Considering making the switch..

[spartan25]

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I graduated this past May with full intentions of applying to medical school, however after doing some more thinking I am considering dental school instead. I am wondering what of my 'premed' activities would be favorably translated to a dental school application. I had several part-time jobs throughout undergrad, did some tutoring as well as two semesters of chemistry research. Since graduating I have been working full time as a phlebotomist and volunteering at a local free clinic (doing phlebotomy) and an animal shelter. Are these things that should be included on a dental school app? I know I would need to take the DAT and do some shadowing as well.

 

[215]

Why?

 

[DentalDoge]

Why?

To elaborate.

Why not, you did them right?

Why dentistry? I think the shadow will help there.

 

[spartan25]

Why?

Why am I considering the switch? Well after being away from academia for the first time in a while I began to think about what things in life are most important to me. I've come to the conclusion that my family comes first and foremost. And the life of a physician does not (in most cases) provide adequate time for this. I've also always been told that if I could see myself doing anything other than medicine then I should do that. Well after doing some research into dentistry it seems like something I MIGHT be interested in. I still really enjoy interacting with patients and working with my hands, which dentistry provides, but it doesn't seem like a profession that is all-enveloping like medicine (I'm not saying dental school/dentistry is an easy road, so don't take it as that!!).

 

[DentalDoge]

Just know that dentistry, while still a healthcare profession, is largely different from medicine in terms of practice.

But the knowledge is fairly all-encompassing, especially for specialties. Not so much for general dentistry.

I think you have a healthy interest in dentistry. And shadowing will really help you make your decision.

 

[Incis0r]

Hey there,

I definitely think that adding your ECs will help you because it shows your maturity as well as how well-rounded you are. It will also help prove that you have a solid interest in dentistry (because you've experienced all the fields and you know what separates dentistry from the remainder). Good luck!

 

[Allaboutteeth5]

Shadow and make sure you really love the field. Don't go into it for the wrong reasons like money or a flexible schedule. A lot of people don't realize when you start a practice right off you can't work just a few days a week until you're established. And being an associate can limit your income and the way you practice. There's many people who go into dentistry for the wrong reasons and end up hating it. Shadow different dentists and see if you can consider yourself in their shoes!

 

[DentalDoge]

Shadow and make sure you really love the field. Don't go into it for the wrong reasons like money or a flexible schedule. A lot of people don't realize when you start a practice right off you can't work just a few days a week until you're established. And being an associate can limit your income and the way you practice. There's many people who go into dentistry for the wrong reasons and end up hating it. Shadow different dentists and see if you can consider yourself in their shoes!

Flexible schedule is absolutely a valid reason for going into a career. Maybe not THE reason, but it is a cherry on top.

But yer right, because itis so flexible, how many hour you work really varies. Which is the way I prefer it anyways.

 

[Allaboutteeth5]

Flexible schedule is absolutely a valid reason for going into a career. Maybe not THE reason, but it is a cherry on top.

But yer right, because itis so flexible, how many hour you work really varies. Which is the way I prefer it anyways.

I understand what you're saying, but some people have that as their number one reason of switching and a lot of people also don't realize that unless you want to work for a corporation which isn't ideal, you have to run a business which is also a lot of work, even if you do have an office manager you have to constantly promote and work out business problems.

 

[doc toothache]

The grass is greener on this side.

 

[DentalDoge]

The grass is greener on this side.

Because it is fertilized by bullsh*t

 

[doc toothache]

Because it is fertilized by bullsh*t

Bs or not, it seems to do it's job rather well.

 

[spartan25]

So back to my original question.. Do admissions committees like to see 'dental' related activities (other than shadowing) or is just any type of community involvement looked favorably upon?

 

[doc toothache]

So back to my original question.. Do admissions committees like to see 'dental' related activities (other than shadowing) or is just any type of community involvement looked favorably upon?

With possibly one thousand adcoms it is hard to expect unanimity.

 

[teethlover93]

Of course any type of community involvement is good (compared to none); however, one of the most-asked questions is "Why dentistry, not medicine?" Just make sure you can answer that well. Personally, I would include those things in my application because I wouldn't want to seem like I had a limited number of ECs.