Confused, help

[lastbastion]

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I've been interested in going to medical school for a long time now. But recently I've been thinking of dental school, and by recently I mean the past few days. I don't know what it is about the field that interests me. Maybe its the money, maybe its the autonomy, maybe its the dexterity I respect, I have no idea what it is, but its sort of calling my name. My family is has some MD's though, and there is sort of pressure there to continue the calling. I don't know though. Pre-med people, and those who don't really no anything about health professions think medical school is the better and only way to go. But I'm really not sure. I'm just not sure what I should do.

I'm thinking of taking both the MCAT and DAT next year, but I know nothing abou the DAT. Can anyone guide me to a source for info about the test?

Thanks.

 

[HBomb]

For general info on the DAT, check out ada.org's info on the DAT. You might also consider searching/reading other threads in the DAT forum.

http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing/dat/index.asp

Also, as a side note, it is generally looked down upon from the perspective of either profession if you are trying to pursue both professions concurrently. In fact, it is a common question during dental school interviews: "Are you also applying to medical school?" (Don't know if they ask the reverse in medical school...never been in one)

Just my 2 cents, but I'd say you should decide first, then take just the one test. Saves you some time, is less painful, and you can provide the honest, straight-forward answer when asked if you were pursuing the "other" profession.

Good luck in you future endeavors.

 

[ecdoesit]

you probably should shadow multiple dentists. some general practioners and some specialtists. ask ur relatives and dentists about pros and cons on each field. if you want to minimize relative's pressure, ask them about the autonomy and hmo/insurance problem they are having. but be ready to answer why do you want to limit yourself to just the teeth. ask them if they can choose it all over again, will they go into md or dds?

 

[dr_benj]

Think about it long and hard before choosing medicine over dentistry. Many of us dents started out as pre-meds until one day we saw the light. Forget what your family thinks, just do what makes you happy. However, if you don't feel that you would be satisfied with what dentistry has to offer then maybe medicine is for you. Good luck with your decision.

 

[lastbastion]

Thanks to all that replied. I really appreciate it.

 

[Fantasia]

I have to agree with everyone else and suggest you really think about this. Is the only reason you want(ed) to get an MD because of your family? Do you see yourself happy following that path? I was in a similar situation as you in that I started off as a premed and have a lot of MD's in my family that constantly pressured me to go to medical school. Deciding to go to dental school was a choice I made after a lot of thought and consideration. My suggestion to you is to shadow a dentist (if possible more than one), do some more research about the field of dentistry, and talk to others. If there is a predent society at your school, go talk to them. If you decide then that its not for you then at least you will know.
Taking both the MCAT and the DAT can cost a lot of money. It will be beneficial for you to decide a path before taking them both.
Good Luck