Advice Needed!

[Ballardista]

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I graduated from a four-year university last year with a Bachelors of the Arts in Communications, but I've always been interested in dentistry. I've recently decided to go back to school to take all my science prereqs so I can finally attempt to get into the dentistry field, but I'm curious about my chances of even being accepted into a program if I have a bachelors in communications? I've heard that most of the applicants are Bio/science majors and I'm wondering if that will affect my chances. I'm specifically hoping to attend University of Washington's dental program, so if anyone has experience with this specific school--even better.

I was originally thinking of getting into dental hygiene, but after doing some shadowing decided being a dentist was my real goal. I will be taking prereqs this next year and also dental assisting to bump up my hours. I really have no clue how the process works...when should I take my DAT? I have had very few science classes up to this point, but will be taking more immediately. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it!​

 

[Badgerfaithful]

Your chances with a non-science major are still just as good, provided you've taken all the pre-reqs and done well in several science classes taken at the same time, proving you can handle a science-heavy load. Your chances of getting into Washington depend mostly on whether you're from Washington or not. Washington has a small class of about 55 students, and only about 10 of those are normally from out of state. So if you're not from Washington your chances are slim.

I would say take the DAT the spring or early summer the year you plan to start applying. So if you plan to start applying next year, taking the DAT around this time of year next year is probably a good idea. Be sure to do well in your science classes and don't just take the minimum pre-reqs. Like I said they want to see that you can handle a science heavy load and still do well.

 

[Ballardista]

Thanks Badgerfaithful--I am from Washington State so hopefully that helps me out. My plan was to take a science class a quarter at a local CC for the first few months while working full-time as a dental assistant, but from your post it looks like I should take more science classes per quarter. After my first few rounds of science classes I was planning on taking a few from UW as a non-matriculated student (half of their required science credits have to be received from a 4-year university). Does this sound like a good plan...or should I beef up the science load and get done with the prereqs faster? I will need to work while in school but might be able to get by on part-time...

 

[Badgerfaithful]

Well I think you'd certainly be better off in the long run taking more science classes at a time, and taking those at UW instead of at a CC. There isn't anything wrong with CC but having half of your reqs fulfilled there will make your application weaker, so in my opinion the least amount of CC classes is best on a dental application. Schools will understand, however, that you're non-traditional and had to work as much as you could while taking those classes at UW, which helps. Just keep your grades up in those classes so you don't have to make up excuses about it, and can instead show those grades as a strength.

 

[Zubnaya Feya]

I graduated from a four-year university last year with a Bachelors of the Arts in Communications, but I've always been interested in dentistry. I've recently decided to go back to school to take all my science prereqs so I can finally attempt to get into the dentistry field, but I'm curious about my chances of even being accepted into a program if I have a bachelors in communications? I've heard that most of the applicants are Bio/science majors and I'm wondering if that will affect my chances. I'm specifically hoping to attend University of Washington's dental program, so if anyone has experience with this specific school--even better.

I was originally thinking of getting into dental hygiene, but after doing some shadowing decided being a dentist was my real goal. I will be taking prereqs this next year and also dental assisting to bump up my hours. I really have no clue how the process works...when should I take my DAT? I have had very few science classes up to this point, but will be taking more immediately. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it!​

Are you from Ballard? heh)
Don't worry about your Bachelor's not being a science one. As long as you do well in science pre-reqs for UW, you are in an excellent position. UW is really into diversity so your Communications BA most likely would be something they are looking for.

It's better to take the DAT before application cycle begins (I would say May-April of the year you are applying (app opens in June)).

Rock your pre-reqs (try get 3.5 or above in all)! UW is quite competitive but you being in-state is a huuuuge plus.

 

[marcusbrody]

I graduated from a four-year university last year with a Bachelors of the Arts in Communications, but I've always been interested in dentistry. I've recently decided to go back to school to take all my science prereqs so I can finally attempt to get into the dentistry field, but I'm curious about my chances of even being accepted into a program if I have a bachelors in communications? I've heard that most of the applicants are Bio/science majors and I'm wondering if that will affect my chances. I'm specifically hoping to attend University of Washington's dental program, so if anyone has experience with this specific school--even better.

I was originally thinking of getting into dental hygiene, but after doing some shadowing decided being a dentist was my real goal. I will be taking prereqs this next year and also dental assisting to bump up my hours. I really have no clue how the process works...when should I take my DAT? I have had very few science classes up to this point, but will be taking more immediately. If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it!​

I just went through a similar situation as you. My one piece of advice would be to take more science classes than are required/recommended. This will help for the DAT prep and you will be more prepared for dental school once it starts.