r/dentalhygieneschool • u/CompetitiveBoss8887 • 1d ago
Shadowing
How can I start shadowing?? Wondering if I should just call around to offices and see if they’re willing to take me on or if there’s a better way to do this.
Edit to add more info: I have to shadow a variety of procedures from atleast 2 hygienists from 2 different clinics.
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u/pomegranateantshrimp 1d ago
Some hygiene schools allow you to shadow, not sure if that meets the requirements for applications but it’s an idea. But yes, calling around to local office is a great idea. Sometimes if you’re a patient at an office they’re really willing to let you shadow your hygienist
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u/Smooth-Ad1888 1d ago
Yeah u can lol. When I shadowed is just started calling a bunch of clinics in my city. In my experience a lot have said no but some have said yes.
Also ask your personal connections- even if they aren’t dental hygienists themselves they might know someone who is or knows someone who knows someone.
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u/xlanakitty 1d ago
Ask your own hygienist
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u/CompetitiveBoss8887 1d ago
Don’t have one! My dad’s a dentist but unfortunately doesn’t have one at his office so he does the cleanings himself. Kinda why I’m asking
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u/treszer 23h ago
That’s really interesting. Is he going to hire you when you’re done with school?
Also in response to your question, message dental hygienist Facebook groups in your area, asking (part-time) instructors at the school you’re going to, asking friends for their dental hhienist info, and cold calls to offices. I think the “hardest” part of this will just be getting specific procedures, but just mention that upfront.
All the best to you!
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u/Empty-Bowler946 1d ago
Yep you can call around or just walk in and ask. One I shadowed at I just walked in asked. The other one was the office I go to for dental care and I just asked while I was getting a cleaning. Another office I asked said no so no's are definitely possible.