What to do when shadowing?? how to log hours? should I shadow more than 1?

[EstherB]

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So I contacted the local dental association and they found me a dentist who would like to be my mentor. I'm suppose to call him but I'm a little nervous.

1. How many hours am I suppose to shadow him?
2. What am I suppose to ask...I'm scared I'll freeze up or go blank.
3. Do I log the hours somehow? Ask him to sign them off?
4. They put me with an endodontist - I am looking to practice general dentistry with a focus on cosmetics. Should that matter?

Any other tips or advice would be GREATLY appreciated

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527523

 

[adizzle87]

1. If he is really a mentor, and not just a dentist that lets you shadow, there shouldn't really be a number cap on visits. I would shadow a whole day every 1-2 months, from now till the time you apply.

2. Dentists vary in how they mentor, some talk a lot while doing procedures (to explain things) while others will say something only when asked. Gauge the situation and go from there.

3. Only some schools require you to log hours, though Tufts will ask that your dentist LOR indicate you did a minimum of 30hrs shadowing with that person.

4. Try to shadow a general dentist in addition to an endodontist. The consensus is that ADCOMs don't mind shadowing a specialist so long as you supplement it with a general practitioner.