Best bachelor's degree before Dental School?

[PharmGirlJ]

Hi there,
I recently decided that I want to become a dentist and doing my research now. As I see, most dental schools require bachelor's degree (any) to get in. This is my second year of community college and I am applying to 4 year university in December. I was seriously thinking about BS in Nursing because with this degree I will be able to find a job even if I don't get into Dental School. Now, I am not being negative thinking that I will not get in, but this is life and everything is possible and I always want to have a backup plan. If I get my bachelor's degree in Biology for example, this will definitely complete my prereqs but will not guarantee my acceptance and there is almost nothing I can do with degree in biology. Is that a good idea to get my BS in Nursing and then take all needed prereqs for dental school? Please, share your opinions and also tell me about the degree you got/planning to get before Dental School. Thank you

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[tbond5]

Sounds like the bachelors in biology would be faster but if you like nursing and find it interesting I'd say take that and the pre reqs. Dental schools don't really care what major you go into as long as you have the pre reqs done you're good. I'm environmental science and most of the pre reqs for dental school are in the major but I picked it because I find it fascinating.

 

[PharmGirlJ]

Sounds like the bachelors in biology would be faster but if you like nursing and find it interesting I'd say take that and the pre reqs. Dental schools don't really care what major you go into as long as you have the pre reqs done you're good. I'm environmental science and most of the pre reqs for dental school are in the major but I picked it because I find it fascinating.

Thanks for the response. I also think it is important to major in something that is interesting for you. And biology is just not a right major for me...

 

[Koalafied]

Hi there,
I recently decided that I want to become a dentist and doing my research now. As I see, most dental schools require bachelor's degree (any) to get in. This is my second year of community college and I am applying to 4 year university in December. I was seriously thinking about BS in Nursing because with this degree I will be able to find a job even if I don't get into Dental School. Now, I am not being negative thinking that I will not get in, but this is life and everything is possible and I always want to have a backup plan. If I get my bachelor's degree in Biology for example, this will definitely complete my prereqs but will not guarantee my acceptance and there is almost nothing I can do with degree in biology. Is that a good idea to get my BS in Nursing and then take all needed prereqs for dental school? Please, share your opinions and also tell me about the degree you got/planning to get before Dental School. Thank you

Howdy,

Yes you can pursue any degree you wish prior to starting dental school. However, you will still need to complete the prerequisite courses as outlined by the dental school(s) of your choice, take the DAT, and obtain relevant LOR's. You will need to demonstrate a strong understanding in the basic sciences. And yes, those BSN courses will count toward your science GPA by both AADSAS and TMDSAS(if you apply in TX). Those BSN course have clinical components to them as well, and may be both physically and mentally demanding. Also, just because you have a BSN does not necessarily mean that jobs will be falling from the sky and into your lap. You will have to actively search for those positions preferably in ICU or ER; that's if you want to advance in the field of nursing. DNP.😉 Go to the allnurses forum. From there, you will find all the opinions you need for that path.

As with dentistry, shadow a few dentists. Ask your personal dentist if he/she will allow you to shadow. You need to get a taste of what this profession is like before setting off into your pursuit. The field of dentistry is highly competitive, ever-changing, and rewarding.

Good luck.🙂