Congratulations! You’ve just capped off years of hard work with your graduation from dental school, standing on the brink of an exciting new chapter in your career as a Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH).
But as you await your professional RDH license so you can begin a dental career, you might find yourself in an exhilarating yet slightly daunting limbo—eager to put your skills to use, but still needing that official stamp of approval. So, what can you RDH grads do in this interim period to stay on top of your game and prepare for the fast-paced world of dental healthcare? Can you, for instance, shadow at an office even before your license comes in?
Let’s dive into why this could be your best move yet!
So, what exactly is shadowing? It's more than just an opportunity to watch and learn—it's a front-row seat to the day-to-day workings of a dental office. For an aspiring RDH like you, shadowing is your backstage pass to observe the real-world dynamics of dental health care beyond the textbooks and exams.
Here's how shadowing uniquely prepares you for a seamless transition into your career:
Get a front-row seat to the day-to-day operations in a dental office, from patient interactions and treatment procedures to navigating office dynamics and staff collaboration. Shadowing offers a real-time, interactive experience that builds on what you've learned in dental school by connecting those skills to their practical applications.
Immersing yourself in the environment of a dental office helps you understand the workflow and protocols, making it much easier to integrate smoothly once you're licensed. This familiarity can significantly reduce first-day anxieties and accelerate your adaptation to professional demands.
Observing a seasoned RDH helps you learn how to manage appointment times effectively, a crucial skill since the professional setting is much more fast-paced than school, requiring you to handle more diverse treatments in a shorter amount of time. This prepares you to manage your schedule effectively so you can meet patient needs within constrained timeframes.
Shadowing in various dental offices and specialties opens the door to different practice areas—be it pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, or others. This not only broadens your understanding, but also aids in identifying the type of dental environment best suited to your skills and preferences.
But what exactly are you watching for? Here’s a list of key observations to make while shadowing a dental professional—along with some questions you can ask that will keep you engaged in the task at hand.
This question can reveal much about the underlying stressors and expectations within the office.
Understanding what metrics or outcomes are valued most can tell you about the office’s priorities and your potential growth opportunities.
This indicates how the office invests in its staff and whether there's room for advancement and skill enhancement.
This helps you gauge the preparedness and flexibility of the office environment.
The answer can provide insights into the positive aspects of the office culture and whether those aspects align with what you’re looking for.
At Cloud Dentistry, we strongly recommend that you shadow a dental professional while you wait for your license. But how can you get started? We’ve got some ideas!
Start by identifying dental offices in your area. Look for those that align with your interests in dental specialties.
Craft a professional email or letter introducing yourself as a recent dental school graduate interested in shadowing opportunities. Be clear about your goals and what you hope to learn.
Reach out to your school’s alumni network, professors, or even classmates who might have contacts in the dental industry. Personal referrals can significantly enhance your chances of securing a shadowing spot.
After sending your initial request, follow up if you haven’t heard back in a week or two. A polite phone call or email can demonstrate your enthusiasm and commitment.
Once you secure a shadowing opportunity, prepare by reviewing basic dental procedures and office etiquette to make a good impression.
As you consider these steps to initiate your shadowing journey, keep in mind the profound impact it can have on your budding career.
"Shadowing is an invaluable experience for dental students, providing a firsthand glimpse into the practical world of dental healthcare,” said Amber D'Andrea, Student Engagement Manager for Cloud Dentistry. “It’s an excellent way to build skills, confidence, and a deeper understanding of your chosen field. We encourage all dental students to embrace these opportunities to advance their careers."