Careers similar to dentistry

[Ruguox3]

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Hi all, I'm applying this cycle with below average stats (a very low undergrad GPA of 3.3), and already I've received 2 soft rejections (interview waitlists) from schools early into the cycle. I have received one F and many C's. I think the chances of me getting into dental school is very slim.

I really like dentistry, but it's far too late to change my undergrad GPA, as I am almost 30. What are some careers similar to dentistry, in terms of patient care and autonomy, that I could consider in the scenario that I don't make it into dental school?

Thanks.

 

[lwergod]

none really tbh.

I mean if you still want a profession in the healthcare field with lower barrier to entry, I would suggest nursing or PA school.

but this cycle is far from over yet, so there is still hope for you.

how many schools did you apply to ?

what was your DAT?

 

[BasicG]

3.3 GPA isn't 'very low'. It's slightly below average. Will definitely need more info:

Did you get below a C on any of your prereq classes(bio, chem, ochem)?

DAT Scores?

Which schools did you apply to?

 

[Ruguox3]

3.3 GPA isn't 'very low'. It's slightly below average. Will definitely need more info:

Did you get below a C on any of your prereq classes(bio, chem, ochem)?

DAT Scores?

Which schools did you apply to?

I got a C- in a physics lab course. I got a lot of C's in chem. I got an F in a bio course (later retook it and got an A).

DAT scores: AA:23 TS: 25 PAT: 21

I applied broadly to 20 schools (all my state schools, others are mostly privates).

 

[Ruguox3]

none really tbh.

I mean if you still want a profession in the healthcare field with lower barrier to entry, I would suggest nursing or PA school.

but this cycle is far from over yet, so there is still hope for you.

how many schools did you apply to ?

what was your DAT?

I forgot to quote this but I wrote my stats in the above post. Nursing or PA school are great alternatives and might be easier to get in than dental school. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[dent56171]

Hi all, I'm applying this cycle with below average stats (a very low undergrad GPA of 3.3), and already I've received 2 soft rejections (interview waitlists) from schools early into the cycle. I have received one F and many C's. I think the chances of me getting into dental school is very slim.

I really like dentistry, but it's far too late to change my undergrad GPA, as I am almost 30. What are some careers similar to dentistry, in terms of patient care and autonomy, that I could consider in the scenario that I don't make it into dental school?

Thanks.

Was your GPA an upwards trend after the chemistry courses you received C's in? Was it prerequisites that you obtained those grades in or upper level sciences as well? Because there are many people that get interviews with that GPA and even lower I have seen.They also take into account the rest of the application so personal statement and what you did the years you didn't apply to a dental school. Also, your DAT score is stellar so that would also help. As far as similarity I would say dental hygienists or dental lab techs work closely with a dentist if you'd like to stay in the field of oral care. However other career options could be physicians assistant or nurse practitioner. But its just the beginning of the cycle! Stay positive and don't lose hope just yet. 🙂

 

[lwergod]

you killed your DAT, and if you had an upward trend, then you're more than fine-especially considering you've applied to 20 schools.

 

[Ruguox3]

Was your GPA an upwards trend after the chemistry courses you received C's in? Was it prerequisites that you obtained those grades in or upper level sciences as well? Because there are many people that get interviews with that GPA and even lower I have seen.They also take into account the rest of the application so personal statement and what you did the years you didn't apply to a dental school. Also, your DAT score is stellar so that would also help. As far as similarity I would say dental hygienists or dental lab techs work closely with a dentist if you'd like to stay in the field of oral care. However other career options could be physicians assistant or nurse practitioner. But its just the beginning of the cycle! Stay positive and don't lose hope just yet. 🙂

Thank you for your kind words and suggestions! All my bad grades are in lower divs and there was an upwards trend, but not too strong.

 

[Jlm50]

Retake those classes that you got C's in, and I bet you'll be golden. Your DAT is awesome, your GPA isnt BAD... dont give up if dentistry is what you want. Clearly you know the content to some extent or you wouldnt have scored so well on the DAT

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Hi all, I'm applying this cycle with below average stats (a very low undergrad GPA of 3.3), and already I've received 2 soft rejections (interview waitlists) from schools early into the cycle. I have received one F and many C's. I think the chances of me getting into dental school is very slim.

I really like dentistry, but it's far too late to change my undergrad GPA, as I am almost 30. What are some careers similar to dentistry, in terms of patient care and autonomy, that I could consider in the scenario that I don't make it into dental school?

Thanks.

none really tbh.

I mean if you still want a profession in the healthcare field with lower barrier to entry, I would suggest nursing or PA school.

but this cycle is far from over yet, so there is still hope for you.

how many schools did you apply to ?

what was your DAT?

There are not that many alternative paths like dentistry. Sorry. It’s just the facts. You’re talking about working hours, income, dexterity, skill, technology, knowledge, etc. None compare.

PA school is almost accepted as harder to get into than DS. Times have changed. 2-3 years education for a $130k salary? Best Masters our there so far.

Don’t give up hope on DS. Dentistry is amazing. More to life than just numbers. You will enter a profession to end constant pain. More people experience dental pain than any other type of pain.

Best of luck and PM if you like to talk more.

 

[Ruguox3]

Retake those classes that you got C's in, and I bet you'll be golden. Your DAT is awesome, your GPA isnt BAD... dont give up if dentistry is what you want. Clearly you know the content to some extent or you wouldnt have scored so well on the DAT

Unfortunately I can't afford to retake so many classes. I work full time to support my family and at the same time save up for dental school.

 

[LebronManning]

I would suggest nursing or PA school

PA school is more competitive than dental school. I would look into podiatry, optometry, or perhaps the nursing to NP route

 

[jLaws]

Unfortunately I can't afford to retake so many classes. I work full time to support my family and at the same time save up for dental school.

I graduated in 2012 with none of the prereqs. Not even a math class. It took me almost three years to finish them all while working full time, not to mention shadowing and volunteering. If you want to be a dentist you’ll do what you have to do. Also, I’m 28 now and don’t see what being almost 30 has to do with anything.

-btw my fiance is applying to CRNA school this cycle, anf that may be something you want to look into. They make more than most associate dentists, but you would have to a 2 year full-time bridge program to get your BSN, spend minimum 1 year in the ICU ( most people don't get hired in ICU right away, so plan to work for a nurse for several years), then minimum 24 month CRNA program (most likely all 24 mnth programs will have converted to 36 month DNP by the time you apply). Probably a lot more work than taking a few science classes.

 

[SnozzBerry]

PA school is more competitive than dental school. I would look into podiatry, optometry, or perhaps the nursing to NP route

Stats to back that up ?

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

Average GPA of 3.52 so pretty close but with 3.4 applicants applying per seat vs 2.5. In addition to that, mean patient care experience of matriculating students was over 5000 hours.

 

[ProspectivePostPreDent]

Stats to back that up ?

It's not true, in terms of undergrad performance. The entering GPA is slightly lower for PA (very similar undergrad reqs), and you take the GRE instead of the DAT (tests HS math and English).

Who Gets Into PA School? Here's What You Need to Know

So in PA you're fighting slightly tougher applicant ratios, but doing so against slightly less proven competition.

That said, it's not an easy workaround for a crappy student. The numbers are still pretty good.

The biggest issue is getting thousands of hours of hospital work experience, which is obviously way more of a pain than what any dental school requires for shadowing.