BS in Dental Hygiene or Dental School?

[lalala__]

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Hi. I'm a 23 yo recent graduate with a BS in Biology. Initially, I was thinking to apply to dental school right away after graduation but due to personal reasons I haven't been able to. I have fulfilled all my prereqs for dental school and have an overall gpa of 3.63.

Lately, I realized I want to pursue Public Health (maybe MPH) as well and needed advice if I should go for BS Dental Hygiene/MPH? (credits would transfer for BS so I can finish in 2 years) Or if I should just go for Dental school - I'd prolly be applying for the 2020 cycle. Im not sure which path would be better for me? I have heard of schools with DDS/MPH programs but I'm afraid it would take me too long. Any advice/tips would be appreciated.

FYI, I haven't taken my DAT yet.

 

[Stanelz]

shadow both. seems like a decent idea to do one first if you cant do the other immediately unless you hate one or the other.

Personally I would LOVE being a dentist and HATE being a hygenist after seeing both frequently.

Don't do anything "just because" it seems like a good idea

 

[Mr. Thirsty]

You should really shadow both and see which one interests you more. IMO, after doing hygiene as part of my dental school program, it is a little more dull and repetitive. As a dentist your life is a little more exciting with more procedures that you can perform.

You will likely have more opportunities as a DMD/MPH than you would if you went the RDH route.