r/Dentistry • u/Unfiltered-BDS-DDS • 1d ago

Dental Professional Looking for advice

I have been practicing for a few years now and am eager to advance my surgical skills. While I regularly refer patients to local oral surgery offices, our relationship is strictly limited to referral forms and reporting letters. Because I am naturally somewhat shy around other professionals, we have never met in person. I interact comfortably with my own staff and patients, but I struggle to communicate with specialists on a peer-to-peer level.

Compounding this is the fact that I did not graduate from the country where I am currently practicing. Even though I am fully licensed, practicing in a different country from where I went to dental school holds me back. I don’t have a local network of former classmates or instructors to lean on, so I truly feel like I am completely on my own.

I am unsure how to approach local specialists for learning opportunities. I worry about putting them in an uncomfortable position, making the relationship awkward, or coming across as an annoyance to them during their busy days. Although I try to teach myself as much as possible, fear often holds me back when it comes time to implement these skills clinically. Having a mentor or an open line of communication would give me a valuable sounding board to bounce ideas around, helping me overcome this hesitation and build my confidence.

For those who have been in my shoes, have you felt this same way? How did you overcome the fear of reaching out to specialists peer-to-peer? What would be the ideal, low-pressure way to approach a specialist for mentorship or clinical guidance when you have no prior connection, and how can I navigate this so I don't become an annoyance to them?

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u/Dunkishard 1d ago

You are really in your own head about this, just show up with some sweets or something and say hey I’d like to shadow you

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u/IcyAd389 1d ago

This. OP, you’re totally overthinking this. They won’t care where you went to school.

“Hi Dr. A! We’ve been referring patients to your office and they’ve been reporting exceptional experiences. I’d really appreciate the opportunity to shadow you as I would like to advance my surgical skills. Is there a Friday in the next month that would work best for you?”

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u/DrItsRed General Dentist 1d ago

If you can join a local study club.