Shadowing

I had the opportunity to shadow dentists in both the United States and Russia, which gave me a unique chance to see dentistry from two very different perspectives. In each clinic, I observed how dentists interacted with patients, performed procedures, and managed the daily flow of the practice. I saw everything from routine checkups and cleanings to more advanced restorative and cosmetic treatments. Overall, I have worked with 7 different doctors, including a Dental Hygienist, Cosmetic Dentist, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Endodontist, Pediatric Dentist, Orthodontist, and Prosthodontist with a total of 130+ years of experience behind their backs. Some were trained in 4 different countries, some with over 35 years of experience, and in total, they have done thousands of procedures. Such a huge baggage of knowledge overflowed and fascinated me. What stood out most was how different the approaches, technologies, and even the patient-doctor dynamics were between the two countries. Experiencing both systems side by side not only deepened my understanding of dentistry as a whole but also showed me how culture and resources can shape the way care is provided. This confirmed my passion for the field and gave me a broader, more global view of what it means to be a dentist.