I'm going to a pretty high-class practice next week to start shadowing (it's got like conference rooms and everything) and I just wanted to know if anyone had tips for how to handle something like this. So far I have only had experience with tiny offices that don't see that many patients a day. I'm sort of nervous about it since the staff there will probably not have much time to really even talk to me when I'm there so I want to figure out a way to keep busy and not look awkward and pathetic. I want to obviously watch procedures but when none of that is going on what can I do? Thanks
When shadowing...what can you do to keep everyone comfortable?
- Thread starter littlecalvaria
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Ask them if you can help them do anything. I'm sure there's always SOMETHING you can do i.e. seat patients, breakdown rooms, sterilize stuff, etc..
Shadow the front office manager. Ask questions about scheduling and insurance.
Also, don't just observe procedures, shadow exams too (especially new patient exams).
Also, don't just observe procedures, shadow exams too (especially new patient exams).
There was a bit of downtime where I shadowed. I carried around a notepad and took notes on everything. Once I felt comfortable and I got the go ahead, I started prepping and tearing down rooms, sterilizing, pulling charts, etc. They got so used to me helping out they hired me 
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tell them that you dont want to just stand around and not do anything while there are no patients, ask them if there is anything to do like clean, put away charts, dress up operating rooms...
When I shadow, my dentist and I hang out the whole day. Even during breaks we go to his office and talk about dental school, the profession, any complicated treatment plans he may be working on, and whatever else comes to his mind. If you act sincerely interested, I'm sure the dentist won't let you just stand around waiting on more patients. Most dentist are very professional and freindly. Take the opportunity to talk to him and learn about what being a dentist is really like.
If you have down time, talk to anyone you can. Patients, assistants, the dentist. They will all give you a perspective on private practice from their viewpoint.
Also, dress nice if it is higher end practice. I always show up in a shirt and tie. Can't go wrong.
Also, dress nice if it is higher end practice. I always show up in a shirt and tie. Can't go wrong.
Taking the liberty of talking to patients may not necessarily be a welcome move unless you limit the topic to the weather. Why not take your cue from the practitioner/staff?
Introduce yourself to everyone and explain your situation.
First just let them know that you are shadowing and that you are happy to do anything that they need help with.
They may be comfortable letting you help out or you you just may end up watching. Be friendly and hopefully you can go back.
First just let them know that you are shadowing and that you are happy to do anything that they need help with.
They may be comfortable letting you help out or you you just may end up watching. Be friendly and hopefully you can go back.
During extractions, say things like...
"So you said this is your first time doing this?"
"Oh, I have one of those in my tackle box!"
"Wait, so you pretty much just use a pliers and rip that thing out?"
"So you said this is your first time doing this?"
"Oh, I have one of those in my tackle box!"
"Wait, so you pretty much just use a pliers and rip that thing out?"
