Contingency Plan

SDN Members don't see this ad. (About Ads)

Suppose you somehow don't get into any dental school, not just once or twice but three times. Would you keep applying? And what would be your contingency plan if such a tragedy occurs? Change your career plan altogether? If so, which career field would you choose?

If it were me, after the second unsuccessful cycle, I would either enroll in a post-bacc program for a business related degree such as finance and accounting or apply to grad schools for PhD or Masters in Biology or Engineering. I mean we all realize most biology majors aren't that employable unless they go to a grad school for a PhD, especially in this economy.

What about you all?

My apologies if I wasn't supposed to post here due to being a dental student already. But I certainly thought about the topic last cycle.

I fortunately have two degrees, the one in History is useless other than as you mentioned, going to graduate school and then going into education or research or something. The other is in a health science field.

I would go back to work in the hospital just to save money while preparing to apply to PA or AA school (anesthesia assistant). The idea of going into a science field is tempting, but it'd be a longer road than dental school, and the financial prospects would be iffy, neither being a good thing at my age.

Something else I used to fantasize about was going back to school for Japanese language studies and then trying to become a translator at an embassy or consulate.

Originally Posted by Kahr

My apologies if I wasn't supposed to post here due to being a dental student already. But I certainly thought about the topic last cycle.

I fortunately have two degrees, the one in History is useless other than as you mentioned, going to graduate school and then going into education or research or something. The other is in a health science field.

I would go back to work in the hospital just to save money while preparing to apply to PA or AA school (anesthesia assistant). The idea of going into a science field is tempting, but it'd be a longer road than dental school, and the financial prospects would be iffy, neither being a good thing at my age.

Something else I used to fantasize about was going back to school for Japanese language studies and then trying to become a translator at an embassy or consulate.

Anyone who has thought of this topic is welcome to reply. I definitely agree that enrolling in a PhD or even a Masters program may be an unappealing choice considering the amount of dedication it requires (even after getting a PhD.) No wonder people in hard sciences say "you either publish or perish."

Two times for dental and if I still don't get in, pharmacy or or PhD in bioengineering to go to industry. Both are plenty interesting if you're one of those people who likes to understand the effects of chemicals and drugs. The most interesting class I have taken was one that was all about exploring the neural pathways exploited by a variety of pharmaceutical drugs. Research is nice, but it can be a bit too dull hence I'd chose pharma over PhD, but either option is ok with me.

EDIT: Bio Background so these are feasible options to people with a Bio, Chem or Biochem background for the most part.

don't get in the first time, reevaluate your stats (GPA, DAT, ECs, experience). IF you absolutely know that dentistry is for you, raise the DAT/sGPA by doing a post-bacc or earning a MS. Then reapply for the second time once you feel that those factors have dramatically improved to make you an attractive applicant. If schools see that you are constantly involved in the field of dental work then you will get an interview. If you do not get in 2nd cycle, take a look at a couple other fields that may lead you into dental later on. I think USC has a RDH program that will get you into their DDS program now if you do well in it. Should you do well in the first or 2nd step, I'm sure you will get in. If not, I'd go with the former options presented above. Good luck with it all. there is really no one direct route to dentistry, you may have to take deviations, but ultimately end up with a career you are passionate about.

Just kidding.
I'd continue to work as a dental hygienist and teach. I'd also consider doing a PhD program.

Originally Posted by LBJ6

don't get in the first time, reevaluate your stats (GPA, DAT, ECs, experience). IF you absolutely know that dentistry is for you, raise the DAT/sGPA by doing a post-bacc or earning a MS. Then reapply for the second time once you feel that those factors have dramatically improved to make you an attractive applicant. If schools see that you are constantly involved in the field of dental work then you will get an interview. If you do not get in 2nd cycle, take a look at a couple other fields that may lead you into dental later on. I think USC has a RDH program that will get you into their DDS program now if you do well in it. Should you do well in the first or 2nd step, I'm sure you will get in. If not, I'd go with the former options presented above. Good luck with it all. there is really no one direct route to dentistry, you may have to take deviations, but ultimately end up with a career you are passionate about.

Agree with this.

Originally Posted by KittySquared

Just kidding.
I'd continue to work as a dental hygienist and teach. I'd also consider doing a PhD program.

PhD in Dental Hygiene?

Originally Posted by DoeAdeer

PhD in Dental Hygiene?

No actually. PhD in microbio or physiology.

Pharmacy... My friend works at Walgreens and his second year out of school was making 130k and had full benefits, and all he had to do was bottle pills all day. The problem is... All he has to do is bottle pills all day and that is as high up the employment tier as it gets for him. Great for a family though and a super secure job.

I'm a double major in Molecular Bio and Finance and Banking so I would probably try to get some kind of job in the pharmaceutical industry.

Dental Hygiene for me. I actually think I'm going to simultaneously apply to dental hygiene and dental school, so that should I fail to get into dental school, I'll have a career pathway ready to go. I'l feel more secure that way, I think. I know some way or another I want to be involved in dentistry.

For those you interested in pharmacy, it's getting tough. My boyfriend is finishing his last year at a top school and many of his classmates have had trouble securing internships (required for graduating) and many of those who have graduated have certainly not had an easy time finding employment (at least in CA..things could be better in less-desirable/less populated parts of the country). But hey, liked Wiredtrix said, if you CAN get a job as a retail pharmacist you're pretty set

Originally Posted by Wiredtrix

Pharmacy... My friend works at Walgreens and his second year out of school was making 130k and had full benefits, and all he had to do was bottle pills all day. The problem is... All he has to do is bottle pills all day and that is as high up the employment tier as it gets for him. Great for a family though and a super secure job.

Awwwwwwww yeah! 2 for pharm!

Also CA is getting worse, but as with everything, the more rural parts of mid-west are just starting to need all these services. Its getting worse, but not hopeless...not yet anyway.

I took the DAT last year so it's good for 2 application cycles. I don't think I will have the heart to retake it if I can't get in after 2 cycles.

To be serious though, my fallback would be prepping for applying to med school (MD and DO), or taking the actuarial exams, or higher education in economics/(bio)statistics/finance.

DoeAdeer-With you're grades I'm surprised you wouldn't consider med school.

After facing rejection, I would (am) doing everything in my power to be the strongest possible candidate this cycle. I was turned down during the 2011 cycle, and sought information from my top choices of schools about how to improve my record. As suggested, I studied hard and scored very well on the DAT and started a Master's in bio immediately after undergrad to demonstrate commitment to my cause, and to boost my GPA a little.

If I can't get in this cycle, I will at least be certain I gave it my all. I would probably again seek more information about why I was rejected so that I may further improve for round 3.

I was placed on this earth to be a dentist, and will stop at nothing (except perhaps a third cycle of rejections). In my opinion, if you give up after one shot, then you didn't want it bad enough to begin with..

and Hey, everybody stay positive, it is very early in your (first, probably) application cycle!! Good luck!

_