Where do I stand?

[tooth knockn]

Do you know any dental students who have been accepted with these stats:

3.15 overall GPA

Dat 19 overall

?

And does it matter if an applicant have a lot of professional dental experience, such as, dental assisting and as a dental laboratory technician?

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[tooth knockn]

Bunp

 

[catman856]

bum*

 

[Demilaax]

Do you know any dental students who have been accepted with these stats:

3.15 overall GPA

Dat 19 overall

?

And does it matter if an applicant have a lot of professional dental experience, such as, dental assisting and as a dental laboratory technician?

I know people that have made it with those scores, but they had a really good story to explain why they didn't do better... such as extreme hardships. Some schools don't care about "a lot " of hours, as long as you have some, ur good. Words from the director at UTHSCA, it doesn't matter if you have 100 hr dental experience or a thousand, as long as you have some experience... that tells us you know what you're getting into. But ofc, dental lab does make you a better applicant. Take what I say with a grain of salt, but I think you're going to need a strong personal statement to accommodate and be a competitive applicant. I would start working on a masters during the application cycle, or at least continue taking classes and show them the upper trend... even if it's one or two courses a semester.. and make sure you register in ones you'll for sure earn an A in. Also if your volunteering hours are limited, use them in places like Hospice...things that stand out vs a dog orphanage (or u can do both if u got the time). Good luck.

 

[tooth knockn]

I know people that have made it with those scores, but they had a really good story to explain why they didn't do better... such as extreme hardships. Some schools don't care about "a lot " of hours, as long as you have some, ur good. Words from the director at UTHSCA, it doesn't matter if you have 100 hr dental experience or a thousand, as long as you have some experience... that tells us you know what you're getting into. But ofc, dental lab does make you a better applicant. Take what I say with a grain of salt, but I think you're going to need a strong personal statement to accommodate and be a competitive applicant. I would start working on a masters during the application cycle, or at least continue taking classes and show them the upper trend... even if it's one or two courses a semester.. and make sure you register in ones you'll for sure earn an A in. Also if your volunteering hours are limited, use them in places like Hospice...things that stand out vs a dog orphanage (or u can do both if u got the time). Good luck.

Yea .... Right....
:-(

I have no extreme hardships. Mostly just a lot of work and school and weekend father.

It sucks knowing I do not have the most competitive scores, sometimes I wish there were to tests to score how much a person has their Heart set at something.

Thank you for your response, sometimes these posts just make an individual feel better that there is hope, human nature.


I am planning to do a masters program if I am not accepted this cycle, I hope I get accepted, erg.



My personal statement that I wrote was like a story of how dentistry entered my life, and why I chose to stick to it, and how I kept on trying to learn new things, assisting different types of specialists, taking x-rays, explaining pt everything for the dr., dental lab school, and right now I am learning to do better communication with patients to keep up with there appt. , and explaining why they should.

 

[Demilaax]

Juggling work, school and family isn't easy, and that's actually a really positive thing to have on your app. You can mention a line or 2 in your personal statement saying how work and family hindered your school performance but you remained determined to reach your goal in pursuing a career dentistry. If available, get different advisers to read ur personal statement so you can get different views. My 1st PS which one adviser liked, was completely criticized by another and was said to be the reason for not getting accepted. Lastly, you can always exaggerate your work/volunteer hours and jazz things up.

 

[DentTech]

Do you know any dental students who have been accepted with these stats:

3.15 overall GPA

Dat 19 overall

?

And does it matter if an applicant have a lot of professional dental experience, such as, dental assisting and as a dental laboratory technician?

So have you applied yet? Our scores are very similar (3.23 and 19). I just applied this cycle and I'm hoping my experience will help me get in.
15 years as a full service dental tech, often times dentists tell me I will breeze through DS, and they wish they had my experience going in. IDK, I can only take their word for it and hope the admissions committee recognizes this...

 

[tooth knockn]

So have you applied yet? Our scores are very similar (3.23 and 19). I just applied this cycle and I'm hoping my experience will help me get in.
15 years as a full service dental tech, often times dentists tell me I will breeze through DS, and they wish they had my experience going in. IDK, I can only take their word for it and hope the admissions committee recognizes this...

Hey

Yea I applied.

Still waiting for responses.

You will definitely breeze through clinical stuff, don't worry about those things.

Just apply. I also hope that dental schools view those experiences as well.

For me it makes more sense to accept an applicant with experience, but who am I to say who gets in.

 

[480640]

.

 

[Incis0r]

Hey

Yea I applied.

Still waiting for responses.

You will definitely breeze through clinical stuff, don't worry about those things.

Just apply. I also hope that dental schools view those experiences as well.

For me it makes more sense to accept an applicant with experience, but who am I to say who gets in.

Good luck tooth! Did you end up also enrolling in a hygiene program as backup?

 

[tooth knockn]

Good luck tooth! Did you end up also enrolling in a hygiene program as backup?

Yea

 

[DentTech]

For real! seems to me like every high end dentist in the country (John Kois and Frank Spear, for instance) has significant experience as a technician. On these forums people seem to value experience as an assistant more than anything, and those who claim "technician" have only spent time doing model work and pickups. Takes years to understand anatomy, occlusion, case planning, prep design, ceramics, ect. Dental school is a quick crash course of everything, then you're cast out into the workforce and put in a position to quickly pay back school loans without understanding many of these crutial concepts. IMO you should stick with being a tech, it might not help get into DS, but will make you that much better of a dentist in the long run.

 

[PlasmaMembrane]

IMO you should stick with being a tech, it might not help get into DS, but will make you that much better of a dentist in the long run.

He should stick with being a tech because he lacks the academic ability to get into dental school, not because he needs to worry about his skill as a dentist.

 

[Incis0r]

He should stick with being a tech because he lacks the academic ability to get into dental school, not because he needs to worry about his skill as a dentist.

Are you talking about Tooth? (3.15 gpa, 19 dat)- I wouldn't count that as lacking the academic ability to get into dental school. There are people with sub 3.0s who do a post-bac, work hard, and get in. And 19 DAT is around national average.

 

[Bifenthrin]

He should stick with being a tech because he lacks the academic ability to get into dental school, not because he needs to worry about his skill as a dentist.

It's not even academic ability. I'm sure that if he works his behind off he'll manage.

But he definitely lacks the maturity and people skills, as evidenced by the majority of his posts.

 

[PlasmaMembrane]

Are you talking about Tooth? (3.15 gpa, 19 dat)- I wouldn't count that as lacking the academic ability to get into dental school. There are people with sub 3.0s who do a post-bac, work hard, and get in. And 19 DAT is around national average.

In addition to what Bifenthrin said above, those aren't Tooth's actual stats. He made this thread a year ago after this one where he said:

I was expecting a minimum of 18.

And I got less!

Meaning his DAT score was at most a 17, likely less. He also had this wise plan:

I am thinking about getting an audit and complain that the test was exceptionally difficult and to reevaluate my score.

He's clearly not cut out for the rigors of dental school in any way. Not everyone can (or should) be a dentist.

 

[tooth knockn]

In addition to what Bifenthrin said above, those aren't Tooth's actual stats. He made this thread a year ago after this one where he said:



Meaning his DAT score was at most a 17, likely less. He also had this wise plan:



He's clearly not cut out for the rigors of dental school in any way. Not everyone can (or should) be a dentist.

Geez

Wth

Nice work plasma.

I'm surprised you didn't edit.

 

[tooth knockn]

Hey plasma

I think it would probably bother you so much if I were to get into dental school.

You are such a hater.


Why?

Just for others to know.

I did retake DAT
I DID not do so good.
21Pat
17qr
20rc
18bio
18Oc
16gc

I know I will get into dental school.

And I might actually be a better dentist than Plasma one day, a little chip on plasmamembrane shoulder, could be his down fall.

 

[Incis0r]

Tooth Knockn, third time is the charm. Just really buckle down and hit it hard this time. You can do it!

he definitely lacks the maturity and people skills

The guy is working a job, is a father (see below), and has been trying hard to get into dental school for 2+ years. If that's not mature, I have no idea what is. See his quote below:

Yea .... Right....
:-(

I have no extreme hardships. Mostly just a lot of work and school and weekend father.

It sucks knowing I do not have the most competitive scores, sometimes I wish there were to tests to score how much a person has their Heart set at something.

Thank you for your response, sometimes these posts just make an individual feel better that there is hope, human nature.


I am planning to do a masters program if I am not accepted this cycle, I hope I get accepted, erg.

 

[Incis0r]

In addition to what Bifenthrin said above, those aren't Tooth's actual stats. He made this thread a year ago after this one where he said:



Meaning his DAT score was at most a 17, likely less. He also had this wise plan:



He's clearly not cut out for the rigors of dental school in any way. Not everyone can (or should) be a dentist.

I didn't know this. Still, I don't think we should be cynical about someone's ability to get into dental school based on how s/he does on an exam.

 

[DentTech]

Plasma, Sadly, academic ability has nothing to do with being a good dentist. trust me on this one! 90% of what you learned in undergrad you will never see in DS. You're in for a rude awakening once you get to the clinical, while guys like Tooth and I are running circles around you.

 

[PlasmaMembrane]

Plasma, Sadly, academic ability has nothing to do with being a good dentist. trust me on this one! 90% of what you learned in undergrad you will never see in DS. You're in for a rude awakening once you get to the clinical, while guys like Tooth and I are running circles around you.

1. Unfortunately for you and toothknockn, academic ability has a lot to do with getting into dental school

2. Assuming academic ability and clinical ability are mutually exclusive is ******ed. Stop trying to rationalize your poor academic ability by dreaming you're going to have superstar hand skills to make up for it or something.

 

[Bifenthrin]

Just fyi, most of the people I personally know of who are repeating a year in school or failed out did so on the didactic side, not the clinical side of things.

You kids have NO idea what you're in for if you get into dental school. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it's effing hard. And father or not, the way this guy talks, believe me, he's going to be in for a rude awakening if he gets in. I know a guy who sounds just like him, flunked out first year because he thought he was such a big shot. Nuff said.

 

[DentTech]

1. Unfortunately for you and toothknockn, academic ability has a lot to do with getting into dental school

2. Assuming academic ability and clinical ability are mutually exclusive is ******ed. Stop trying to rationalize your poor academic ability by dreaming you're going to have superstar hand skills to make up for it or something.

LOL, I certainly wish my grades were higher. Some of us have to make it through school while running a business and supporting a family. I sure wish mommy and daddy paid my way too.
All bull**** aside, I've been in this business a long time and have seen many things. I am friends with some of the most well recognized dentists in the country and I speak for them when they say the selection process for DS is absolutely crazy. Please, do yourself a favor and start working with your hands before DS and buddy up with some good technicians at some point in your career.

 

[DentTech]

Just fyi, most of the people I personally know of who are repeating a year in school or failed out did so on the didactic side, not the clinical side of things.

You kids have NO idea what you're in for if you get into dental school. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it's effing hard. And father or not, the way this guy talks, believe me, he's going to be in for a rude awakening if he gets in. I know a guy who sounds just like him, flunked out first year because he thought he was such a big shot. Nuff said.

I have heard this as well, and couldn't agree more, DS is going to be a very humbling experience for all of us. I just emphasize with Tooth because I am in a similar boat..

 

[tooth knockn]

I have heard this as well, and couldn't agree more, DS is going to be a very humbling experience for all of us. I just emphasize with Tooth because I am in a similar boat..

Yea!

You heard that guys!

Now what!

























Humor !



Dental school is and will be one of my life's achievements.

I never said it will be easy, but once I'm in, I'm in.

No more work, only school work. Especially lecture materials, cause I'm. Pretty sure I will be somewhat advanced with the hand skills.

 

[tooth knockn]

Just fyi, most of the people I personally know of who are repeating a year in school or failed out did so on the didactic side, not the clinical side of things.

You kids have NO idea what you're in for if you get into dental school. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it's effing hard. And father or not, the way this guy talks, believe me, he's going to be in for a rude awakening if he gets in. I know a guy who sounds just like him, flunked out first year because he thought he was such a big shot. Nuff said.

I thought we were homies.

 

[Incis0r]

I thought we were homies.

She is your homie- she's just looking out for ya, bud

 

[danchoi03]

I am sorry to break your heart Tooth Knockn, but with that your stat it will be very difficult to land an interview. Your best bet is retake the DAT, do more postbac work, and apply next cycle. Do a masters if you have over 200 units, otherwise do postbac because it is a cheaper route.

 

[niv3k]

I've seen stats worse than what toothed applying with and they've still gotten in.

Jeez people on these forums. So cynical sometimes.

 

[darknightzzz]

been a long time since I wander to this dental side of the forum.

after attending a few interviews, many admission representatives and dean specifically told me and other interviewees that

1. they choose people based on academic ability (score and GPA) with volunteering and assisting to make sure you don't wake up one day deciding dentistry is not for you while you are in 200k debt and potentially drop out and make the school lose the tuition.

2. one dean even told me that they want to train all dental students from scratch with clinical skills. as long as the students have interest in working with their hands, they can train them from ground 0. he even said some students with previous experience as dental lab technicians have difficulty dropping the shortcuts and the bad habits when working in the sim lab.

 

[DentTech]

been a long time since I wander to this dental side of the forum.

after attending a few interviews, many admission representatives and dean specifically told me and other interviewees that

1. they choose people based on academic ability (score and GPA) with volunteering and assisting to make sure you don't wake up one day deciding dentistry is not for you while you are in 200k debt and potentially drop out and make the school lose the tuition.

2. one dean even told me that they want to train all dental students from scratch with clinical skills. as long as the students have interest in working with their hands, they can train them from ground 0. he even said some students with previous experience as dental lab technicians have difficulty dropping the shortcuts and the bad habits when working in the sim lab.

agreed. I have spent years developing my skills and learning everything I can about dental technology, and trust me, there is an infinite amount of information to learn on that side of the fence. most of what I do dentists don't have a clue about and I see critical mistakes being made by dentists every single day. Everything I have done, has been with the mindset of making me a better dentist when that day someday comes. I even study techniques and concepts dentists dont learn until after dental school. Ironically, now in the application phase, I am slowly realizing all this hard work has hindered me for the very reasons you explained. I could end up with bad habbits and no prof. wants to teach to a closed book, which is not my intentions, but my current situation really sucks.
With that being said, if you look at the track record of the most well recognized restorative dentists in the country (i.e. Frank Spear and John Kois) of whom you will someday learn about, they all spent time working as a dental technician. So my argument is, if you want to prepare yourself for DS and really kick ass as a dentist, spend some time in the lab. However, it might not be such a good idea to tell the schools about it.