How to Find Shadowing Opportunities as a Pre-Dental Student
Shadowing is one of the most important components of your dental school application—and one of the most common sources of stress for pre-dental students. Whether you’re just starting your journey or building up hours for the next cycle, knowing how to find and secure dental shadowing opportunities can set you apart from other applicants.
At Dental School Declassified, we’ve helped countless students not only find shadowing experiences—but make the most of them. Here's how to successfully find shadowing opportunities as a pre-dental student, even if you don't have connections in the dental world (yet!).
🦷 Why Shadowing Matters
Dental schools want to see that you:
Understand what day-to-day life as a dentist actually looks like
Have explored the field beyond the classroom
Can articulate why dentistry, specifically, is the right fit for you
Most schools recommend at least 100 hours of shadowing, with variety across specialties (general dentistry, ortho, endo, etc.) when possible.
🔍 1. Start with Your Personal Network
The easiest way to get started is by tapping into people you already know. Ask your:
Family dentist or orthodontist
Family and friends—do they know any dentists?
Professors, pre-health advisors, or classmates
Even if a dentist you know personally can’t accommodate you, they might refer you to someone who can.
🏥 2. Cold Call or Email Local Dental Offices
If you don’t have connections, that’s okay! Cold outreach is a completely normal (and often successful) way to find shadowing opportunities.
How to do it:
Make a list of local dental offices within driving distance.
Write a short, professional email or phone script that includes:
Who you are (pre-dental student)
Why you’re interested in shadowing
Your availability and willingness to comply with any office protocols
📩 Pro Tip: Follow up after a week if you don’t hear back. Persistence (with politeness) pays off.
✉️ Example Email Template for Shadowing
Subject: Shadowing Opportunity Inquiry – Pre-Dental Student
Dear Dr. [Last Name],
My name is [Your Name], and I’m a pre-dental student at [Your University]. I’m currently seeking shadowing opportunities to gain a better understanding of the dental profession and would love to learn from your expertise.
I’m available [insert days/times], and I would be happy to follow any office protocols or requirements.
Thank you for considering my request—I truly appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
🖥️ 3. Use Pre-Dental and Professional Organizations
These groups often host events or maintain databases to help students connect with dentists:
ASDA (American Student Dental Association) – Some chapters match students with shadowing opportunities
Pre-dental clubs at your school – Join and network actively
Dental society websites – Many state or local dental societies offer directories or mentorship programs
🧑💻 4. Try Virtual Shadowing (When In-Person Isn’t Possible)
While in-person experiences are preferred, virtual shadowing became more accepted during the pandemic and can still count in many cases.
Top virtual options:
Smile Shadowing (live Zoom sessions with Q&A)
YouTube observation series (paired with reflective writing for your records)
Pre-recorded clinic walkthroughs from dental schools or dental influencers
Be sure to document your experience, including dates and reflections, in your shadowing log.
🪥 5. Diversify Your Shadowing Experiences
Try to observe multiple settings and specialties if you can:
General dentists (private practice, corporate, community clinics)
Orthodontics
Endodontics
Pediatric dentistry
Oral surgery
This shows that you’ve done your homework and are entering dental school with realistic expectations and informed interest.
📋 6. Keep a Detailed Shadowing Log
Dental schools may ask you to list:
Dentist’s name and office
Dates and hours observed
What you learned
💡 Bonus Tip: Write short reflections after each visit. These can help you write a stronger personal statement or interview response later on.
Final Thoughts
Finding shadowing opportunities as a pre-dental student takes time, effort, and a little courage—but it’s absolutely doable. Be proactive, professional, and open to different kinds of experiences. Not only will this strengthen your application, but it will also help you confirm that dentistry is truly the right path.
At Dental School Declassified, our team of licensed dentists and experienced advisors can help you:
Craft professional outreach emails
Build a shadowing strategy aligned with your goals
Reflect on your experiences in a way that stands out in applications
🦷 Need help finding or documenting shadowing hours?
📅 Book a one-on-one advising session with our team today.
