I've bee working at an orthodontist for around a year. I'm hired to do sterilization, however they have me help with basic in the mouth work whenever they get busy. Over the upcoming Winter break, I'll be starting for the DAT and I'm considering shadowing a GP. Should I go ahead and get in the shadow time [cutting into studytime] or do you think working at an orthodontist would be considered in lieu of shadowing experience?
Work in lieu of shadowing?
- Thread starter kayakdude
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You will need hours of shadowing a GP when you apply (since you are going to school to be a GP). However, I would focus on your DAT score first and don't let shadow hours cut into that. Your higher DAT score will be more advantageous than a few hours of GP shadowing that you could do another time. So, focus on your DAT now, and shadow later.
While I would definitely advise you to shadow a GP, it isn't a necessity to apply. I worked for an oral surgeon while in school(very similar work to what you do in ortho) and shadowed an orthodontist, no GP, and I received 5 interviews this cycle. During none of my interviews was I asked about my lack of shadowing a GP either. Focus on acing the DAT and then if you have free time shadow the GP.
...but you should still try to shadow a GP in your freetime. However, consider it after taking the DAT. honestly, you don't have to get carried away with shadowing a million hours - I think a total of 8-10 hours (2-3 days of 3-4 hours per day) in each office is more than enough. Plan your days in advance and nothing will be impossible to achieve. Good luck!
