28 too old?

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I was hoping to ask some dental stundents here if there are many 28-29 year olds in your class just starting dental school? Since my predental undergrad 4 years ago, I have completed an MBA and now am wondering if I should pursue a career in dentistry. I think I have made enough money to pay for my entire schooling expenses with very few loans. I am just worried that I am starting too late.

 

[mamelons]

There are several people in my class in their late 20s early 30s -- I am a DS2 now.

 

[Imanee]

I was hoping to ask some dental stundents here if there are many 28-29 year olds in your class just starting dental school? Since my predental undergrad 4 years ago, I have completed an MBA and now am wondering if I should pursue a career in dentistry. I think I have made enough money to pay for my entire schooling expenses with very few loans. I am just worried that I am starting too late.

I'm 29 yrs old and a D1. I know there's a 27 yr old, 30 yr. old, 26yr old, and 31yr old in my class. It's never too late....besides d-school is only 4 yrs. Good luck.

 

[Cold Front]

it's normal.

My class started as...

- 55% in 20-24
- 40% in 25-29
- 5% in 30+ (there is a guy who is well in his 40's, and one in his low 40's now).

 

[LuckyMiner]

🙂

 

[youngmc27]

I started at 29 and the class average was around 25. There are losts of dental student in the same age range as you so go for it.

 

[squeegeediver]

The way I see it, as long as you are at a point in your life where you are still prepared and willing to invest the work, time, money, and other resources, you're not too old.

 

[Dmitry Malayev]

I don't think it's too late. My friend is D1 and he's 27 year's old.

 

[wenz482]

D2, 34 y/o

 

[EngDentist]

D1 34 years, will be 35 in a couple of days! If you want it bad enough you can do it. And don't let anyone convince you otherwise. Good luck! 👍

 

[bipolardoc]

Why is there typically alot more non trads in medicine than dentistry. I mean there is a sub-forum just for older and non trad students. If you would have asked the same question in the med forum they prob would of thought you are silly for asking the question. Is it because dentist retire before physicians?

 

[Lopyswine]

Why is there typically alot more non trads in medicine than dentistry. I mean there is a sub-forum just for older and non trad students. If you would have asked the same question in the med forum they prob would of thought you are silly for asking the question. Is it because dentist retire before physicians?

maybe because a dentist can only practice as long as his/her hands are working. A MD can diagnose well into his 70s if he does CE. A dentist will most likely lose his hands to arthritis/age around mid 60s. So the practicing length of time after school is less for a dentist, so starting later hurts you more in dentistry.

this is all speculation. I am 27. I was having this very same conversation with a 28 year old D1, and that is the best answer we came up with.

 

[DMDreaming]

I was hoping to ask some dental stundents here if there are many 28-29 year olds in your class just starting dental school? Since my predental undergrad 4 years ago, I have completed an MBA and now am wondering if I should pursue a career in dentistry. I think I have made enough money to pay for my entire schooling expenses with very few loans. I am just worried that I am starting too late.

I'm 40 and was accepted to 3 schools for the class of 2012. If you want to pursue a career in dentistry, don't let age be a factor. Four (or five)years is going to go by regardless. The question is: Do you want to look back in a few years and say "I wish I would have" or "I am glad I went for it"?

 

[bjhath]

I am predental at the ripe old age of 33. 😉

Why is there typically alot more non trads in medicine than dentistry. I mean there is a sub-forum just for older and non trad students. If you would have asked the same question in the med forum they prob would of thought you are silly for asking the question. Is it because dentist retire before physicians?

It may have to do with sheer numbers. A quick search reveals:
med-school applicants (2007) 42,315
dental-school applicants (2007) 12,010
*I did not verify the authenticity of this information, but it looks about right*

I currently have a thread with a poll asking about making nontrad dental forum. It doesn't look like there is a whole lot of interest from nontrads, because the thread hasn't gotten much attention. Check it out if you haven't already.
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=567853

 

[needa20]

im 26, if i get in first time around, ill be 27 when i start. I also have an MBA.

my bro in law is 30 and he said there are plenty of dent students 30+ in his class

 

[cookand]

28-29 is no where near too old. We have a few in my class that age and few more that are older.

 

[visbimmer79]

I never think I am too old.

But, it's true we are a bit late. (Above average age!!)
In the long term, ur choice will be rewarding, though!

Once u get in, and u are able to open ur own clinics on time...without debt then you may even be better~~in lifelong marathon.

Above all, I think the most important thing is whether ur studies have been discontinued or not.

Hence age becomes an issue when u have discontinued ur studies for a while.

"Work autonomy, mobility of the career" are a few of advantages over other careers. (I mean "non-professional" careers)

That's the reason why we are now so nervous to wait for any additional invitation letters.

Altruistic attitude, fighting against disease, curing people of their diseases/disorders AND SAVE MANY LIVES
Hearing doctor, dentist, and high status & financial reward are all good things.

ANYWAY, it's one of the number one careers in terms of annual income. (This is universal fact!! )

But, I am a bit skeptical if I can initiate to pursue this career in my late 30's. (Cost & benefits is different for each person due to his/her own background, etc)

Lastly, there are many Koreans between 27~31 who are taking their best efforts to be accepted to medical & dental schools.

Once again, the only thing matters now (or forever in my life) is whether being accepted or not. (Extremely ultimately "this time" cuz then it will turn out that this was pretty smooth!)

Conclusively, I am only concerning about whether to pursue academic dentistry or specialty after 4yr dental school. (Can or not! --> Get good grades at the institution where I will be organized & feel happy)

I want to believe that I can get in this cycle!

 

[dentstd]

As long as you're young enough to retain bladder control, you're not too old for dental school. I'm 27 and going strong. I'm more organized than I was at 22. Unfortunately, I'm also more narrow-minded. My memory, somehow, remained unchanged.

 

[DiNoZeRo2o9]

my dentist i work for is 35 and he just graduated...28 is not too old

 

[somethinpositiv]

28?? Jeez, you'd get out of d-school and immediately be faced with retirement.. At 28, you're practically on your deathbed, how would you be able to practice dentistry? Well, I guess if John McCain isn't too old to be president, than you're not too old to become a dentist.. At any rate, good luck gramps..

 

[dr bojangles]

I was hoping to ask some dental stundents here if there are many 28-29 year olds in your class just starting dental school? Since my predental undergrad 4 years ago, I have completed an MBA and now am wondering if I should pursue a career in dentistry. I think I have made enough money to pay for my entire schooling expenses with very few loans. I am just worried that I am starting too late.

i think 28 is fine to start d-school. but 29, well, now you're just pushing it

 

[eldirty]

Ill be 28 next fall when I hopefully start

 

[doc toothache]

I was hoping to ask some dental stundents here if there are many 28-29 year olds in your class just starting dental school? Since my predental undergrad 4 years ago, I have completed an MBA and now am wondering if I should pursue a career in dentistry. I think I have made enough money to pay for my entire schooling expenses with very few loans. I am just worried that I am starting too late.

As far as Tenn is concerned (mean age 28) you are probably just at the right level. For NY with its oldest at 56 you may be too young for the older group. There is not a ds in the country where the youngest of the upper range was lower than 30.

Why is there typically alot more non trads in medicine than dentistry. I mean there is a sub-forum just for older and non trad students. If you would have asked the same question in the med forum they prob would of thought you are silly for asking the question. Is it because dentist retire before physicians?

I am predental at the ripe old age of 33. 😉
It may have to do with sheer numbers. A quick search reveals:
med-school applicants (2007) 42,315
dental-school applicants (2007) 12,010
*I did not verify the authenticity of this information, but it looks about right*
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=567853

Mean age for both medical and dental enrollees is 24.

 

[visbimmer79]

as I am Korean, we have a bit different story. (Especially like me with F-1 visa)🙂

 

[MONKEYBOY]

definitely too old. wow.

 

[jaypea65]

maybe because a dentist can only practice as long as his/her hands are working. A MD can diagnose well into his 70s if he does CE. A dentist will most likely lose his hands to arthritis/age around mid 60s. So the practicing length of time after school is less for a dentist, so starting later hurts you more in dentistry.

this is all speculation. I am 27. I was having this very same conversation with a 28 year old D1, and that is the best answer we came up with.

I know one that is 72 y/o and still going strong. I think that it depends on the individual. Also, remember your eyes will probably start to go before your hands!

 

[Theo]

I'm 28 and applying for my third time! I'm going to keep applying till I get in, no if and's or buts!!!! GO FOR IT!!!

 

[tooth hurty]

Yeah, I've also met lots of older dentists who are still going strong. Not that you qualify as 'older'! I think that you're at a good age where you're maybe not as young-looking as other dentists and patients will trust you more because of that. Good luck!

 

[Sea of ASH]

this thread makes me feel better!!!

 

[gogobruin]

u will be fine. my uncle became a dentist at age 34, and he went to specialize at age 40. comparing to him, u r younger!!! Never give up!!

 

[hoss19]

will be 30 starting next fall...hopefully😀