anyone know someone who got in with a previous DWI on record?

[Jaylee777]

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I am very worried...to say the least. I got a DWI when I was 17 in texas over 11 years ago....really stupid story...college fraternity guys in town rushing and made a very dumb decision to try and drive home after partaking in heavy drinking. I was under the impression that the record would not show up because I was a juvenile; also, I was misinformed that it would be sealed when I turned 21. Needless to say, I marked "no" on the TMDSAS question asking about misdemeanors (it says no need to disclose info on juvenile or criminal record that has been expunged or sealed). I am extremely worried that this is going to stop me from getting into dental school. I gave up my career to come back and pursue dental school and the thought of all my hard work, sacrifice, and dedication being a waste is making me feel ill. I worked hard to earn a 3.82 GPA for all the science prereqs in a year as a postbacc and a 21/21 DAT score to try and make up for my horrible undergrad GPA of 2.7 in communication. I really wish I had done extensive research on my record before submitting my texas applications and just disclosed it...now its going to look like I lied. Does anyone know or have heard if this would be a disqualifying offense? or know of anyone who got in with a previous DWI?

 

[bodiddely]

You said the form instructed you to check no if the offense had been sealed or expunged. You also said it was sealed when you turned 21. Why are you asking this?

Also (at least in my state) DWI's are misdimeanors. Only a felony would totally rule out d-school because it would be hard (impossible?) to get a DEA license when you graduate.

Good job on the great post-bac comeback! Best of luck in your applications, you sound good to go.

 

[Yah-E]

I don't care what program or type of school you're interested in applying to, there are people that have gotten a DUI/DWI and have successfully gotten in. I personally know numerous people with DUI that are either in dental, medical, or law schools now or they have already graduated.

Don't worry about it! You'll be fine, especially the incident occured 11 years ago!

 

[Jaylee777]

Thanks for replying.

I am seriously considering scheduling an appointment with the dean of admissions at the local school (my first choice) to discuss the mistake on my application. Or should I wait to talk about it in an interview...or just wait until the background check is pulled (if Im conditionally accepted) to disclose the mistake? My only concern about waiting is whether or not I will even get the chance to explain once they see the discrepancy.

 

[Yah-E]

Thanks for replying.

I am seriously considering scheduling an appointment with the dean of admissions at the local school (my first choice) to discuss the mistake on my application. Or should I wait to talk about it in an interview...or just wait until the background check is pulled (if Im conditionally accepted) to disclose the mistake? My only concern about waiting is whether or not I will even get the chance to explain once they see the discrepancy.

Just leave it as is, if they bring it up in an interview, then be ready to discuss it. If not, then you're off the hook.

 

[ChilliCheeseDog]

yeah, i def. wouldnt say anything about it unless asked about it. If you were under the age of 18 then it shouldnt be on your record...keep in mind im in d-school not law school, but that is my understanding last time i checked.

 

[makushin]

It is not asked on AADSAS, and only some secondaries ask about such offenses. Don't mention it unless asked. I have one and I'm not too worried. People make mistakes.

 

[tinman831]

If you were under the age of 18 then it shouldnt be on your record...

This is not necessarily always the case. There are too many different legal factors that come into play and we simply don't know enough about the OP's situation in order to make a valid assessment.

To the OP: You made an honest mistake by with holding the information. There's not much you can do about that now except hope it doesn't come to bite you in the arse in the end. For juvenile misdemeanors, you should be able to have your record expunged with the assistance of a lawyer (although it may be different because you have a DWI). At this point your best bet would be to contact a lawyer to see what your options are and what you can do about your case.

A blemish on your record won't necessarily be the ruin of your dental career. There have been people here in the past who have gotten in with infractions such as yours. If you truly believe that you want to become a dentist, don't let this get in your way. 🙂