From nursing to dentistry

[kmell0621]

I'm a nursing student, going into my second year to complete my BSN. Prior to nursing I used to be a dental assistant. I always loved dentistry, but decided not to go that path, because the career seemed to be way too lengthy. When I chose to apply for nursing, I did it because I thought that as a nurse I could interact with patients. I'm about to turn 29, and switching careers at this point of my life scares me. I'm also going to a private school now. Loans are piling up, and sometimes I just wish I would have thought of dental school a bit sooner. I like what I see in nursing, but every time I start talking about dentistry, my whole mood changes and I feel great. I have worked in dental offices, and I now what the business is all about. Right now I just wonder how difficult it will be to get into dental school. The school I go to now offers a dental program... What I have in mind now is to finish nursing, take the Nclex and then, when I get a job, I will take some prereq courses for dental school and then go from there. Another thing I'm worried about is coming up with the money to pay for dental school..., if I get accepted. And by the way I go to Nova Southeastern University in Fl. Please advice.

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[CleverThought]

I did two years of nursing school before I switched to the pre-dental route, and I have never looked back since. If you know you are going to attempt to go to dental school I would vote on switching your major instead of dragging it out. You can finish the pre-reqs in the time it would take to finish your BSN - so the loans shouldn't be much different. Plus you save yourself on some opportunity cost.

 

[hunterx2]

Nursing pays quite a lot. I have many RN friends, all are making 55-60 k, working only 3 days a week, 12 hr a day, as NEW GRADS. There are TONS of opportunities for career advancement, like getting an MSN and becoming an NP, and you can easily make 80k. Meanwhile, only 40% of all applicants gain admission to DS. You'll have to take the DAT, and while I don't know the exact statistics I know for certain that nursing and allied health majors tend to do poorly on the MCAT. See this report:

https://www.aamc.org/download/321496/data/2013factstable18.pdf

The most sensible thing for you to do is to concentrate 100% on getting your BSN first, and keep your GPA above 3.5 (GPA is very important for DS admissions). Then find a nursing job while taking your prereqs at a local college. If you get mostly A's then feel free to apply. If you get in, great. If not, you'll still have an excellent career ahead of you as an RN.

 

[Silent Cool]

I'm a nursing student, going into my second year to complete my BSN. Prior to nursing I used to be a dental assistant. I always loved dentistry, but decided not to go that path, because the career seemed to be way too lengthy. When I chose to apply for nursing, I did it because I thought that as a nurse I could interact with patients. I'm about to turn 29, and switching careers at this point of my life scares me. I'm also going to a private school now. Loans are piling up, and sometimes I just wish I would have thought of dental school a bit sooner. I like what I see in nursing, but every time I start talking about dentistry, my whole mood changes and I feel great. I have worked in dental offices, and I now what the business is all about. Right now I just wonder how difficult it will be to get into dental school. The school I go to now offers a dental program... What I have in mind now is to finish nursing, take the Nclex and then, when I get a job, I will take some prereq courses for dental school and then go from there. Another thing I'm worried about is coming up with the money to pay for dental school..., if I get accepted. And by the way I go to Nova Southeastern University in Fl. Please advice.

Go for it.

The other option is to become a CRNA, which will in many cases compensate you better than a generalist and require a much smaller monetary investment.

 

[Cello]

Definitely don't stick with nursing just because it seems like the financially prudent thing to do. You've seen both professions, dentistry is what excites you, it sounds like an easy decision to me. Life's short, loans and youth be damned. By the way, I'm 29 as well.

 

[hunterx2]

Definitely don't stick with nursing just because it seems like the financially prudent thing to do. You've seen both professions, dentistry is what excites you, it sounds like an easy decision to me. Life's short, loans and youth be damned. By the way, I'm 29 as well.

I strongly disagree with this. The worst thing you can possibly do in your life, at the age of 29, is to quit nursing school for a 40% chance of being admitted to dental school, that is, IF you even get to the application stage. What if you quit, start taking your pre-req's, and get C's in organic chemistry? You are screwed in life, with no good career prospects to fall back on, and you'll be 30-31. Also, do you already have a bachelor's degree? You'll need one before starting DS in 99% of cases. So if you don't have that degree you might as well finish your BSN. What you said before is exactly what you should do.

What I have in mind now is to finish nursing, take the Nclex and then, when I get a job, I will take some prereq courses for dental school and then go from there.

The other option is to become a CRNA, which will in many cases compensate you better than a generalist and require a much smaller monetary investment.

CRNA's get paid very, very well (actually almost as much as dentists and physicians). But its also very, very competitive. Not saying that the opportunity isn't there, but its much more realistic to get an MSN and become and NP making 80-90k/ year working 4 days a week. That's what makes nursing a great career. There are so many options available to you.

 

[Cello]

Sure, get the BSN (or any of the other myriad other degrees you may be halfway to completing assuming you've been getting your generals out of the way) but my experience with disgruntles nurses (and there seem to be a lot of them) has been that the money doesn't make up for much. They may take a lot of abuse from their patients (depending upon where they work), deal with a lot of nasty stuff, and work very, very hard. I have nothing but respect for most of the nurses I volunteer with because when it gets tough (as it often does on Friday nights) in the ED they will go without lunch on one of their 12 hour shifts.

I gave up an air force commission and pilot slot to go to dental school after a lot of thinking and consideration for my wife and future family. People on these same forums told me it was a risky thing to do, which I knew of course. I haven't applied yet, but I worked hard and have averaged over a 3.7 GPA in all of my science classes so far. Air force OTS candidates told me that I probably wouldn't get a pilot slot with a 3.3 GPA (because so many applications have 3.8+ GPAs) but I did.

 

[hunterx2]

That's a great story and I really hope you make it. However, not everybody is willing to take the same risk as you. She said herself she liked nursing, she just likes dentistry more. Yes nurses work really really hard. 12 hour shifts, they take a lot of BS from patients, doctors, their supervisors, and even their own peers. But they typically work only 3 days a week. Making 60k working 3 days a week as a new grad is pretty awesome, and it goes up to 65, 70k with some years of experience, or with specialist certifications like OR or critical care. Don't forget that there are so many career routes you can take within nursing. A critical care RN has a vastly different lifestyle than a school nurse or a nursing administrator. Your BSN opens a lot of doors for you, all of which will be closed if you just quit.

You don't have to make it an either or choice. Finish that degree and THEN go for dentistry. Yes it will cost more money but with an RN's salary that's no problem.

 

[SerboDent]

If dentistry is what u r passionate about? It seems like the decision should be easy to make. Don't let your age discourage you, I'm 32 and starting D1 this summer. I worked in finance for a long time before deciding to go into dentistry. I knew I had to do very well in my pre-req classes along with the dat to be seriously considered. When admissions sees that sort of drive, it's hard for them to not consider you!
Whatever choice you make put all of your efforts towards it... And best of luck!!

 

[akb0112]

Hi, I know this post is a few months old, but I was searching similar situations to mine and found it... Here's my story, I decided half way through nursing school to go for dental school. Being stubborn and committed, I wanted to get my RN too... So I added on the needed pre-requisites I was missing by taking classes in the evenings/weekends on top of nursing classes/clinicals. I am probably crazy, looking back on it. Many sleepless nights and days of 15 hours straight of studying/class/lab/clinicals/working in the hospital. At times it was very discouraging, but support and encouragement from my family pushed me through.

No one in my nursing class even knows that I am on this path, because I don't want them to think I don't like nursing. I love nursing, it is the profession that is the backbone to our medical system. However after hundreds of hours in clinical rotations and working as a nursing assistant, I suppose I decided it wasn't the "right" profession for me.

There really isn't any profession like dentistry, where you can combine so many different talents (visual/perceptual, scientific, social, practical...). You really use every part of your brain! And let me tell you... From a nursing perspective, the dental field has A LOT of work to do for the general public to improve the oral health status of our nation. I feel like the nursing background has given me some unique insights on how different health professions can start to work together on oral health disparities.

Anyway, so I took the prereqs, almost drowned in the DAT (but got decent enough scores), got some shadowing/work experience in the field, and submitted my application a few months ago. I got an interview from my top choice school. Now I'm waiting to see if I got in. If not, well, at least I tried, and I always having nursing to fall back on, till I figure out the next step. And if I do get in, I'll still do what I can to "keep my foot in the door" with the nursing community. Perhaps per-diem or part time.

I have no regrets in my journey... Except now I have essentially no $$ after spending it on extra classes/application work. However, money is a tool that comes and goes. It is a (huge) investment, and you have to decide if it is a worthwhile one for your personal situation. I hope the financial aspect does not hold you back. Take lots of time to think about it, and all the work it will take. I remember looking at the prereqs, the stats, the DAT, etc. and thinking "there is no way I can do this." But somehow (I thank God), I got this far. I didn't want to be thinking "what if" for the rest of my life. If you have the drive, and you know it is the right thing for you (and no matter what advice you get, you know best), then don't let anything or anyone stop you.

 

[jmcunnin]

It's encouraging to hear so many people around my age with similar stories. I'm 28 and gave up a great career to pursue dentistry. Good luck to everyone!

 

[jmcunnin]

I strongly disagree with this. The worst thing you can possibly do in your life, at the age of 29, is to quit nursing school for a 40% chance of being admitted to dental school, that is, IF you even get to the application stage. What if you quit, start taking your pre-req's, and get C's in organic chemistry? You are screwed in life, with no good career prospects to fall back on, and you'll be 30-31. Also, do you already have a bachelor's degree? You'll need one before starting DS in 99% of cases. So if you don't have that degree you might as well finish your BSN. What you said before is exactly what you should do.

CRNA's get paid very, very well (actually almost as much as dentists and physicians). But its also very, very competitive. Not saying that the opportunity isn't there, but its much more realistic to get an MSN and become and NP making 80-90k/ year working 4 days a week. That's what makes nursing a great career. There are so many options available to you.

I don't understand what you mean by getting C's in Organic Chemistry. I've seen a lot of posts on here about people getting a C in that class and still getting accepted into dental school. I don't think anyone wants a C, but I don't necessarily think it means you won't get in. I could be wrong though...I have yet to take organic, that's just based on what I've read on here.

 

[DentalFox]

I thought it was harder to get in if you were 28+ years old. If I were you, I would go and talk to Dr. Lippman. Make an appointment and tell him your story. You may not get into NOVA, but he will do his best to make sure you get into a dental school.

 

[cacajuate]

I thought it was harder to get in if you were 28+ years old. If I were you, I would go and talk to Dr. Lippman. Make an appointment and tell him your story. You may not get into NOVA, but he will do his best to make sure you get into a dental school.

What would being older have to do with making it harder to get in?

 

[DentalFox]

What would being older have to do with making it harder to get in?

This is straight for the Dean and faculty members. To them, and I quote, "Older students are harder to train." They do have a preference for younger students. However, there are the exceptions.

 

[SXCoronado]

.

 

[free99]

This is straight for the Dean and faculty members. To them, and I quote, "Older students are harder to train." They do have a preference for younger students. However, there are the exceptions.

You're referring to Nova?

 

[DentalFox]

You're referring to Nova?

Yah. I know quite a few exceptions, but they told me that they consider age.

 

[bc1002]

I do heard that NOVA does not like applicants with PhD degree

 

[2THDDS]

This is straight for the Dean and faculty members. To them, and I quote, "Older students are harder to train." They do have a preference for younger students. However, there are the exceptions.

but I heard stories that are contrary to what you are saying. I heard that dental and medical schools like older students (not necessarily really really old) who has had other experiences, not that it is impossible to get in without other experience, so being older than traditional applicant doesn't automatically cut you out.

Like someone said, I think she would be better off finishing her BSN degree before pursuing dentistry.
You can't always look at the brightest aspect, you also have to plan what you will do if it doesn't pan out as planned.

She can work at a hospital for 3~4 days and still qualify for full time position and some hospitals also have tuition assistance, which will enable her to take some pre-req classes.

Having plan B is always good.
Don't throw out your nursing degree just yet!

 

[cacajuate]

This is straight for the Dean and faculty members. To them, and I quote, "Older students are harder to train." They do have a preference for younger students. However, there are the exceptions.

Average age of matriculation is going up every year.

 

[DentalFox]

Average age of matriculation is going up every year.

That is true, but there are now more applicants with masters degrees applying. To be honest, If you have a passion for dentistry, age should not be a major factor.

 

[cacajuate]

That is true, but there are now more applicants with masters degrees applying. To be honest, If you have a passion for dentistry, age should not be a major factor.

O so you mean that are having a preference for older applicants?

 

[DentalFox]

O so you mean that are having a preference for older applicants?

Yah, if they have a masters.

 

[SweetToothDMD]

Hi, I know this post is a few months old, but I was searching similar situations to mine and found it... Here's my story, I decided half way through nursing school to go for dental school. Being stubborn and committed, I wanted to get my RN too... So I added on the needed pre-requisites I was missing by taking classes in the evenings/weekends on top of nursing classes/clinicals. I am probably crazy, looking back on it. Many sleepless nights and days of 15 hours straight of studying/class/lab/clinicals/working in the hospital. At times it was very discouraging, but support and encouragement from my family pushed me through.

No one in my nursing class even knows that I am on this path, because I don't want them to think I don't like nursing. I love nursing, it is the profession that is the backbone to our medical system. However after hundreds of hours in clinical rotations and working as a nursing assistant, I suppose I decided it wasn't the "right" profession for me.

There really isn't any profession like dentistry, where you can combine so many different talents (visual/perceptual, scientific, social, practical...). You really use every part of your brain! And let me tell you... From a nursing perspective, the dental field has A LOT of work to do for the general public to improve the oral health status of our nation. I feel like the nursing background has given me some unique insights on how different health professions can start to work together on oral health disparities.

Anyway, so I took the prereqs, almost drowned in the DAT (but got decent enough scores), got some shadowing/work experience in the field, and submitted my application a few months ago. I got an interview from my top choice school. Now I'm waiting to see if I got in. If not, well, at least I tried, and I always having nursing to fall back on, till I figure out the next step. And if I do get in, I'll still do what I can to "keep my foot in the door" with the nursing community. Perhaps per-diem or part time.

I have no regrets in my journey... Except now I have essentially no $$ after spending it on extra classes/application work. However, money is a tool that comes and goes. It is a (huge) investment, and you have to decide if it is a worthwhile one for your personal situation. I hope the financial aspect does not hold you back. Take lots of time to think about it, and all the work it will take. I remember looking at the prereqs, the stats, the DAT, etc. and thinking "there is no way I can do this." But somehow (I thank God), I got this far. I didn't want to be thinking "what if" for the rest of my life. If you have the drive, and you know it is the right thing for you (and no matter what advice you get, you know best), then don't let anything or anyone stop you.

Hi akb0112, just wanted to chime in to let you know that you are not alone in this process. I most certainly feel your pain, I'm also an RN making a career-change from nursing to dentistry which I should've done a long time ago. Like you, I was quite deterred by the lengthy program, the DAT, shadowing, the prerequisites, along with other factors pertaining to my current situation, but I have by the grace of God been able to make it through this tumultuous journey. I've realized along the way to keep my business to myself, because a lot of people won't understand why you're making a switch in careers especially from nursing! Only people working in the field will somewhat comprehend. When people ask what I'm taking classes for now I respond that I just need to take a few classes for work or something to that affect. I was finding myself explaining my reasons over and over until it really started getting on my nerves. So I said to myself that I don't owe anyone an explanation, it's my life... so to thy own self be true. I have been in nursing long enough now to know and understand that this isn't fulfilling for me, I don't enjoy it whatsoever and a lot of the time I feel as though I'm in a race/competition from the time I clock in to clocking out after 12 long hours. Moreover, I recently submitted my application to only a few schools, 5 to be exact, maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot, maybe not but was all I could afford honestly. From one nurse to another, hang in there, and I wish you all the best in your application and acceptances!

 

[doc toothache]

I do heard that NOVA does not like applicants with PhD degree

With 21 enrollees for 2013, Nova does not seem to have a problem with MS degrees.

Average age of matriculation is going up every year.

There is no evidence to suggest that the "average age of matriculation is going up every year". Unless you have some evidence to the contrary, this might be another case of SDNers doing what they do best: disseminate misinformation.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/2014-age-and-ds-2006-2013.1109439/

 

[akb0112]

Hi akb0112, just wanted to chime in to let you know that you are not alone in this process. I most certainly feel your pain, I'm also an RN making a career-change from nursing to dentistry which I should've done a long time ago. Like you, I was quite deterred by the lengthy program, the DAT, shadowing, the prerequisites, along with other factors pertaining to my current situation, but I have by the grace of God been able to make it through this tumultuous journey. I've realized along the way to keep my business to myself, because a lot of people won't understand why you're making a switch in careers especially from nursing! Only people working in the field will somewhat comprehend. When people ask what I'm taking classes for now I respond that I just need to take a few classes for work or something to that affect. I was finding myself explaining my reasons over and over until it really started getting on my nerves. So I said to myself that I don't owe anyone an explanation, it's my life... so to thy own self be true. I have been in nursing long enough now to know and understand that this isn't fulfilling for me, I don't enjoy it whatsoever and a lot of the time I feel as though I'm in a race/competition from the time I clock in to clocking out after 12 long hours. Moreover, I recently submitted my application to only a few schools, 5 to be exact, maybe I'm shooting myself in the foot, maybe not but was all I could afford honestly. From one nurse to another, hang in there, and I wish you all the best in your application and acceptances!

So nice to hear from another RN to (potential) DDS/DMD! And someone who really understands my situation, having been through it yourself

Keep on working toward it and following your own path

 

[deleted390966]

"Older students are harder to train."

In what ways?

 

[DentalFox]

In what ways?

I was told that they argue too much with the professors lol

 

[Dr.p53]

I'm a Registered Nurse and now a Pre-dental Student. 2 different routes. 2 different fields. At the end of the day, you must do what you love to do or you will end up miserable.

 

[irishmom]

I thought it was harder to get in if you were 28+ years old.

"Older students are harder to train."

Then I guess I'm screwed...lol, I already got accepted to my number one choice on December 1st to boot! I guess I should have prefaced this with I am 40 years old...lol.

 

[DentalFox]

Then I guess I'm screwed...lol, I already got accepted to my number one choice on December 1st to boot! I guess I should have prefaced this with I am 40 years old...lol.

Congrats on beating the odds.

 

[gatsby121]

Yah. I know quite a few exceptions, but they told me that they consider age.

guess im one of the exceptions, ill be starting at 29

also, one of my good friends just got his nursing degree and immediately switched to dental. hes 26 and will with no doubt get into dental school. yeah he has loans like you but in the long run you will both be happier. dont live with the regret of not trying

 

[Dr.p53]

I'm very excited right now to finish my Doctor of Dental Medicine. After your DMD/DDS you can specialize in dff. fields of Dentistry. Plus an opportunity to be a Surgeon by specializing in OMFS. Some program has MD degree also. Plus rotation in many areas in the Hospital. Dentist are Doctors. You are the boss and people respect you a lot. You're the captain of the ship. White coats are exciting! You are independent and of course good money . RN and future DMD

 

[Daneosaurus]

I thought it was harder to get in if you were 28+ years old. If I were you, I would go and talk to Dr. Lippman. Make an appointment and tell him your story. You may not get into NOVA, but he will do his best to make sure you get into a dental school.

I'll be starting at 28. Different schools value different attributes.

 

[Made-n-TX]

I am currently 30 and will graduate with my BSN in the fall of 2015. I have been a nurse for 2 years now and currently work in an ER. Although nursing is very rewarding and fulfilling, I feel I am destined to do much more. I don't get the opportunity to work much with my hands and I always have that itch to learn a few suturing knots here and there and ughhh... I can't. I would love to pursue oral surgery. I feel I'm pretty up there in age to start a new career but I have to follow my heart.

 

[PaliRN95]

Hello, i'm in the exact same boat right now and i plan on applying next cycle. For all those RNs that applied to Dental Schools, would you mind sharing some advice?