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Shadowing a dentist in high school

I'm interested in dentistry as a career and want to shadow a dentist during my junior or senior year. How can I find a dentist who would be willing to let me shadow them, and what should I expect from the experience?

11 months ago

It's great that you're interested in exploring dentistry as a career while still in high school. Shadowing a dentist can give you valuable insights into the profession and help you determine if it's the right fit for you.

To find a dentist who would be willing to let you shadow them, you can start by asking your family dentist or any dentists you know personally if they allow students to shadow. If they don't offer this opportunity, it's possible they might know someone who does.

Another option is to contact dental practices in your local area. You may want to start with smaller practices, which might be more open to the idea of having a high school student shadow a dentist. When contacting dental practices, explain your interest in the dental profession and politely ask if they would be open to allowing you to shadow for a certain period of time.

Before starting your shadowing experience, it can be helpful to research the different aspects of dentistry, learn about dental terminology, and understand the day-to-day responsibilities of a dentist. This way, you can ask informed questions and make the most out of your time shadowing.

During the experience, you should expect to observe the dentist while they perform various dental procedures, interact with patients, and manage their practice. Although you won't be permitted to perform any procedures yourself, shadowing a dentist allows you to gain a better understanding of the profession and experience the patient care aspect of dentistry firsthand.

You may observe routine dental procedures like cleanings, fillings, and X-rays, as well as more complex treatments like root canals, extractions, or even orthodontics.

Make sure to ask questions when appropriate—dentists are generally happy to share their knowledge and experiences with aspiring professionals. Take notes during any downtime or after the experience so you can reflect later on what you learned and whether dentistry is the right path for you.

Last but not least, remember to always be professional and respectful of the dentist's time, the patients, and the practice's staff. Good luck in your shadowing experience, and remember to stay curious and engaged throughout!

11 months ago

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