Bad idea to let schools know your post-DS intentions?

[Svart Aske]

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I'm thinking about entering an MPH program in epidemiology or global health after graduating from dental school because I'm interested in these areas of study. I've heard that some schools don't like it when applicants tell them that they want to specialize (though getting an MPH doesn't mean that), so I'm wondering if declaring my interest in public health will affect my chances. Thanks.

 

[jaypea65]

I do not really know the answer, but I just sent a letter of intent to my dental school choice outlining my objectives and goals after graduation. It is what I want to do, why should anyone want to their interests?

 

[Svart Aske]

I do not really know the answer, but I just sent a letter of intent to my dental school choice outlining my objectives and goals after graduation. It is what I want to do, why should anyone want to their interests?

True, but I've heard that some schools friown on applicants who declare that they want to specialize after obtaining their DDS/DMD; I'm just wondering if it's the same with getting another degree.

 

[cybermech]

It's likely that some schools, Creighton for example, having no specialties, will scratch their heads if you say you want to specialize or get a grad degree out of their school. But there's no reason for a school to reject you on that basis.

 

[YungJoc87]

It's likely that some schools, Creighton for example, having no specialties, will scratch their heads if you say you want to specialize or get a grad degree out of their school. But there's no reason for a school to reject you on that basis.

I think it's all relative, it could be your best and/or worst enemy...

For example, if you outline your intentions to pursue research post DDS, some schools look for and encourage that. (i.e, Indiana University-Big on research, found this out during my interview).

I hope that specific example helps!


Some personal news: I mentioned during two interviews that my intentions post dentist were to pursue a masters in spanish, and start a film company: Use my capital from dentistry to buy a like $30,000+ camera and make myself famous .

and this luck= the story of my life

 

[Svart Aske]

I think it's all relative, it could be your best and/or worst enemy...

For example, if you outline your intentions to pursue research post DDS, some schools look for and encourage that. (i.e, Indiana University-Big on research, found this out during my interview).

I hope that specific example helps!


Some personal news: I mentioned during two interviews that my intentions post dentist were to pursue a masters in spanish, and start a film company: Use my capital from dentistry to buy a like $30,000+ camera and make myself famous .

and this luck= the story of my life

That's interesting. I'd imagine that an applicant using dentistry as a means to another career would not appeal to the adcom of most schools. How did your interviewers react to that?

 

[doc toothache]

Four years is a long time and you could change your mind many times over. Who knows? You might even decide to become a "astronaut dentist".

 

[rewJW]

I'm all for 'having a dream.' There's nothing wrong with me deciding now that I want to be a pedodontist or with you deciding you want to pursue an MPH. But we must be open to the potential of changing our minds during d-school. This I have always realized. But I made the decision to tell my specialty intentions when asked at interviews. The only interview where this was turned against me as a negative thing was Buffalo -- and I got waitlisted there. At NYU and UMDNJ, my desire to eventually specialize turned into good discussions about why dentistry is a good career because it is so flexible, etc. I got in to both of those schools and they were aware that I dream of becoming a pedodontist, whether or not it ends up happening. I think different schools, heck, different interviewers, will handle your comment about plans after d-school differently. But seriously; many of us here have wanted to be a dentist since high school and four years later, we still want to be dentists. We dared to plan 4 years in advance before. What's wrong with doing it again?