what to do when shadowing a dentist?

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fuqele

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Whoo! I just called up a local dentist and asked if I can shadow and he said yes! (I was so nervous that I went brain dead and literally asked "Can I shadow there?" b/c I couldn't even remember the last name of the dentist. :p)

So I really don't want to mess this up. Can somebody offer me some dos and don'ts when shadowing a dentist? Also, what are you supposed to do? Just stand and observe? What are some good questions to ask?

Thanks a lot, guys. :D

(btw, I went through a bunch of posts trying to figure out what to say on the phone before I called. Even though I didn't end up saying those things, I still think SDN is awwweeeessome :p)

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pick things up the first couple of days and offer to help out in any way you can. Depending on how busy the office is, they could use the extra hands
 
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Bring your Blackberry & Gameboy.

+1 and be sure to ask the dentist if he would like to play, otherwise he may get offended.

All joking aside, I was the same way when I went to shadow. Not really that nervous but I just didn't know what to do but just stand there. I just tried not to get in the way and I guess that's the best thing to do. And really, if the dentist is doing an extraction or filling its kinda hard to do anything but sit there and watch. I wouldn't worry too much about it. The dentist I shadowed explained things as he went so I really didn't have to say much but I'd say if you have a question just ask. Just don't worry about it, as long as you don't stick in the patients mouths you'll be fine :thumbup:


 
Just sit, watch and try to seem enthusiastic...it can be pretty boring. Especially because you don't know what is going on most of the time. Hopefully the dentist will engage you often with explanations and small talk. Otherwise it could be a long day. If you get lucky, the dentist may let you assist. Probably not until you become a little more comfortable in the office though.

Don't be nervous, it isn't a big deal. If by some freak accident something goes wrong, just don't ask that dentist for a LOR. Have fun, enjoy yourself and relax.
 
Hint: introduce yourself to the assistants/receptionists, be friendly, and ask if there's anything you can help with. Or, if you see an assistant doing something- like restocking a cabinet or sterilizing equipment- just go up to them and ask about what they're doing.
 
shadowing is pretty awkward after awhile. the dentists i shadowed didnt want/need help so for about 8 hours a day for 2 weeks i just stood around watching. after about the 3rd, it all really becomes the same thing over and over again and it just seems awkward, kinda like youre just wasting time. you know it, and the dentist knows it, so yea. i dont know how people shadow the same dentist for 1000 hours, 20-30 hours with the same dentist is more then plenty unless they actually give you work to do.
 
Hint: introduce yourself to the assistants/receptionists, be friendly, and ask if there's anything you can help with. Or, if you see an assistant doing something- like restocking a cabinet or sterilizing equipment- just go up to them and ask about what they're doing.

thats good for the first day... but after that, you're really just wasting space there.

hint:: don't be TOO needy/childish/annoying. you don't want to be asking "what are you doing/ why are you doing that" at every little thing that happens a week into your shadowing. someone schedules an appointment: what are you doing? someone stocks a cabinet: what are you doing? someone goes to the bathroom: what are you doing? great way to wear out your welcome.
 
thats good for the first day... but after that, you're really just wasting space there.

hint:: don't be TOO needy/childish/annoying. you don't want to be asking "what are you doing/ why are you doing that" at every little thing that happens a week into your shadowing. someone schedules an appointment: what are you doing? someone stocks a cabinet: what are you doing? someone goes to the bathroom: what are you doing? great way to wear out your welcome.

I'm not saying be an annoying douche. I don't know about your experience, but when I shadowed, the assistants were the ones I learned the most from. They were really helpful and taught me everything that was in the assistant cabinets, different types of burs, how to restock kfiles, what the dentist uses for bondings, the abbreviations that the dentist uses on patient charts, etc. -- that way, when I actually got into the rooms, I at least knew a little bit about what I was observing instead of being completely clueless.
 
shadowing is pretty awkward after awhile. the dentists i shadowed didnt want/need help so for about 8 hours a day for 2 weeks i just stood around watching. after about the 3rd, it all really becomes the same thing over and over again and it just seems awkward, kinda like youre just wasting time. you know it, and the dentist knows it, so yea. i dont know how people shadow the same dentist for 1000 hours, 20-30 hours with the same dentist is more then plenty unless they actually give you work to do.
8 hours a day!! That would be terrible. I just made sure to do 8 hours a week and I divided the time up. Some days I would do 2 hours if things were slow, other days I would do 4.
 
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shadowing can be awkward depending on the dentist, some dentist's are warmer who explain everything during a procedure. While there are others that just do their work and you sit there staring trying to figure out what's going on. I think the worst part is between procedures cause sometimes the assistant is doing their own thing while the dentist is in the office and the receptionist is on the phone, so you stand there looking like a ****** trying to figure out something to do to fit in lol
 
I'd just try to schedule in even 2 hours once or twice your first time meeting someone. That way if you are excited and don't feel awkward it's easy to schedule more time shadowing the same person... if it's awkward or you are just way too bored or in the way, find a different dentist. Also, shadow some specialists if possible, I find they are more interesting to watch anyways!
 
Pretty much what everyone else said, but keep in mind that the dentist you observe could be the one writing you a letter, or talking to his/her colleagues about you (who might be part of a DS faculty).....so be professional at all times. If you are a bump on a log, it is less likely you will obtain a compelling letter of rec. supporting your cause.

Be professional, stay out of the way--> good things will happen.
 
-bring some food. chocolates, cakes, doughnuts are all great options and feel free to eat during the procedure
-pick up instruments from the tray and play around with them, it makes you appear enthusiastic
-everyone in the room appreciates racial jokes so go ahead and let them fly
-constantly reprimand the dentist with phrases like ""You missed some pulp dammit" or "Not the #30 dammit""
-ask the hygienist if she's sad because she didn't get into dental school
-take out your iphone during the procedure and constantly take pictures of the patients mouth
-as the dentist for career advice right when he is putting the tooth to sleep
-tell the dentist you know a guy that can get him some Nickel Titanium (NiTi) for half of what he's paying now
-make sure to wear a shirt with lots of gang logos and profanity
-remember to follow the dentist around everywhere if he goes to his office, to get a drink, to answer a phone call, you need to be there
-as the assistant tells the patient "the doctor will be here in a minute" walk in and introduce yourself as "fuqele, the college freshmen who will be starting the case before the dentist comes in."
-after the dentist shows you his finished work say "Boy you must be in a rush today"
-read a magazine during the procedure and comment about how Tiger really doesn't have much taste in women
-invite some friends and bring some beer, patients will enjoy the relaxed environment and the dentist will think you're a gunner



from a funny medical "my first shadowing" thread

Oh yea remember the OR is a very family oriented atmosphere.

-Always refer to the surgeon as "Bro", "Dude" or "Babe" accordingly. High fives and slaps on the butt should be a major part of your OR repertoire.

-Circs, scrub nurses and techs should be referred to as "Hon" or if male "Bro" will do just fine. Lots of hugging and playful backrubs are in order as well. And for the guys, you can't go wrong with a well placed nipple twist or a wedgie.

-Feel free to make your self at home. Prop your feet up, scratch, burp, flatulate etc. This is acceptable and encouraged. In fact it is rude if you don't.

-Don't forget to bring a sack lunch in case you get hungry.

-Most surgeons love animals. So if you have a kitty or a pup. Bring him along. You'll be a hit. In fact they will call you a gunner.

-Remember to follow your surgeon EVERYWHERE. They love that. In fact, they want you practically in their hip pocket. If he/she goes to get a drink, your getting a drink too. If they go to the bathroom, your helping.
 
shadowing is pretty awkward after awhile. the dentists i shadowed didnt want/need help so for about 8 hours a day for 2 weeks i just stood around watching. after about the 3rd, it all really becomes the same thing over and over again and it just seems awkward, kinda like youre just wasting time. you know it, and the dentist knows it, so yea. i dont know how people shadow the same dentist for 1000 hours, 20-30 hours with the same dentist is more then plenty unless they actually give you work to do.


Totally agree with americanpierg, I think that unless the dentist is willing to allow you to assist them with suction or basic things, then you would be better off just doing 20-30 hours. Otherwise, just having exposure to the different facets of dentistry is a PLUS! ;)
 
Sit and stare.....that is pretty much what I did...
 
if you can, try to find one of those free clinics that reaches out to low income/homeless population. You will get to be more involved since they actually want and need you there. I chair-side assisted my first day.
 
shadowing is pretty awkward after awhile. the dentists i shadowed didnt want/need help so for about 8 hours a day for 2 weeks i just stood around watching. after about the 3rd, it all really becomes the same thing over and over again and it just seems awkward, kinda like youre just wasting time. you know it, and the dentist knows it, so yea. i dont know how people shadow the same dentist for 1000 hours, 20-30 hours with the same dentist is more then plenty unless they actually give you work to do.

Mine got awkward after a couple hours. I kind of felt bad because I think they could tell I was bored but knew I had to do it for my application. The dentists were all great though and tried to make it interesting for me. But standing all day and not moving left my back and neck in knots.

As far as the bolded above, those people must go into some kinda meditation or something because I just can't understand how someone could watch someone do "something" (since you can barely see anything from that far away) for that amount of time.
 
if you can, try to find one of those free clinics that reaches out to low income/homeless population. You will get to be more involved since they actually want and need you there. I chair-side assisted my first day.

This is what I did too and the only thing I regret is not finding the place sooner.
 
Hint: introduce yourself to the assistants/receptionists, be friendly, and ask if there's anything you can help with. Or, if you see an assistant doing something- like restocking a cabinet or sterilizing equipment- just go up to them and ask about what they're doing.


Couldn't have said it better myself....you will find yourself very hesistant at first which is natural because your like you said you don't want to mess up....sit back relax (be humble as in your there too learn don't act like a hot shot) open eared and ready to learn....the best way to get over this anxiety is to get comfortable with your surroundings....so doing things like the quote above me says is a good way to start. Before you know it you will become an asset to the office hopefully and they will look at you like one of their own....maybe if you become very good friends with the dentist you will be able to emulate him/her as a mentor....

The first dentist I shadowed wrote me a letter of req, gave me amazing advice along the way, drunk times at christmas parties together :) and we are still good friends to this day


good luck you'll do great
 
I shadowed an ortho for like six months for two hours a day. First couple months I stayed the full two hours, then I just started staying one hour because it was super boring. Two times a week, and an hour each day. I stayed there till like June and I started in January. It got boring super fast, and some of the hygienist were mean, I only really talked to one most of the time but she started doing more office/patient type of work.

But they did show me and tell me everything about installing braces and everything, but after a while I knew what they were doing.
 
Just spoke to another dentist yesterday and got permission to shadow him next week. Reading all the advice in this thread makes me want to get more involved than just the standing and watching I did last time :laugh:
 
The way I did it was shadow 8-12, then have lunch w/ my dentist.
 
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