Associates Degree GPA... where would that go?

[kiwipie]

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Hi everyone, my Dream is to be a dentist, but my gpa isn't that great. My Overall is about a 3.1 and my Science is about a 3.4. I have worked in a Dental office as an assistant/biller/receptionist for the past year and a half. Haven't taken the DAT yet, but still know that my chances at Dental School aren't the best. I was thinking of applying to Dental Hygiene school and maybe having that boost my undergrad gpa? Is that where those grades would be counted? It seems like that would be the best route since at least if I get in to that and graduate I'll have some type of marketable skills... unlike if I went into some random masters program and STill didn't get into dental school. I dunno... your comments are greatly appreciated!

 

[Frederico Albin]

I am a little confused with what u said you only have a associates degree and you already took all pre-requisites?
A 3.4 GPA in science is not bad, its average. Another way you can raise this grade is by working on a post-bac or masters. The more classes you take the better,(But that is my opinion, if you think you are better out in the dental hygiene program, go for it.) and make sure you destroy the DAT (21+). That will be a major point on ur application. Another really good thing you should mention when applying is your experience working as a dental office assistant for 1 year. That is alot of hours.... and also shows how determined you are about becoming a dentist. Most dental students don't get the chance of working at a dental office, use your advantage.

 

[uvaGirL07]

Community colleges are the ones that offer associate degrees, right? So I'm assuming that's where you took your classes. I think CC grades would factor into your undergraduate gpa.

 

[kiwipie]

No no, I have my BA in East Asian Studies from a regular four year college. I'm just thinking of going to Hygiene school to boost my Undergrad gpa. I was wondering if people thought that that would be a good idea, and whether those grades would in fact count into my undergrad gpa.

 

[bodiddely]

You've already taken 8 credit hours each of gen chem/ochem/biology/physics? Hygiene school has it's own prereqs which can take upwards of 3-4 semesters, a lot of which aren't the ones you need for dental school. At my school for instance they take intro chem and a semester of "integrated organic and biochemistry." Personally I wouldn't spend the time pursuing a hygiene degree if that wasn't wanted I wanted to do for the rest of my career. If you've already taken the correct pre-reqs for dental school, start studying for the DAT. We have a full forum here dedicated to that pursuit 😀

 

[Lopyswine]

do not take dental hygiene classes.

they will not count in your science GPA.

just take a few extra semesters of UPPER division science classes.

 

[jdoc04]

The dental hygiene classes will count toward the undergrad gpa if your attempting the Bachelor in Dental Hygiene route. If this is your plan I would recommend you take a few upper level bio's and earn As in them as well. This will add to your argument, that you can handle dental school.

good luck!