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All about SHADOWING. Cornell University Pre-Dental Society April 19, 2011. Why do we shadow?. Purpose: to gain exposure to the dental field and have a clear understanding of what life as a dentist entails
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All about SHADOWING Cornell University Pre-Dental Society April 19, 2011
Why do we shadow? • Purpose: to gain exposure to the dental field and have a clear understanding of what life as a dentist entails • It’s important to shadow dentists in different fields of dentistry to gain a diverse range of experiences. • However, it is highly recommended that you shadow a general dentist.
What to look for: • How? Observe dentists as they go through a routine day interacting, treating, and consulting with patients, • Also, observe the atmosphere in a dental office, the interaction between staff, practitioner, and patient.
Ways to Shadow a Dentist • 1. At private dentist office • 2. At a hospital • 3. As a dental assistant • Seeking a position as a dental assistant for the sole purpose of shadowing is counterproductive and should be avoided
Private Practice Dentistry • Try contacting a family friend, or someone you know personally (your own dentist!) • You can also contact a local dentist in your town. Introduce yourself and politely ask if you can shadow for a couple of days. • Dentists are almost always willing to help out the future generation! • Have your resume ready to be sent out (if asked)
Local Dentists ORAL SURGEON: Bonniwell, Timothy • 2377 N. Triphammer Road • 607) 266 8600 Lewis, Jeffrey MD/DMD • 200 E. Buffalo St. Suite 304 • 607) 277 7007 ORTHODONTICS Hand, Stephen DMD • 102 N. Tioga St. • 607) 272 8550 ENDODONTICS: Finger Lakes Endodontics • 2333 N. Triphammer Road • 607) 257 0539 PERIODONTICS: Cardoza, Thomas DDS • 408 N. Tioga St. • 607) 272 1080 Conte, John DDS • 2333 N. Triphammer Rd. • 607) 257 2300
Through Cornell • Cornell provides shadowing/clinical experiences for pre-dental students. • 1) Externship Program through Career Services • During the Winter Break, you get to shadow a dentist. • 2) FRESH Program • Only for freshman; during spring break • 3) Urban Semester • Fall/Spring OR Summer
Hospital Dentistry • A great alternative experience • Usually require filling out volunteer paperwork and interviewing – based on the hospital policy. • Specifically mention that you are pre-dental student • Interacting with residents • You see a different side of dental work as opposed to private practices – population, procedure, etc.
Ask Questions! • Don’t just stand there and watch. • Ask questions, keep notes, and take advantage of every opportunity available in order to understand all facets of profession from client billing to cavity filling. • If you get to know a dentist well enough, he/she can be an invaluable reference on your application.
Possible Questions • How did you become interested in dentistry? • What can I do in college to better prepare for a career in dentistry? • Do you wish you did anything differently during undergrad/dental school? • What is an average day like for a dentist in private practice? • What’s the best part of your work day? • What’s the worst part of your work day? • What is the future need for dentists? • How do you think any healthcare changes might affect the dental practice? • (If they are a specialist) What made you want to specialize?
Keep Track of Your Hours! • There is no real requirement for shadowing • But some schools DO require minimum hours of shadowing experience; others recommend it.