Being "out"

[UMD2012]

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Do people have advice on being out in dental school (interviews, essay, and when actually IN dental school)?

Is being a male who wears an earring bad?

How open are students in dental school? Any experiences at particular schools? 😕 I shadowed a physician once and he flat out told me to remove my earring if I wanted to continue there, so I just said deuces, I'm outta here. He flat out said the "medical" field is not "Ready" for people like myself yet. How encouraging 🙄

 

[g0forkurself]

You have to realize that dental school committee is very "old fashioned" or like it "old fashioned". I, myself, am planning on piercing my ears but am going to wait until the whole interview process is over before doing it. I'm sure having earrings might seem unprofessional to some people while you are doing clinicals and stuff but it's all up to you. I think I'm gonna go ahead and do it anyway once I finish all my interviews 🙂

 

[RSimon]

Stop and think "have I ever seen a doctor with lip rings, earrings, gauges or an eyebrow pierced? Have I ever seen a doctor with neck tats or sleeves?" My guess is your going to say no.. the medical field is a very conservative one.

When I was starting to pursue medical/dental I use to always have some sort of facial hair and was told on several occasions to shave it. It didn't seem like a big deal to me but after being told this several times by different physicians it began to sink in. Now anytime I am going to be around some sort of professional I am sure to be clean shaven. You have to remember you cant get into school without submitting a picture in your app and then going for an interview. Why do you think that is? Yeah, you can be smart but if you a total weirdo chances are your not getting in. If there is a situation where the board is deciding between two people to accept my moneys going to be on the one that is clean cut.

If you are really serious take the recommendations from the physician while in a professional setting then put it back in when your done and on your own time. After you have gone through school you can do what ever you want but until then you have to fit the molds they want, remember they hold the keys.

Then again you could probably always just move to California 😉

 

[Docplaque]

By "out" do you mean gay?

 

[bipster10]

By "out" do you mean gay?

That's what I thought when I read this...but judging by the replies I could be wrong hahaha

 

[UMD2012]

Thanks for all the replies! Yeah, just to clarify, I'm not a weirdo hah, no where near. Most people can't tell that I'm on that side of the field, but I just have one small earring. And by that side of the field, I mean gay. Hope my classmates are cool with it! I mean I really want to speak about it during my interview though...

 

[Erhatstil]

i wouldn't wear an ear ring, jewelry or any clothing that would be distracting to an interview. the attention should be all on you and what you bring to the table, nothing else. i love clothing and fashion but don't want my aesthetic interests to be a part of the conversation.

i would advise you not to bring up your sexual orientation during an interview either. stuff like that, religion, politics you should probably stay away from. i hope we're at an age where you'd never be discriminated against for your sexual preference, and you should feel comfortable talking about it and everything, but i just wouldn't during an academic interview..

 

[RSimon]

i wouldn't wear an ear ring, jewelry or any clothing that would be distracting to an interview. The attention should be all on you and what you bring to the table, nothing else. I love clothing and fashion but don't want my aesthetic interests to be a part of the conversation.

I would advise you not to bring up your sexual orientation during an interview either. Stuff like that, religion, politics you should probably stay away from. I hope we're at an age where you'd never be discriminated against for your sexual preference, and you should feel comfortable talking about it and everything, but i just wouldn't during an academic interview..

+1

 

[Kahr]

Dental schools are composed of regular people from our society, so you can't avoid judgments, hate, and all the other opinions people harbor regarding sexuality. You say you're not the flamboyant type, so you shouldn't have any problems (sexuality on either side of the field isn't really necessary in interviews, or during classes, etc, I think anyway). If they bring it up or comment, they're the ones crossing the line; I'm sure it won't though, as they probably want to avoid any possible discrimination issues from cropping up.

In regard to interview attire. I'm definitely going to mix it up a little, bow-tie, maybe a tweed suit (maybe herringbone!), beard. If that's the reason I don't get accepted, so be it. 😉

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[aelian]

This thread is gay...I think. 😕

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

Thanks for all the replies! Yeah, just to clarify, I'm not a weirdo hah, no where near. Most people can't tell that I'm on that side of the field, but I just have one small earring. And by that side of the field, I mean gay. Hope my classmates are cool with it! I mean I really want to speak about it during my interview though...

What a queer thing to say. 😉

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[dantemac]

I agree, keep everything conservative. If you wear a watch, make sure it's a silver band. If you wear a ring, make sure it's on your ring finger. Don't wear earrings. Cover tattoos. Leave the necklaces or wrist jewelry at home.

Two places I disagree with this is color of your outfit and type of suit. As far as color goes, the traditional suit is black but I am sure if you wear chalkstripes, a navy blue suit, wool, etc...I don't think this matters.

Also, type of suit: If you wear a 3-piece, you'll be fine. I bet a sweater vest and shirt would be fine too underneath your jacket. Cuff-links would probably fine too. No one is going to fault you for a tie clip either. No matter what kind of suit you have you can wear all the accessories for it. I guess the traditional suit consists of only a dress shirt and tie, but that's pretty boring IMO

 

[Osity]

Don't be a fool.

There are reasons why many folks like myself are leaving their otherwise "stable" professions to become doctors.

Leave your urge to tat and earing yourself up like some third world androgenous gypsy in the blue jeans worn by the knuckleheads who run with the traveling circus and union laborers.

That is, if you have an ounce of wisdom in you.

I couldn't agree more. I wouldn't go to a healthcare provider that is all tattooed and ear-ringed up. It doesn't look clean, and when you go to the doctor or dentist, you want it to feel like a clean environment, of which the main doctor (you) sets the trend.

 

[Osity]

I agree, keep everything conservative. If you wear a watch, make sure it's a silver band. If you wear a ring, make sure it's on your ring finger. Don't wear earrings. Cover tattoos. Leave the necklaces or wrist jewelry at home.

Two places I disagree with this is color of your outfit and type of suit. As far as color goes, the traditional suit is black but I am sure if you wear chalkstripes, a navy blue suit, wool, etc...I don't think this matters.

Also, type of suit: If you wear a 3-piece, you'll be fine. I bet a sweater vest and shirt would be fine too underneath your jacket. Cuff-links would probably fine too. No one is going to fault you for a tie clip either. No matter what kind of suit you have you can wear all the accessories for it. I guess the traditional suit consists of only a dress shirt and tie, but that's pretty boring IMO

I disagree here. You have one chance to make an impression on the admissions committee. You want them to remember you for what you do and say, not for what you were wearing.

For a suit, stay conservative. Navy blue or charcoal gray are the two colors you should choose from. They look the most professional, and since you are effectively entering the dental profession, dress like a professional. Don't try to get fancy with a three-piece suit or sweater or whatever, just stay conservative. It is definitely the best way to go. Also, don't wear a clip on tie, little kids at church wear those. You should be able to tie a real tie by now.

 

[Osity]

I agree, keep everything conservative. If you wear a watch, make sure it's a silver band. If you wear a ring, make sure it's on your ring finger. Don't wear earrings. Cover tattoos. Leave the necklaces or wrist jewelry at home.

Two places I disagree with this is color of your outfit and type of suit. As far as color goes, the traditional suit is black but I am sure if you wear chalkstripes, a navy blue suit, wool, etc...I don't think this matters.

Also, type of suit: If you wear a 3-piece, you'll be fine. I bet a sweater vest and shirt would be fine too underneath your jacket. Cuff-links would probably fine too. No one is going to fault you for a tie clip either. No matter what kind of suit you have you can wear all the accessories for it. I guess the traditional suit consists of only a dress shirt and tie, but that's pretty boring IMO

Black suits are appropriate for funerals, not interviews.

 

[g0forkurself]

I hope you don't get in, if only for your own sake.

You sound extremely fake. In fact, you delineate very carefully how you are deliberately planning to try and pull the old wool over everyone's eyes.

Jokes on you: ultimately, wherever you end up, you will only wind up wondering who you really are because after all, you are really lying to yourself in the end.

I pity (poser, fake) fools like you. 🙁

LOL. How is this being fake? If anything, I am keeping it real and doing what I want to do. So you're saying that all the people who take out their earrings when they go to interviews are "real"? You must have a real warped view on reality.

Think about it, you're going to a professional interview, of course you are going to take out your earrings and abide by their standards. Just because I like to wear t-shirts on a daily basis doesn't mean that I will wear that to an interview, because it is a professional setting and thus I should compromise my fashion sense and throw on a suit and tie. I bet you don't wear a suit and a tie everyday so does this mean that you are also pulling the wool over the interview committee when you throw on something you don't usually wear just to impress the people there? Oh no then doesn't that mean that you too are a fake, poser fool like me?! Please, stop being ******ed. I'm giving this guy real advice about what the dental school wants to see and the proper etiquette of not having earrings or waiting till after to do such things.

By the way, have you ever been to dental schools and see the students? The schools I've interviewed all have student bodies with students with earrings.

Oh, and by the way, to get anywhere in life you have to bend a little and be malleable to other people's standards, especially those who hold your future in their hands. If you don't even know the simple rule like that, then you should really get out of your cave and come out into the real world. Not everyone who you're competing against is as "real" as you, idiot.

 

[Kahr]

I disagree here. You have one chance to make an impression on the admissions committee. You want them to remember you for what you do and say, not for what you were wearing.

For a suit, stay conservative. Navy blue or charcoal gray are the two colors you should choose from. They look the most professional, and since you are effectively entering the dental profession, dress like a professional. Don't try to get fancy with a three-piece suit or sweater or whatever, just stay conservative. It is definitely the best way to go. Also, don't wear a clip on tie, little kids at church wear those. You should be able to tie a real tie by now.

ROFL, clip-on tie? Who the hell would wear a clip-on tie?!? A tie clip, now that's probably +1, pragmatic and fashionable. Mentioning black suits makes me wonder if anyone has ever gone in a tux, 007 the dentist! 😉

 

[amalgamgrillz]

I think being gay might play to your advantage. People are scared to appear as if they are passing judgements based on sexual orientation (legally speaking)...also, dental schools and most professions today want a diverse student/working body.

But no to the earring - straight or gay, it would make you look unprofessional.

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[dantemac]

By tie clip, I did NOT mean clip on tie haha. That would be the kiss of death if anyone saw it was not tied around your neck but clipped on.

Also, I don't see anything wrong with black suits if they have chalkstripes. Of course, navy blue and gray are better, I totally agree.

Also, remember, wear black (or at least matching) socks! I heard about the story of some kid who sat down and put his foot up, and he had white socks on. The interviewer saw this and pointed it out. I wouldn't wear white socks or your lucky cartoon character socks for this reason lol

"Keep the white socks for the gym"

 

[Osity]

By tie clip, I did NOT mean clip on tie haha. That would be the kiss of death if anyone saw it was not tied around your neck but clipped on.

Also, I don't see anything wrong with black suits if they have chalkstripes. Of course, navy blue and gray are better, I totally agree.

Also, remember, wear black (or at least matching) socks! I heard about the story of some kid who sat down and put his foot up, and he had white socks on. The interviewer saw this and pointed it out. I wouldn't wear white socks or your lucky cartoon character socks for this reason lol

"Keep the white socks for the gym"

Haha I totally read that as clip tie, not tie clip! Either way, I wouldn't wear a tie clip, it's like you said about the extra jewelry, just leave it at home.

 

[MechZZ]

The very first thing I did when I got my acceptance was pierce my ears.

But belieeeeve me..... when I'm in clinics, I will not be wearing them.

However, some of you guys in this thread are kidding yourself if you think some of your doctors, pharmacist, dentist don't have tattoos.

 

[fug]

To exaggerate for the purpose of illustration (its a shame you are obviously not receptive to the more obvious aspects of common sense), if you aren't fake, then put the earing in now, in fact, make sure you look like this idiot before you go for the interview:

search "Cat man" on youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJ7zyNnEeyM

...and see what happens.

Like I said, leave the freakshow in the jeans for the knuckleheads in the circus crew, union laborer types, McDonalds order takers, and truck drivers. Only world class Fools and Idiots do not understand how ironic it is that they want so bad to be something special and have society look UP to them and be something like a doctor yet they want to maintain the same lifestyle as Snoop Dogg or the local tatoo artist AND expect to maintain a reputation for being of higher character and someone of class and quality.

Its oil and water you idiots. Essentially yes, its mutually exclusive in the same way that the polar bonds in water reject the non polar covalent bonds in oil.

99.99% of normal, healthy, forward looking people go to the dentist to get their teeth worked on...not the local bartender and/or tatoo "artist".

I suppose there is a market for idiots, though, but it will definately be niche, as in on the same block as the strip clubs niche.

Good Luck clown.

Way to lower the bar! (and deceive yourself).

Man, you've got issues. Like, pent-up anger/antisocial issues. When's the last time you got out and actually talked to someone?

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[SoulPower]

The only ones with anger/ antisocial issues are all the wanna-be 21st century pirates who think its somehow cool to play the role of perpetually immature, androgynous gypsy.

Get over it, all you emos. Stop hating your parents. Yes, life is unfair sometimes. More of the time, however, it is more than fair.

Leave the earings in your mother's jewelry boxes and the tatoos on your local friendly neighborhood felon.

Pirates were so 200+ years ago.

That's quite a bit of stereotypical bs you're spilling there man.

 

[Dent001]

Dear HeartOfLeonidas,


You sound like a total d-bag. You glorify being a doctor, yet your still a predent like the rest of us. Who cares if someone wants to get a piercing or tattoo after there interviews are over. Its not gonna make them a bad doctor, besides you dont even start clinic until the 3rd year. I have plenty of friends with tattoos and piercings who got accepted to dent/pharm/med schools. And guess what, they all took off there piercings and covered there tattoos for there interviews, thats how the interview game is played. As long as the tattoo's are covered and the piercings don't look like something from an african tribe then it should be okay.

And what is this smack your saying about circus crews, union laborers, mcDonal's employees, etc? You must really have a low opinion of blue collar workers. Doctors arent any different than any other person. If you were a piece of crap before being a doctor, your still gonna be a piece of crap but now your also a doctor. Your talking about how "real" you should be on an interview, why don't you tell your interviewers your "real" view on rest of society and see what they think.

Learn some humility, as a dentists your gonna be dealing with the full spectrum of ppl from different backgrounds. i have a feeling someone like you is just gonna add to the stereotype of a "pompous doctor".

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[321931]

The only ones with anger/ antisocial issues are all the wanna-be 21st century pirates who think its somehow cool to play the role of perpetually immature, androgynous gypsy.

Get over it, all you emos. Stop hating your parents. Yes, life is unfair sometimes. More of the time, however, it is more than fair.

Leave the earings in your mother's jewelry boxes and the tatoos on your local friendly neighborhood felon.

Pirates were so 200+ years ago.

Seriously, come on guys. Its way to obvious by now: 18 Posts, Jan 2011 registration, and trollish comments.

:troll::troll::troll:

 

[Dent001]

Man, you've got issues. Like, pent-up anger/antisocial issues. When's the last time you got out and actually talked to someone?

I totally agree with you. i've worked in a lot of different jobs that have exposed to a variety of people. it definitly made me appreciate others more and get along with them. I dont think this leonidas guy goes out too much. He's an architect, those ppl usually are anti-social.

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

I totally agree with you. i've worked in a lot of different jobs that have exposed to a variety of people. it definitly made me appreciate others more and get along with them. I dont think this leonidas guy goes out too much and prob doesnt have too many friends of different backgrounds.

That is HeartOfLeonidas.

And I have exactly 300 friends.

 

[fug]

If common sense = "stereotyping"...guilty as charged.

...and by the way...aren't YOU the one, in fact, engaging in "stereotyping" when you accuse another of "stereotyping"? (rhetorical question)

The only BS is your Cognitive Dissonance and Projection.

All that critical theory BS is why I am getting the hell out of non-scientific endeavors.

Unfortunately, I am very much aware that even the core sciences are under direct assault from the fiery darts of the false contemporary religion/ superstitions of political correctness.

Needless to say, ultimately, since reality cannot be altered just by wishing it were so, all the social engineers have ALREADY FAILED.

In the meantime, until they and you catch up with the self evident truth, please Keep your critical theory, social engineering BS, and perpetual self doubt and ignorance to yourself, thank you very much.

lol. Troll post, or the Unabomber-esque ravings of a narcissistic looney? Either way, it's funny...I think...

 

[321931]

So you are professional engineer with 12 years of experience...making you around 30 years old. Why are you arguing with 20 yr olds?

:troll:

 

[Dent001]

What is so pompous about keeping it real (as in not faking it in front of the interviewers) and not wanting to look like one doesn't have a clue that blue jeans were invented for the purpose of mining and office attire invented for the office?

...What is so pompous about not being ignorant to the fact that doctors are expected to be doctors and not miners?

...What is so pompous about understanding that long before the local "professional" garbage man was "professional", one of the 7 original professions (in the original sense of the word) was that of doctor?

But hey, I guess in this dysgenic, ******ed contemporary world its "cool" to play the part of the crack-smoking, uneducated, dressed down nitwit.

Then, cool:

If you want a blue collar job...go get it. Then blue jeans and and assortment of facial ornaments only make sense. Mike Tyson comes to mind.

If you want a job taking orders at the drive thru at McDonalds...go get it. Then your new freak tatoo will fit right in next to your excon coworkers.

However, if you want something special...lose the childish emo perspective (including the tats and glittering, distracting ornaments aka earings) and start acting & being special (including dressing up not dressing down).

Wow, with an attitude like that i cant imagine what you must be like in person...or with women

 

[Blarelli]

"Dress for the job you want" comes to mind. I wouldn't wear an earring to an interview, and I certainly would take it off if somebody who was kind enough to let me shadow them asked me to. Show a little bit of respect.

 

[SoulPower]

If common sense = "stereotyping"...guilty as charged.

...and by the way...aren't YOU the one, in fact, engaging in "stereotyping" when you accuse another of "stereotyping"? (rhetorical question)

The only BS is your Cognitive Dissonance and Projection.

All that critical theory BS is why I am getting the hell out of non-scientific endeavors.

Unfortunately, I am very much aware that even the core sciences are under direct assault from the fiery darts of the false contemporary religion/ superstitions of political correctness.

Needless to say, ultimately, since reality cannot be altered just by wishing it were so, all the social engineers have ALREADY FAILED.

In the meantime, until they and you catch up with the self evident truth, please Keep your critical theory, social engineering BS, and perpetual self doubt and ignorance to yourself, thank you very much.

lol u serious?

 

[The Chosen One]

I fully support individual expression. However, like others have stated, the adcoms hold the key. Play the game until you hold the keys. I've been accepted to several schools (esp. my home-state school); I have seveal tats and I could give a f*ck what the haters think. I do know that on the business side you have to cater to the masses and so for that reason try to refrain from your declaration of independence. If conduct yourself in a manner that is full of love and acceptance you'll be successful!

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[321931]

Professional Engineer?

I'll bet you are as discriminating in your ability to coordinate the color of your pink tie with your nose ring as you are able to gather your facts.

And yes, arguing with 20 somethings is definately darn near impossible. So many of their brains' wiring is blown all to hell because of addictions to Xboxes, mind numbing hip hop, texting, and MTV. Its a great challenge to try and pick through the fog that is the typical 21st century post adolescent brain.

I recommend you try unraveling the mystery that is the 20 something 21st century brain in a couple of decades when your amygdala has settled down a bit and you can gather accurate data as well as formulate a decent, coherent argument.

All the Best. 🙂

Grr! Those young kiddos with their tattoos, xbox's, mtvs, and internets! Back in my day, we worked for a living! Rawr! Is that better? I guess I'll see your point when I'm older or not. 😛

 

[Maygyver]

How many of you have ever asked yourselves the question:

Gee, I wonder why all these docs (the majority) don't look favorably upon tats and earings?

Might be a good starting point for nitwits to start developing the ability to reason wisely.

Perhaps, just perhaps there is more to it than "all them pompous peeps up in there be hatin'"...Ya think there might be a PATTERN?

...as if the majority of you "lovers" (if you aren't "haters" or "pompous" then what so you call yourselves?) are capable of introspection or cognizant use of your prefrontal cortex'.

You sound like a very compassionate person. I'm sure your patients will love you.

 

[DrDDSman]

Professional Engineer?

I'll bet you are as discriminating in your ability to coordinate the color of your pink tie with your nose ring as you are able to gather your facts.

And yes, arguing with 20 somethings is definately darn near impossible. So many of their brains' wiring is blown all to hell because of addictions to Xboxes, mind numbing hip hop, texting, and MTV. Its a great challenge to try and pick through the fog that is the typical 21st century post adolescent brain.

I recommend you try unraveling the mystery that is the 20 something 21st century brain in a couple of decades when your amygdala has settled down a bit and you can gather accurate data as well as formulate a decent, coherent argument.

All the Best. 🙂

First of all, you need to respect people's way of expressing themselves (even if you dont agree with them). Second of all, chill out.

Third, if you attend dental school, you will see that a majority (90+%) of your classmates and upperclassmen are in their 20's. You will be surprised with their maturity and professionalism and realize that you should take the chip of your shoulder. After all, you wouldn't want to get into "darn near impossible" situations with these people.

 

[rickblas]

How many of you have ever asked yourselves the question:

Gee, I wonder why all these docs (the majority) don't look favorably upon tats and earings?

Might be a good starting point for nitwits to start developing the ability to reason wisely.

Perhaps, just perhaps there is more to it than "all them pompous peeps up in there be hatin'"...Ya think there might be a PATTERN?

...as if the majority of you "lovers" (if you aren't "haters" or "pompous" then what so you call yourselves?) are capable of introspection or cognizant use of your prefrontal cortex'.

Gosh you sound like a horrible person. I hope you don't ever work in an underprivileged urban area as a dental professional. Just judging from your demeanor I can't imagine how lowly you would think of your "blue collar" patients. Gain some tolerance!

 

[notin]

i didn't know john rocker was applying to dental school

 

[amalgamgrillz]

How many of you have ever asked yourselves the question:

Gee, I wonder why all these docs (the majority) don't look favorably upon tats and earings?

Might be a good starting point for nitwits to start developing the ability to reason wisely.

Perhaps, just perhaps there is more to it than "all them pompous peeps up in there be hatin'"...Ya think there might be a PATTERN?

...as if the majority of you "lovers" (if you aren't "haters" or "pompous" then what so you call yourselves?) are capable of introspection or cognizant use of your prefrontal cortex'.

So much animosity. I understand that you're nervous about potentially starting dental school as an older, non-traditional student. I imagine that you're worried that you won't fit in with your much younger classmates (most of whom are likely the same age as your children) with their portable record players blaring that evil rock and roll or hippity hoppity music that you can't relate to. But, you don't need to take it out on them here. If you give them a chance, they'll likely accept you for who you (likely) are: a bitter, middle-aged man who can't see the value in ripped jeans, xbox, or facebook. Just because you're old & conservative, and wouldn't want to visit a younger, hipper dentist with an earring...it doesn't mean the rest of the world would care. In fact, I would say a lot of younger patients would feel comfortable with a dentist who was cool enough to sport an earring. Female dentists wear earrings all the time; and, I know you would never discriminate against someone's choice to wear earrings simply based on their gender, now would you? (Rhetorical question).

So, dad, get off your high horse and let the children play; or, be a responsible old man, stop lecturing the younger generation, and go have sex with your partner. You obviously need to release some pent-up tension.

 

[HeartOfLeonidas]

atleastten

 

[notin]

hey heartofleonidas, i think i found this picture of you?