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 ENDODONTICS: Finger Lakes Endodontics  2333 N. Triphammer Road  607) PERIODONTICS: Cardoza, Thomas DDS  408 N. Tioga St.  607) Conte, John DDS  2333 N. Triphammer Rd.  607) ORAL SURGEON: Bonniwell, Timothy  2377 N. Triphammer Road  607) Lewis, Jeffrey MD/DMD  200 E. Buffalo St. Suite 304  607) ORTHODONTICS Hand, Stephen DMD  102 N. Tioga St.  607)

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.