also responsible for doing the procedure. Try watching some videos online and expose yourself to it a bit more.

There was a student that shadowed at our office and although she didn't say tell anyone, I knew she couldn't stand watching some of the procedures.
I saw her help around with sterilization and cleaning a lot but never actually observing the dentist. She's just doing it to rack up shadowing hours without actually seeing dentistry in action. I'm pretty sure it's not going to end well for her if she doesn't either get used to it or find another option.

PM me if you have any questions. I wish you the best.

 

[joiedevivre86]

I would give it at least one more shot. I never shadowed an oral surgeon but I did see a surgical extraction that I did not know was coming, and I felt queasy during it. I almost left the room but it was so fast that there wasn't time to. Funny thing, the very next patient was also a surgical extraction and I didn't have any issues with watching it, even though it took a lot longer since it came out in several tiny pieces. BTW, IMO starting observation with oral surgery is like diving in the deep end having only seen a pool before... I don't think you have to give up dentistry just yet. Start with pedo or ortho and work your way up.

 

[midman19]

Stick it out, if it happens again, then maybe you should reconsider your career options. You are going to have similar cases as a general dentist, and if you can't handle the blood, it's not going to be a good journey for you. I think you might have just had an off day and not been feeling well. Give it another try and see what happens! Good luck!

 

[StudentDentistsRock]

I would give it at least one more shot. I never shadowed an oral surgeon but I did see a surgical extraction that I did not know was coming, and I felt queasy during it. I almost left the room but it was so fast that there wasn't time to. Funny thing, the very next patient was also a surgical extraction and I didn't have any issues with watching it, even though it took a lot longer since it came out in several tiny pieces. BTW, IMO starting observation with oral surgery is like diving in the deep end having only seen a pool before... I don't think you have to give up dentistry just yet. Start with pedo or ortho and work your way up.

Thanks! 🙂
I forgot to mention that I am not quite interested too much in the surgical aspect but thought I would try it out. My plan was to become a general dentist and specialize in orthodontics 🙂
Ill edit my original post to clear that up.

 

[DetermineDent]

Don't worry! I would go back in! I got light headed the first few times I saw extractions/bone grafts/abscess removal/the smell of the drill on bone. It definitely grows on you, I'm sure you'll feel better if you try again, I drank cold water if I started to feel faint, always worked for me!

 

[super112]

Desensitize with youtube if you feel you need more exposure before next week. Just focus on the tooth and don't relate it to being your tooth being pulled out.

 

[hellofuturedentists]

Dude this literally happened to me. I was shadowing a general dentist and a (crazy) lady came in and asked him to pull the remaining 8 of her top teeth out. I felt faint and sat down and drank water. My dentist also said it happens to everyone their first time. I think it was because some part of me was imagining all of my top teeth being yanked out haha.
I think it's probably something you can be desensitized to if you want to be a dentist. You obviously like dealing with teeth. It's just something you've never seen before. When you see it over and over again, it'll have less of an effect. Maybe ask this dentist if he knows any general dentists that would be willing to have you shadow and go from there.

 

[darknightzzz]

that oral surgeon sounds nice enough 😉. you should eat or drink something that makes you hyper active. it will make you calm during these situations.

some docs will just flush you off and said dentistry isn't for you if you can't stand the blood and the gum cutting.

 

[tooth knockn]

Hello everyone,

I just got back from shadowing an oral surgeon and wanted to share my experience and ask for any further advice. Shadowing the oral surgeon is my first dental shadowing experience (chose oral surgery through family connections and help. My general dentist is lacking employees and said now is not a good time).

So day 1 and day 2 have been fine shadowing the oral surgeon. He has been having a few light days (just some wisdom teeth extractions). Today was more heavy than usual. Before the surgeon started, I realized that I could never really see much from my angle, so I decided to move to another spot in the room. I still couldn't see much but it was good enough for me. I watched the surgeon tug and yank to pull out some teeth and for some reason I just started to feel sick to my stomach and there wasn't that much blood either (and I have seen this twice before just fine). I noticed that I started to feel weak and told everyone in the room that I am going to step out for a minute (he knew what was up). I ended up going to the bathroom sink, laying my head down and passed out for a few minutes and threw up twice, but felt all better after that.

I went to speak with the dentist in his office after that and he told me its nothing to be ashamed of and that it happens to everyone their first time. He mentioned that he had some cases where people fainted and was glad that didnt happen. He asked me if I wanted to stick around for the next procedure which involved pulling out all of the patient's bottom teeth. I told him I think I should go home and rest my head up and let it sink in a bit. He said he would understand if I decided not to show up anymore. I told him ill show up next week to let him know my decision regarding staying or leaving (was hard enough getting the shadowing position).

So what do you guys think, should I give up the position. I am not sure whether I'll be able to go through such procedures or not but I can try again. Or do you recommend that I just search for a general dentist to stick with?
thank you.

edit: I forgot to mention that I am not quite interested too much in the surgical aspect but thought I would try it out. My plan was to become a general dentist and specialize in orthodontics 🙂

Relax.... Don't worry. But do go next week...!

I remember assisting my first bloody surgery, and while I was suctioning the bloody mess, my sight became kinda dark and felt weak and light headed.... I sat down, and swallowed a whole mouth full of saliva and took a deep breath and got back to work.... I told the doctor afterwards and he said the same.... It happens to almost everyone... It never happened again..... Your eye and brain and emotions will get used to it, and with time, you'll see a lot of blood and just grab a handful of cotton and tell the pt to bite hard on it for a couple of minutes and check if all is in control.....


But, let's say this happens continuously, then this would be another issue.... Then it would be wise to get a professional opinion.... A dental student will have to get hands bloody and feel the bone cracking and then will have to cut through gum, drill bone and pick at it ever so slowly while blood is continuously flowing.......


Blood and bone is my thing

 

[Doctor Asnan]

What did you have to do to get the shadowing position? I shadowed an oral surgeon and it was literally just a phone call.

 

[StudentDentistsRock]

that oral surgeon sounds nice enough 😉. you should eat or drink something that makes you hyper active. it will make you calm during these situations.

some docs will just flush you off and said dentistry isn't for you if you can't stand the blood and the gum cutting.

I agree here. It's Ramadan so I'm fasting. I would have left the office, gotten something to eat and got back to watching if I had the chance to. But I'm definitely gonna give it one more shot. If it doesn't work out I'll just stick to the general and ortho where I'm really geared towards.

Thank you and everyone else 🙂

 

[BYU4you]

Desensitize with youtube if you feel you need more exposure before next week. Just focus on the tooth and don't relate it to being your tooth being pulled out.

Best advice I've seen on here

 

[Blistex000]

It's unfortunate that you passed out, but then again you didn't have anything to eat. I'm not sure where you stand when shadowing, but keep your distance just in case you pass out near the surgeon and something terrible happens.

If you still feel nauseated after eating, you might want to reconsider your career choice. You need to remember that dentistry is about getting down and dirty. You'll do plenty (?) of extractions during dental school, so now is the time to get used to it. You'll also do much more invasive procedures like gum incisions, sawing, and grinding bone and see blood spurt out everywhere. Even general dentists can do these procedures on daily basis, so please don't think general dentists do fillings all day and don't get their hands dirty.

Any who, good luck. Keep shadowing the oral surgeon, but also make sure you shadow general dentists since most schools require that.

 

[versace]

Happened to me the first day, second day was still nauseous but much better, third day I was desensitized

 

[fearthewild]

Stick it out! Getting a little queasy one time doesn't predict how you'll do from now on. 🙂 Remember to always eat before watching a procedure of that nature. 😀

Edit: I just read that you're fasting! But please go back and try again even if you can't eat beforehand! 🙂

 

[jsptr986]

Hello everyone,

I just got back from shadowing an oral surgeon and wanted to share my experience and ask for any further advice. Shadowing the oral surgeon is my first dental shadowing experience (chose oral surgery through family connections and help. My general dentist is lacking employees and said now is not a good time).

So day 1 and day 2 have been fine shadowing the oral surgeon. He has been having a few light days (just some wisdom teeth extractions). Today was more heavy than usual. Before the surgeon started, I realized that I could never really see much from my angle, so I decided to move to another spot in the room. I still couldn't see much but it was good enough for me. I watched the surgeon tug and yank to pull out some teeth and for some reason I just started to feel sick to my stomach and there wasn't that much blood either (and I have seen this twice before just fine). I noticed that I started to feel weak and told everyone in the room that I am going to step out for a minute (he knew what was up). I ended up going to the bathroom sink, laying my head down and passed out for a few minutes and threw up twice, but felt all better after that.

I went to speak with the dentist in his office after that and he told me its nothing to be ashamed of and that it happens to everyone their first time. He mentioned that he had some cases where people fainted and was glad that didnt happen. He asked me if I wanted to stick around for the next procedure which involved pulling out all of the patient's bottom teeth. I told him I think I should go home and rest my head up and let it sink in a bit. He said he would understand if I decided not to show up anymore. I told him ill show up next week to let him know my decision regarding staying or leaving (was hard enough getting the shadowing position).

So what do you guys think, should I give up the position. I am not sure whether I'll be able to go through such procedures or not but I can try again. Or do you recommend that I just search for a general dentist to stick with?
thank you.

edit: I forgot to mention that I am not quite interested too much in the surgical aspect but thought I would try it out. My plan was to become a general dentist and specialize in orthodontics 🙂

are you applying this cycle?

 

[DentalLonghorn2014]

It's normal!!! Maybe it was just your nerves. Do go next week!
I also think it would be a good idea if you called another general dentist office and see if they would come let you observe.
Just introduce yourself, be courteous, and I dont see them turning you down.

 

[kayden28]

Stick it out! But also, don't forget that most schools require shadowing hours to be completed under a general dentist so fit in some hours under a GD as well if you can.

 

[StudentDentistsRock]

are you applying this cycle?

No no, I just finished freshman year in college 🙂

 

[bilbany12]

So I've been pre-PA, and I started getting dizzy/nauseous when my PA was consulting someone about mononucleosis. I didn't even see inside her mouth. I remember having the same feeling; being scared I wasn't cut out for this. But I found a solution: staying hydrated. Before shadowing now, I always drink at least a bottle of water. So try that and it'll probably work 🙂

 

[jsptr986]

No no, I just finished freshman year in college 🙂

oh ok. i would try to do 20 hours in that office and then find a general dentist asap. this exposure to oral surgery will look good but most schools want 100 hours with a general dentist. the reality is that very few students go into residency (ortho, perio, oral surgery, etc) so you need to make sure you are ok with being a general dentist first. to specialize you will need to be at the top of your dental school class.

 

[Cello]

Have you taken anatomy yet? I've noticed that after dealing with cadavers and learning the parts of the body, I'm not at all bothered by gore anymore.... It's weird how being able to objectify something makes it less disturbing. You see a split open head and instead of thinking "oh, that is horrific, I'm going to be sick" you sort of look at it and start naming the parts you can see that you shouldn't, as if it was a sectioned cadaver in the lab.

The surgeon you're shadowing sounds like a great person. I don't think the dentists I shadowed were nearly as personable in general, except for my own personal dentist. Just keep going, I think you'll become desensitized pretty quickly.

 

[andreadds]

Hello everyone,

I just got back from shadowing an oral surgeon and wanted to share my experience and ask for any further advice. Shadowing the oral surgeon is my first dental shadowing experience (chose oral surgery through family connections and help. My general dentist is lacking employees and said now is not a good time).

So day 1 and day 2 have been fine shadowing the oral surgeon. He has been having a few light days (just some wisdom teeth extractions). Today was more heavy than usual. Before the surgeon started, I realized that I could never really see much from my angle, so I decided to move to another spot in the room. I still couldn't see much but it was good enough for me. I watched the surgeon tug and yank to pull out some teeth and for some reason I just started to feel sick to my stomach and there wasn't that much blood either (and I have seen this twice before just fine). I noticed that I started to feel weak and told everyone in the room that I am going to step out for a minute (he knew what was up). I ended up going to the bathroom sink, laying my head down and passed out for a few minutes and threw up twice, but felt all better after that.

I went to speak with the dentist in his office after that and he told me its nothing to be ashamed of and that it happens to everyone their first time. He mentioned that he had some cases where people fainted and was glad that didnt happen. He asked me if I wanted to stick around for the next procedure which involved pulling out all of the patient's bottom teeth. I told him I think I should go home and rest my head up and let it sink in a bit. He said he would understand if I decided not to show up anymore. I told him ill show up next week to let him know my decision regarding staying or leaving (was hard enough getting the shadowing position).

So what do you guys think, should I give up the position. I am not sure whether I'll be able to go through such procedures or not but I can try again. Or do you recommend that I just search for a general dentist to stick with?
thank you.

edit: I forgot to mention that I am not quite interested too much in the surgical aspect but thought I would try it out. My plan was to become a general dentist and specialize in orthodontics 🙂

Being an Ortho you will still see blood and have to place TADs so I would go again to the OS and see if you can handle blood. Its ok if you cant. This gives you time to find another route in life. Its better to find out now than in dental school when you are committed with loans. You will have to make sure you are ok with blood and teeth because you will have to do many extractions in dental school, crown preps, SCRP, etc and they include blood. Keep in touch

Dr. A