Been out of school for 5 years want to pursue dentistry again.

[DBS488]

Here's my story, I've applied to dental schools in 2012 & 2013 and had multiple interviews both years. My home state is TX. In 2013, I got diagnosed bipolar I and had to give up interviewing and my dreams of becoming a dentist all together.

Since then I've worked many menial jobs and now at a warehouse with health benefits. I manage my illness very well and it hasn't effected my ability to work, socialize, or learn.

Anyways my desire for a career in dentistry has returned. I'm not sure how to go about starting and could use y'all's guidance. I have a BS in biology (cumGPA 3.7 & sciGPA 3.6). My expired DAT is 22AA/24TS/24/PAT/18RC&QR

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[princeafrica]

Hey! Have you checked with schools and a state dental boards to make sure first and foremost that your diagnosis won’t affect you becoming a dentist? Usually if the state board thinks it’s fine then dental schools will be fine with it.

Since you have a great GPA and have done the pre reqs, I don’t think you have to redo any classes since I think it takes 7 years (???) for them to expire.

I would crush the DAT again as soon as possible and make sure your shadowing and volunteering hours are good. (I recommend 300 hrs minimum for both but from what I have seen if you get over 150 for shadowing you should be fine)

 

[DBS488]

Good point, I haven't considered how my diagnosis will affect me regarding state boards. There's hardly any results even with googling.

If dental schools ask I won't be afraid to disclose. There are medical doctors out there with my illness like Mark Vonnegut.