Considering my Options

[NitrousPudding]

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Hello All,

I'm graduating from undegrad this year with an Honors Bachelor's of Science (in Biology) from a Canadian University.
I don't have the a very stellar cGPA or DAT score (cDAT) but am still considering if I have a chance of getting in into a US dental school (or Ireland, Australian, etc. NOT Canadian).
Can anyone please give me some advice based on my situation?

Undegrad: 5 years - 4 full-time, 1 part-time (4 courses in the entire year)
- Took courses over the summer, as well as repeated 6 courses with low grades (not failing) from first 2 years
- Got all A's in 5th year, but since it's part-time, will it be factored in?
- Upward trend in GPA past year 2
cDAT: AA and PAT both 18 (Nov 2016)
cGPA: MY school calculates it as a 3.089 (counting the second attempt at a course + summer courses)
- I have NO idea how dental schools will calculate my GPA, but I'm guessing each school has their own method?
- Does any school include summer courses, part-time studies, etc. -- basically a school with a method that would best benefit me?
Shadowing: More than 100 hours at a general dentist's (started co-op there since gr11 and continued since then) + some hours at an Orthodontist's office
Research: Had a research position with a Professor during my undergraduate, however more mathematical algorithm based rather than medical/lab

If any more background is required, I am happy to provide it 🙂

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!

P.S. Considering Dental Hygiene in college (would this give me an advantage as a dental school applicant in the future?), post-bacc, Master's, as well.

 

[711769]

As a canadian student applying this cycle, I can say that your GPA AND DAT combinations are below average and that you will sadly have a tough time in this current cycle. You really need to re-take the DAT and get at least a 21-22 to have a shot. Even then I'd still be worried that you may not get in because of your 3.08 GPA. With respect to schools, my A and A+ become a 4.0, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0 and so-on. So if you calculated your american converted gpa correctly then I'd consider either taking a post-bacc or get suggestions from those who are more experienced in this field. But definitely aim to re-take your DAT if you're considering applying.

Lastly, I dont know anything about Irish and Australian schools. There should be a post regarding the dental bridge programs for ireland somewhere in the forums, go take a look there.

 

[845302]

Are you applying to U.S. programs? Aren't Canadian programs really competitive? What about COA?

-Fyz

 

[NitrousPudding]

As a canadian student applying this cycle, I can say that your GPA AND DAT combinations are below average and that you will sadly have a tough time in this current cycle. You really need to re-take the DAT and get at least a 21-22 to have a shot. Even then I'd still be worried that you may not get in because of your 3.08 GPA. With respect to schools, my A and A+ become a 4.0, B+ = 3.3, B = 3.0 and so-on. So if you calculated your american converted gpa correctly then I'd consider either taking a post-bacc or get suggestions from those who are more experienced in this field. But definitely aim to re-take your DAT if you're considering applying.

Lastly, I dont know anything about Irish and Australian schools. There should be a post regarding the dental bridge programs for ireland somewhere in the forums, go take a look there.

Thank you for your reply

 

[NitrousPudding]

Are you applying to U.S. programs? Aren't Canadian programs really competitive? What about COA?

-Fyz

I am currently considering applying to U.S. programs since their application cycle is coming up.
Yes, Canadian programs are extremely competitive. That is why I am not considering them.
Sorry, but what's COA?

 

[845302]

I am currently considering applying to U.S. programs since their application cycle is coming up.
Yes, Canadian programs are extremely competitive. That is why I am not considering them.
Sorry, but what's COA?

COA is Cost Of Attendance

-Fyz

 

[NitrousPudding]

COA is Cost Of Attendance

-Fyz

Well like any student, I'd prefer something cheaper 😛
That being said, I would probably still apply to something in a higher cost bracket if that means I can begin studying earlier.
Time is money too 😛

 

[845302]

I'm not really an expert on recommending on where to apply, but I know that BU is pretty Canadian friendly... Now would your stats permit you to go such a school, I'm not so sure...

I would recomend doing masters or postbac and retaking the DAT to hopefully get your GPA and scores up. I'm not really optimistic that your stats now can land you a spot here in the U.S. or Canada

-Fyz

 

[NitrousPudding]

I'm not really an expert on recommending on where to apply, but I know that BU is pretty Canadian friendly... Now would your stats permit you to go such a school, I'm not so sure...

I would recomend doing masters or postbac and retaking the DAT to hopefully get your GPA and scores up. I'm not really optimistic that your stats now can land you a spot here in the U.S. or Canada

-Fyz

Thank you.
Do you know of any programs that might accept a degree in dental hygiene similar to USC, where they have a 6 year program that starts out as a DH degree and transitions to DDS?

 

[845302]

Um... Not really... I've never heard of this DH-DDS program you speak of lol. Is it literally just starting out as a dental hygiene student but then transitioning into DDS program? Do you need to have full undergrad? I'm just curious 😉

-Fyz

 

[acesofseven]

Thank you.
Do you know of any programs that might accept a degree in dental hygiene similar to USC, where they have a 6 year program that starts out as a DH degree and transitions to DDS?

Don't even consider this. It'll put you in a hole so deep you'll never pull yourself out.

 

[NitrousPudding]

Can you please elaborate on what you mean?

 

[NitrousPudding]

Don't even consider this. It'll put you in a hole so deep you'll never pull yourself out.

Can you please elaborate on what you mean?

 

[NitrousPudding]

Um... Not really... I've never heard of this DH-DDS program you speak of lol. Is it literally just starting out as a dental hygiene student but then transitioning into DDS program? Do you need to have full undergrad? I'm just curious 😉

-Fyz

This is what I meant:
DH/DDS Pathway - Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

 

[711769]

Can you please elaborate on what you mean?

He means that USC is already really expensive (I agree but I'm still applying because dentistry is able to prevent me from succumbing to the debt that will be acquired). However, that debt + a DH degree... I don't know that it's worth it.

 

[845302]

This is what I meant:
DH/DDS Pathway - Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

Just from the little skimming that I did over the link, I think what it's saying is that this program is for Highschool students to apply to. It said, "...a program for participants earn a bachelors in DH [and then move on to get a DDS degree]." You aren't a Highschool student, so I'm not sure how important a DH degree would be. A DDS or DMD should adequate for practicing dentistry...

Is there any reason you are considering this program over other, more common DDS or DMD program?

-Fyz

 

[NitrousPudding]

Just from the little skimming that I did over the link, I think what it's saying is that this program is for Highschool students to apply to. It said, "...a program for participants earn a bachelors in DH [and then move on to get a DDS degree]." You aren't a Highschool student, so I'm not sure how important a DH degree would be. A DDS or DMD should adequate for practicing dentistry...

Is there any reason you are considering this program over other, more common DDS or DMD program?

-Fyz

Well I recently came across it.
I'm considering it because of my low GPA + the fact that if I at least study dental hygiene I can start working in the same environment. As opposed to now, with an Honors Bsc. in Biology, research seems to be the most valid work option without further studies. So it got me thinking of a route from DH to DDS and that was the first option in google. Of course, I have colleges where I live, but I doubt a college degree (I guess similar to community college in the states) will get me far in terms of being competitive for dental school. Also, from my research, it seems Canada (at least as far as Ontario) doesn't offer an option of post-bacc that affects my bachelor's GPA. So if the route is to go to America, then I'm just trying to formulate a layout of all my options.

 

[NitrousPudding]

He means that USC is already really expensive (I agree but I'm still applying because dentistry is able to prevent me from succumbing to the debt that will be acquired). However, that debt + a DH degree... I don't know that it's worth it.

Ah, so a debt hole. Gotcha.
It seems I'll be facing one any way I go, nevertheless, you make a valid point 😛