Career Changers: I'd love to hear your stories and advice!

[rpd27]

The reason I ask is because I've always had my eye on veterinary school, but in undergrad, my GPA was slightly below what they desired. For that reason, and for personal interest, I am currently obtaining my masters in marine biology with a focus on endocrinology and population health. However, after working as a vet tech during grad school, I don't feel that I am necessarily cut out for the field (various reasons, but suffice it to say that I don't think I could practice medicine the way I would like to). Because I am getting into my late 20's, the four-year timeline of dental school is appealing because I would be finished in the same amount of time as veterinary school, and after doing some research I feel that the workflow and dynamics of dental medicine might suit me better. However, I obviously have no shadowing experience and no one in the field who could recommend me as of yet. I would love to hear stories from other career changers on why/how you made the switch, any advice you have, and how you feel about your choice in retrospect.

If it helps to know my academic background:
First College (only 1 semester as bio major before transferring): 3.66 overall/3.59 science
Undergrad: 3.52 overall/~3.38 science
Graduate: 3.870
GRE Scores: VR 161, QR 158, AW 4.5

Thank you! I look forward to hearing from you!

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[FeralisExtremum]

Before even considering the switch, I would shadow several dentists (preferably a mixture of general dentists and specialists) to see if the field in practice is even appealing to you. I'm in the middle of switching careers (still in dental school) but I wouldn't have even entertained the possibility before seeing what it was like in person.

 

[isso1418]

Before even considering the switch, I would shadow several dentists (preferably a mixture of general dentists and specialists) to see if the field in practice is even appealing to you. I'm in the middle of switching careers (still in dental school) but I wouldn't have even entertained the possibility before seeing what it was like in person.

What are you switching too?

 

[FeralisExtremum]

What are you switching too?

Sorry, I should've been clearer - switching into dentistry.

 

[isso1418]

Sorry, I should've been clearer - switching into dentistry.

I was about to say!!!! U scared me for a second lol

 

[SweetMelonPreDent]

I switched. I left corporate marketing job when I was 25, and went into a post-bacc program. And now I'm applying to dental school at 27. It's a long process, but time flys. Make sure you want to do what youre going for, and make sure you actually hate what youre doing and future prospects now. It's your life, no one elses. Best of luck.

You can message me for additional chat

 

[Stanelz]

Dentistry is great. I immediately fell in love with it but its not for everyone, shadow some dentists because there are pro's and con's.

 

[careerchanger09]

I am 30 years old and a career changer. I'm applying this cycle. I was a high school science teacher for 6 years and decided to change careers after I went on a couple dental mission trips in Guatemala. My experiences assisting and translating for a dentist on those mission trips were amazing and renewed an interest in dentistry. That combined with the feeling that my growth as a teacher had started to plateau and I didn't like my current career trajectory. Last year I took the plunge and did my own informal post-bacc at a local state school, studied for the DAT, and worked part-time in a dental office. Feel free to reply or PM me with specific questions.

Bottom line: you can definitely do this and it is not too late. Dental schools have all expressed that my previous work experience is a huge asset and strength of my application.

P.S. I echo what others have said. Do as much shadowing as you can and do it in a range of specialities so that you are confident in your choice of dentistry.

 

[SweetMelonPreDent]

I am 30 years old and a career changer. I'm applying this cycle. I was a high school science teacher for 6 years and decided to change careers after I went on a couple dental mission trips in Guatemala. My experiences assisting and translating for a dentist on those mission trips were amazing and renewed an interest in dentistry. That combined with the feeling that my growth as a teacher had started to plateau and I didn't like my current career trajectory. Last year I took the plunge and did my own informal post-bacc at a local state school, studied for the DAT, and worked part-time in a dental office. Feel free to reply or PM me with specific questions.

Bottom line: you can definitely do this and it is not too late. Dental schools have all expressed that my previous work experience is a huge asset and strength of my application.

P.S. I echo what others have said. Do as much shadowing as you can and do it in a range of specialities so that you are confident in your choice of dentistry.

Congrats man, Good luck!