2 Year Program

[Kitowski90]

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Hi! I was wondering if anyone out there has done or has known someone who has completed predentistry in two years. Is it even possible to do it all with a good grade? Im wondering because no one has ever posted on the forum about completing pre dentistry in about two years time. Thanks for any insites and information!

 

[Regmata]

It would be an astronomical amount of work to complete in just 2 years. It could be done, but your competition will have already taken upper level courses that are invaluable in dental school. This would put you at a disadvantage later on. Also, schools may not like a candidate who rushed through it and only took the preo-reqs.

 

[Nasem]

university of detroit mercy has a special DDS 6 year program for freash out of high school students....

but you gotta be top of the food chain outta highschool kinda guy to get accepted.... bascially, the first 2 years are undergrad pre-dental courses and you MUST keep a 3.5 gpa or higher, and if you get like a 17 or higher in every section of the DAT, you automatically get a spot in thier 4 year DDS program

its a bad ass deal, but you gots to be super duper nerd in high school

 

[Kitowski90]

if a person did all the prerequisite and even additional credits in two years would he stand a good chance of being accepted into dentist school?

 

[vhh007]

I'd guess so but what's the rush? College should be fun! Also some schools will require that you get your degree before you start dental school so you have to take that into consideration.

 

[Kitowski90]

Hehe, you are kind of right. I just graduated high school at the age of 16. ive had a gpa that has never gone as low as 3.8 To tell the truth I dont look like a nerd at all, hehe.. I just have an amazing ability to understand and manage time. I dont want to look smart, I just really want to be a dentist.

 

[reapply2007]

I saw a thread a few months ago where someone indicated they were accepted to d-school to start at the end of their second year. However, they were non-traditional and had worked in a dental office for more than ten years. For the rest of us mortals it seems like a long shot to get in after two years, even though you could probably get the prereqs done in two years, maybe a summer session thrown in there.

 

[Kitowski90]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I really appreciate it. I'm thinking I will do pre-dentistry in two years because I really have interests in the field of dentistry. Oh, one more question I would like to ask. Is everyone really having a hard time in pre-dentistry? Or is it only dentistry? When you look at it from managed point of view it seems way more easy than medical school. What are your opinions?

 

[johntara04]

I did it in 1.5 years. My grades were good, but I was wasted. I applied with my general chemistry done, labs, biology done, labs, 1 semester of o. chem and lab. I didn't have any physics done when I applied. I did get plenty of interviews and got accepted but I was restricted as to where I could apply and I got the feeling that some schools rejected me just because I didn't have all my prereqs done (which I can't blame them). So it all depends on how hard you want to work, whether or not you like your summers, etc. But it can be done.

 

[johntara04]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I really appreciate it. I'm thinking I will do pre-dentistry in two years because I really have interests in the field of dentistry. Oh, one more question I would like to ask. Is everyone really having a hard time in pre-dentistry? Or is it only dentistry? When you look at it from managed point of view it seems way more easy than medical school. What are your opinions?

It seems to me that all the students that have done both MD and DMD/DDS say dental school was harder. But, again, it is all a matter of opinion. To some one is harder, to others the other. Also, I am sure it depends on the program you are in. I am sure Harvard Dental is harder than city med school, and visa versa.

 

[Kitowski90]

Was there a specific area that students found difficulty in? Or was it in all areas of study? I'm really curious to know the full extent of hardships dental students come through.

 

[Kitowski90]

I'm really amazed at you John. Finishing everything in 1.5 years. you got accepted by colleges, right? What was your GPA? And which college accepted you? What was your DAT score? I really am sorry for asking so many questions to you, but I really am relieved that I am not the only one who decided to choose this path of study.

 

[munch22]

So you are 16 now and graduated from HS??? And you want to do pre-reqs in two years, making you 18 and graduate from dental school at 22??? I think you are going to find it difficult to find patients that want a 22 year old dentist. Not that everyone will shy away, but especially the older patients may be worried about your age. What is the rush? Life is not all about hard work!! And you have to be able to relax and have fun. What are you going to do those nights when your class wants to go out and unwind after a tough round of finals...use your fake ID to get in?

 

[Kitowski90]

Hahaha, well said. I know that being 16 will affect the way people will view me not only as a dentist but also as a college student. All I can say is that having a serious attitude about entering into this profession is the best way to make up for my age difference with other graduates in dentistry. I'm not all against having fun, but I can have fun after I graduate couldn't I? I'm really serious about becoming a dentist, and I feel if I ever tried to ease up on my seriousness it would only hinder me from completing my dream of becoming a dentist.

 

[Nasem]

it is possible to finish all your pre-reqs in less than 2 years...

Year1/ Fall, take the following (will be heavy 18-19 credit hrs)
English I,
Pre-cal I (assuming you were placed in pre-calc)
non-calc based physics I
gen Chem I
Gen chem I lab
Biology I
Biology lab

Year1 / spring (another 18-19 credit hrs)
English II
Calc-I
non-calc based physcis II
gen Chem II
gen chem II lab
Biology II
biology II lab

thats like.... all the "standard" pre-reqs done in 1 year lol, it will be tough as hell tho, but if you can manage a 3.4 GPA or higher and your only like 17 or 18 years of age, dental schools will think your a GOD for being so young and serious about your life....

 

[johntara04]

I'm really amazed at you John. Finishing everything in 1.5 years. you got accepted by colleges, right? What was your GPA? And which college accepted you? What was your DAT score? I really am sorry for asking so many questions to you, but I really am relieved that I am not the only one who decided to choose this path of study.

I will say this: at the beginning, I was older (matriculated at 25 accepted at 24), but I still did all my college/prereqs in 1.5 years. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life, was getting married to a hygienist, went and watched her employer (dentist) and thought that I could do this for the rest of my life. So I went to work.

G.P.A 3.3 (sci and overall maybe overall was a 3.4)
DAT (as best as I remember, I don't remember the individual scores, sorry)
AA 19
PAT 21
Applied:
Arizona
USC
Nova
Creighton
Temple
Southern Ill
Iowa
Buffalo
UOP
NYU
Rejected:
Arizona
Nova
Iowa (Twice 😀)
Interviewed:
USC
Creighton
Temple
Southern Ill
Other Than 2ndary, didn't hear from:
NYU
UOP
Buffalo
Accepted (December 1. I don't know about the others because I canceled them after acceptance):
Temple
Southern Ill

So, it is possible. I haven't had a summer off in forever, say there is no way I can specialize straight out of school (I want some fun time and money 🙂), but I am glad I did it.

My only piece of advice is do everything you can to make yourself stick out. Maybe going through school quickly is your "thing." Shadow a ton, and research the schools you interview at; it is nice to go and interview and have Brian (at Temple) know your name, tell you that you have asked "excellent" questions and compliment your dental knowledge. 😀

It is so competitive, you have got to use every advantage you can get. At Temple, they received over 4,000 applications and they didn't think they would even look at the last 2,000 received because they already had too many qualified applicants. Everybody has a 3.3 gpa and 19 DATs. So you need to make yourself stand out in other ways that lets the school know you are right for them. Good luck.

 

[Kitowski90]

thank you so much for the helpful information. I have one more question though. Is shadowing a dentist a requirement or does it help with getting accepted into college? does it even count as volunteer work? Thank you so much again everyone for giving me some really good information about pre dentistry.

 

[PChemGrad]

You can to UoP's 2+3 program.
You go to their undergrad campus and do 2 years of pre-reqs then if you keep your GPA up and do well on the DAT you are offered a interview and if you nail that you will go to dental school the next year.
So you get done in 5 years which isnt bad. You dont get a B.S. out of it, but if you are a dentist you dont need a B.S. so it doesnt matter.

 

[z3u2]

it is possible to finish all your pre-reqs in less than 2 years...

Year1/ Fall, take the following (will be heavy 18-19 credit hrs)
English I,
Pre-cal I (assuming you were placed in pre-calc)
non-calc based physics I
gen Chem I
Gen chem I lab
Biology I
Biology lab

Year1 / spring (another 18-19 credit hrs)
English II
Calc-I
non-calc based physcis II
gen Chem II
gen chem II lab
Biology II
biology II lab

thats like.... all the "standard" pre-reqs done in 1 year lol, it will be tough as hell tho, but if you can manage a 3.4 GPA or higher and your only like 17 or 18 years of age, dental schools will think your a GOD for being so young and serious about your life....

ummmm..
this is a pretty standard timetable for a first year at my school though...
and it's pretty standard for most of the science majors stduents; two english courses, two physics, two chem, two math..
i didn't have it like that exactly because i had two computer science instead of two biology

 

[xdianaax]

I know if you're looking to specialize most residency programs require a B.S.

 

[1992Corolla]

So you are 16 now and graduated from HS??? And you want to do pre-reqs in two years, making you 18 and graduate from dental school at 22??? I think you are going to find it difficult to find patients that want a 22 year old dentist. Not that everyone will shy away, but especially the older patients may be worried about your age. What is the rush? Life is not all about hard work!! And you have to be able to relax and have fun. What are you going to do those nights when your class wants to go out and unwind after a tough round of finals...use your fake ID to get in?

Don't listen to the naysayers. If you are a good doctor then they will be happy to have you. I say go for it.

 

[Kitowski90]

Thank for you for the support! Age really doesnt matter, it's the skill of the professional. I hope the counselor can put up a smooth schedule for me to follow. I really dont care how many hours I need to study, because Im actually doing nothing at all if Im not studying. Hey Corolla, good luck and best wishes in dentist school!!

 

[xdianaax]

Honestly if you think you can do it all the more power to you, but I know first hand that in your interview they might question the age only because they might feel like you're not at the same maturity level as some of the other applicants, but I mean it's def. not impossible.

 

[johntara04]

Honestly if you think you can do it all the more power to you, but I know first hand that in your interview they might question the age only because they might feel like you're not at the same maturity level as some of the other applicants, but I mean it's def. not impossible.

I think it would be opposite. I think that a younger person applying (much younger) would be seen as more mature due to the fact that they didn't "waste" as much time partying, drinking, etc. The younger applicant may be seen as more dedicated. But, just like you and I differ, I bet it differs from school to school.

 

[blasterx]

I think it would be opposite. I think that a younger person applying (much younger) would be seen as more mature due to the fact that they didn't "waste" as much time partying, drinking, etc. The younger applicant may be seen as more dedicated. But, just like you and I differ, I bet it differs from school to school.

So you're saying that people that spend 4 years in undergrad wasted their time partying and drinking?

 

[johntara04]

So you're saying that people that spend 4 years in undergrad wasted their time partying and drinking?

Go back, read my post and you'll see I answered your question.

 

[lemoncurry]

I did it in 1.5 years. My grades were good, but I was wasted. I applied with my general chemistry done, labs, biology done, labs, 1 semester of o. chem and lab. I didn't have any physics done when I applied. I did get plenty of interviews and got accepted but I was restricted as to where I could apply and I got the feeling that some schools rejected me just because I didn't have all my prereqs done (which I can't blame them). So it all depends on how hard you want to work, whether or not you like your summers, etc. But it can be done.

Now, I don't know every dental school's requirements, but I can't recall seeing one that didn't require physics. Are you saying you had your physics done in that 1.5 years as well? because it sounds like you didn't, and I hate to call you on a technicality, but if you didn't have physics done in the 1.5 years, then you weren't really finished with your predent.


Honestly, I think doing it all in 2 years should be a piece of cake, assuming that you don't take any GE classes. I think the hardest thing would be taking Biochem while you're still in O-chem, but not all schools require biochem yet. I took ochem and physics the same year, as well as upper division biology classes, so I guess technically I finished the bare minimum requirements in 2 years.

 

[xdianaax]

The problem is that they didn't waste time doing anything fun or living it up. Remember dental schools want a well rounded person, and they maybe mature for making it that far that quickly, they might finally make it to dental school and break. Come out of their shells, party like a rockstar, and drop out. I say it because I've actually heard these stories. So I'm sticking to my original statement, you're only problem might be your age.

 

[johntara04]

Now, I don't know every dental school's requirements, but I can't recall seeing one that didn't require physics. Are you saying you had your physics done in that 1.5 years as well? because it sounds like you didn't, and I hate to call you on a technicality, but if you didn't have physics done in the 1.5 years, then you weren't really finished with your predent.


Honestly, I think doing it all in 2 years should be a piece of cake, assuming that you don't take any GE classes. I think the hardest thing would be taking Biochem while you're still in O-chem, but not all schools require biochem yet. I took ochem and physics the same year, as well as upper division biology classes, so I guess technically I finished the bare minimum requirements in 2 years.

No technicality, I didn't have physics done when I applied. The University of Utah has an accelerated physics class where you can do Physics I & II in 2 months. I did that before I matriculated. So, I didn't have physics done when I applied, but had it done when I started D school. I did have just the absolute bare minimum to get in. Not one more credit. My plan was to apply and see if I got in, if not I would go and do biochem, anatomy, physio, etc and try again the next year.

 

[johntara04]

The problem is that they didn't waste time doing anything fun or living it up. Remember dental schools want a well rounded person, and they maybe mature for making it that far that quickly, they might finally make it to dental school and break. Come out of their shells, party like a rockstar, and drop out. I say it because I've actually heard these stories. So I'm sticking to my original statement, you're only problem might be your age.

You might be right, but I would say the students that struggle in my dental class are not the ones that study all day and night. It is the ones that applied to school, argue that they got in because they are so "well rounded", and now continue to act like they are in undergraduate by partying all weekend and cramming the night before a test.

BUT, just like you and I differ in this opinion, I bet every school is different too. Some probably feel the way you do and others probably feel the way I do. 🙂

 

[1992Corolla]

Come out of their shells, party like a rockstar, and drop out. I say it because I've actually heard these stories.

or they could stick to the game plan like a mature adult and kick everyones butt.

I have never partied hard like a rockstar and I am doing just fine. Granted I am 27 and getting schmidt faced isn't exactly on my top list of things to do after finals or an the weekends. You can still have fun, do an accelerated program, become well diversified and be well rounded in two years. Some people have it, some people have more of it.

I am going to venture and say that Kitowski has more of it. Go for it man.

 

[xdianaax]

I guess the only person that knows is the OP, and I guess the only way he'll find out is if he applies. He might want to talk to some schools first though, because I know it's no easy task. The easiest thing would be to get into one of those programs. It's hard to get in without them when you don't have a bachelor's.

 

[collegeboy30000]

I know if you're looking to specialize most residency programs require a B.S.

which ones?
never heard of such things...correct me if I am wrong.

 

[xdianaax]

pretty sure OMFS you do, I read it on some websites. Case being one.

 

[johntara04]

pretty sure OMFS you do, I read it on some websites. Case being one.

The good news is that a lot of universities will "award" you a BS if you are accepted to a professional school and complete the first year. I know the University of Utah's is a Medical Biology degree.

 

[munch22]

I wasn't saying that at 22 it would be impossible to build a clientel....I said it would make the road much more difficult. Honestly, I am impressed at his drive. I was also not saying that I need to go out every night and party etc etc...my only point at the drinking comment was to show the op that socially he may find it hard to connect with his classmates (and not just b/c he can't drink before someone jumps at that comment...in general 19 and 27 is a big age difference.) Of course the same thing can be said about a non-trad. 37 year old who has applied.

Another concern is that you will burn out. Of course you finished HS in two years....you must be very smart. But I remember HS and it was not hard!!! Taking all AP and honors courses I graduated with an unweighted 3.9 gpa and hardly opened a book. You turned in your work and that was about all it took to get an A. Depending on the college you go to and positivly in dental school your classes are going to be tougher and they are going to require a lot more effort. Unless of course you are a genious and your IQ is off the charts. If this is why you graduated early maybe you will find these classes to be easy too. Otherwise, before you commit to a killer schedule make sure you are ready for it and not fooling yourself into thinking it will be HS.

Good luck in whatever you choose to do. You certianly sound dedicated. Just remember life is not all work and no play. Unless you are a robot everyone needs some down time.

 

[jeninny44]

Depending on the college you go to and positivly in dental school your classes are going to be tougher and they are going to require a lot more effort. Unless of course you are a genious and your IQ is off the charts. If this is why you graduated early maybe you will find these classes to be easy too.

Hey genius. I'm positively sure of myself that it is not spelled that way. Always cracks me up when people misspell that word.

To the OP: Go for it. Do your best, but know it will be a lot of hard work. Don't listen to all the negative comments with hypothetical situations. If you study hard, stay organized, be smart, you definitely can do it!

 

[Nasem]

I don't thinking being able to spell Geenouz / genius / genious / blah blah has ANYTHING to do with how smart someone really is lol... I just means they spell like sh**

 

[jeninny44]

To the OP: Go for it. Do your best, but know it will be a lot of hard work. Don't listen to all the negative comments with hypothetical situations. If you study hard, stay organized, be smart, you definitely can do it!

I will second my comment. Go for it. Dentistry is an awesome profession.

 

[Kitowski90]

Thank you all for the great and wonderful opinions about the world of dentistry. I am in fact encouraged by your views and stories to what studying in pre dentistry is really like. I think everyone would have to agree that completing it all in two years is not an easy task, but with all the determination I have and all the encouragement I have recieved, I can boldly say I am ready to start my training. Again, thank you all for your time and your honest thoughts on the subject of pre dentistry. I hope and pray I will see you all after I have completed my studies. I'm very sure it is not hard to find me. My name sticks out, hehe.. Good luck to everyone in their careers and studies. If any of you ever come to Washington State after 5 or 6 years be sure to look me up. I'm really sure with all the great words of support I will become a young, skilled dentist by then.

 

[munch22]

First...I kan't spell, I have allways beeen a horribl speller...I have never one a spelling beee!!!! I admit it, when I write a paper it takes me longer to spell check it than compose it!!! Who cares!!! Actually you proved my point...you don't have to be a genius/genious to do well in HS. And If you had read my post, instead of grammer checking it for me, you would see that I was not putting the OP down. I acutally said that I was impressed with his determination and I admired him. I was only pointing out things that maybe he hadn't considered.

What is all of your spite about?? Why do so many people on this forum look to put others down? I hope that he goes through with his plans; I just want him to remember that life is about fun too. He is 16!!! Why rush to be 40. But maybe that is his idea of fun...good for him. That is why I stated my opinion...that is what he was looking for and why he posted....and then I said good luck!!!

 

[Kitowski90]

Thank you Munch22 for the luck. I will be needing a lot of it. I actually admire everyone that posted. You all show much needed advice and support.