Criminal History and Background Checks

[shulace]

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Hey guys,

I have a few questions about how my criminal history will affect me in terms of becoming a dentist.

In short: 6 years ago I was caught selling 7g of marijuana at State College, PA. Pleaded down to a possession charge and was incarcerated for 3 months.

How will this affect my admission chances and would these charges prevent me from getting licensed?

Thanks for taking the time to view this.

 

[periopocket]

You will have to report this under violations when you apply via aadsas. It won't be a positive note on your application, but adcoms will realize that it has been 6 years since the crime. I think the question regarding licensing requirements will be best addressed by contacting ADEA and finding out the local state requirements of PA or other states you are interested in practicing in. GPA/DAT scores are king!

 

[emorypredent]

Hey guys,

I have a few questions about how my criminal history will affect me in terms of becoming a dentist.

In short: 6 years ago I was caught selling 7g of marijuana at State College, PA. Pleaded down to a possession charge and was incarcerated for 3 months.

How will this affect my admission chances and would these charges prevent me from getting licensed?

Thanks for taking the time to view this.

I really feel like this is one of those things that really depends on the individual's reviewing the application. Some might rule you out, others might give you full consideration. Just try to have a strong app otherwise. Maybe write your PS about how you now realize the importance of following rules that may not make sense to you at first glance. That we live in a society and part of that is adhering to certain standards that help develop a culture and a structured society. The engagement in such illicit activities could have very severe indirect impacts (supporting organized crime, trafficking, gang violence, sales to minors, etc.)


As a side note, many of the laws around us are illogical. I'm politically conservative in many ways as I do NOT support the legalization of marijuana , but still find the laws regarding marijuana illogical. They allow people to walk into a store and essentially buy unlimited amounts of tobacco and alcohol....but marijuana is band?

Also, three months of incarceration for a possession charge? Sounds excessive.

 

[dskornha]

Hey guys,

I have a few questions about how my criminal history will affect me in terms of becoming a dentist.

In short: 6 years ago I was caught selling 7g of marijuana at State College, PA. Pleaded down to a possession charge and was incarcerated for 3 months.

How will this affect my admission chances and would these charges prevent me from getting licensed?

Thanks for taking the time to view this.

Sounds like they threw the book at you, 7 grams for 3 months? And people with DUI's may get 24 hours...unbelievable and illogical. Im sorry to hear that. Definitely mention this in your personal statement and use the experience in a positive way.

I agree with others that your chances depend on the individuals looking at your application. I wouldn't have any problem overlooking this if you are a good person and smart student. Don't let it get you down! People always deserve second chances and you paid your time (and then some, in my opinion). Good luck the rest of the way

 

[shulace]

I appreciate the responses guys.

Unfortunately, they did throw the book at me and even tried to charge me with the felony, "illegal use of communication device." I was incredulous when I heard the judge utter those words.It sucked, but I've learned my lesson.

In regards to getting licensed, I found the contact info for ADEA and I'll shoot them an email. I'll also look into expungement. Until then, I'm just going to keep on doing what I'm doing: studying for the DAT.

Thanks again for the realistic and positive feedback!

 

[Hawkteeth]

I have a list of charges, most of them dismissed, but they are still visible on my record. I think it for sure played a part in why I didn't get more interviews but I still got the valuable acceptance. I think the more time you put between now and your charge the better. 6 years is a long time ago. Definitely don't bring it up in your PS like someone suggested.

 

[KittySquared]

It'll most definitely be on your record. Just be honest if it does come up in conversation during the interview.

 

[IsaacYankem]

State College, PA. Where having a plant on you is jail time, but molesting little boys in the showers is covered up. What a code of ethics

 

[Teeths]

Like Hawkteeth mentioned, I don't think I'd bring it up in the PS either. I think too many people think of the PS as a platform to explain all your possible downfalls and imo it should focus more on what you've been doing to improve yourself (getting good grades in classes, shadowing, volunteering, experiences that may have led you to dentistry) and how you'd be a great addition to a dental school class. I think what it boils down to is that you can't apply to LL 🙂p) but other schools it may just be the luck of the draw as to who reviews your application and if a charge like that bugs them or not.

 

[emorypredent]

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I didn't mean you should directly mention the incident in your PS. I meant you should just incorporate how "life experiences" have taught you the lessons I mentioned or something like that.

 

[shulace]

State College, PA. Where having a plant on you is jail time, but molesting little boys in the showers is covered up. What a code of ethics

It's sad, but true. The main reason why I got such a harsh sentence is because I lived on campus, which is considered a school zone.

Like Hawkteeth mentioned, I don't think I'd bring it up in the PS either. I think too many people think of the PS as a platform to explain all your possible downfalls and imo it should focus more on what you've been doing to improve yourself (getting good grades in classes, shadowing, volunteering, experiences that may have led you to dentistry) and how you'd be a great addition to a dental school class. I think what it boils down to is that you can't apply to LL 🙂p) but other schools it may just be the luck of the draw as to who reviews your application and if a charge like that bugs them or not.

Sorry for being a noob, but what is a LL?

Sorry if I wasn't clear. I didn't mean you should directly mention the incident in your PS. I meant you should just incorporate how "life experiences" have taught you the lessons I mentioned or something like that.

Thank you emorypredent, kittysquared, dskorhna, and teeths for the advice on what to and what not to put onto a PS. Having read your responses, I think I will focus my PS about my experience as a student tutor (3 years now =D) and how that impacted my decision to go into dentistry.

Initially, I debated on whether or not to post this topic, but I'm glad I did now. Thanks guys for making my first post a positive experience!

 

[dchoi]

I think he/she was referring to Loma Linda. Actually, they accept people who have made mistakes in the past. Dont count them out. I know...

 

[mid]

Sorry for being a noob, but what is a LL?

Loma Linda, a SDA university with a dental school.

 

[marrkarnell]

Some schools actually requires police clearances on enrollment. But you can seek legal advice from lawyers about that

 

[Hawkteeth]

Some schools actually requires police clearances on enrollment. But you can seek legal advice from lawyers about that

Are you talking about a background check? All schools require this.

 

[tommyinVA]

Something to consider, though I preface this by saying that I might be (and hopefully am) completely wrong...

There was another thread a while back posted by a kid who had a possession charge and felt like it was absolutely keeping him from getting into dental school. It may or may not, but if it was, it may not necessarily have been the school's decision.

Let's keep in mind that once we become practicing dentists, we are given the power to administer prescriptions...which means we ALL have to register with the DEA for licensure. I don't know for sure, but given how asinine the federal government is about a lot of things, it wouldn't surprise me at all if they have some sort of mandate against allowing anyone with a history involving illegal substances to receive licensing....

Like I said, I could be wrong, but it's a thought. I'm guessing the ADEA or ADA should be able to shed some light on the situation.

 

[shulace]

Licensure is my main concern. I have looked around and I've read about people getting accepted with criminal records and from the responses I've been getting so far, I feel more at ease in applying for schools. Yet, there would be no point in pursuing a career in dentistry if my criminal background prevents me from getting licensed.

I'm currently waiting to hear back from a lawyer regarding expungement and the ADA regarding licensure with a criminal record.

 

[tommyinVA]

Licensure is my main concern. I have looked around and I've read about people getting accepted with criminal records and from the responses I've been getting so far, I feel more at ease in applying for schools. Yet, there would be no point in pursuing a career in dentistry if my criminal background prevents me from getting licensed.

I'm currently waiting to hear back from a lawyer regarding expungement and the ADA regarding licensure with a criminal record.

The fact that you have a criminal record is probably not the issue. The particulars of your criminal record are. Asking the DEA for licensure with, say, vehicular manslaughter on your record is completely different than asking the Drug Enforcement Agency for licensure when you've been found guilty of possession of an illegal narcotic.

I'm not saying you're at fault or that it's right (which I don't think it is), but you do have to see the potential conflict of interests there and why they might take pause...

 

[shulace]

"Conflict of interest" is a great euphemism 😉

In other news, the PA State Board of Dentistry responded to my email. Unfortunately, at the very bottom of the email is a warning stating that I'm forbidden to share the contents of the email verbatim, but here's the gist:

The email I sent can be summarized into "are my charges grounds for immediate disqualification from becoming licensed?"

The response I got back (paraphrased):
1) Everyone applying for a license in Dentistry in PA, is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
2) Performance in dental school, time lapsed since conviction, and what charges were are all taken into account.
3) Appeals are also possible.

I did not get a yes or a no answer, but rather a vague maybe. To be honest, that's good enough for me. I am so glad they did not answer NO. This gives me renewed hope and greater motivation to work my ass off in preparing for the DAT for now, and redouble my efforts if/when I get into dental school.

 

[free99]

"Conflict of interest" is a great euphemism 😉

In other news, the PA State Board of Dentistry responded to my email. Unfortunately, at the very bottom of the email is a warning stating that I'm forbidden to share the contents of the email verbatim, but here's the gist:

The email I sent can be summarized into "are my charges grounds for immediate disqualification from becoming licensed?"

The response I got back (paraphrased):
1) Everyone applying for a license in Dentistry in PA, is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
2) Performance in dental school, time lapsed since conviction, and what charges were are all taken into account.
3) Appeals are also possible.

I did not get a yes or a no answer, but rather a vague maybe. To be honest, that's good enough for me. I am so glad they did not answer NO. This gives me renewed hope and greater motivation to work my ass off in preparing for the DAT for now, and redouble my efforts if/when I get into dental school.

Thanks for keeping us posted, good luck in your pursuit!

 

[tommyinVA]

"Conflict of interest" is a great euphemism 😉

In other news, the PA State Board of Dentistry responded to my email. Unfortunately, at the very bottom of the email is a warning stating that I'm forbidden to share the contents of the email verbatim, but here's the gist:

The email I sent can be summarized into "are my charges grounds for immediate disqualification from becoming licensed?"

The response I got back (paraphrased):
1) Everyone applying for a license in Dentistry in PA, is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
2) Performance in dental school, time lapsed since conviction, and what charges were are all taken into account.
3) Appeals are also possible.

I did not get a yes or a no answer, but rather a vague maybe. To be honest, that's good enough for me. I am so glad they did not answer NO. This gives me renewed hope and greater motivation to work my ass off in preparing for the DAT for now, and redouble my efforts if/when I get into dental school.

What a perfect "government" response:

"Yes, but no. But yes. So really, no...maybe."

Have you tried contacting a couple schools you DON'T intend to apply to just to see their opinion on the issue?

 

[iwantdent]

My friend who applied to dental school last cycle met a guy during one of his interviews who was caught twice for dealing cocaine. My friend later found out that he was accepted into his class for the upcoming year! Granted the guy had incredible stats, but don't lose hope! I think the biggest things is telling the ADCOM what you have learned from it etc..

 

[ple]

What about cases that are dismissed? In my case an MIC and MIP, one in high school and the other my freshman year of college?

 

[Hawkteeth]

What about cases that are dismissed? In my case an MIC and MIP, one in high school and the other my freshman year of college?

Unless its been expunged I would state them, because all your dismissed charges still show up on the background check. Try contacting the court to see if you can have them expunged.

 

[shulace]

What a perfect "government" response:

"Yes, but no. But yes. So really, no...maybe."

Have you tried contacting a couple schools you DON'T intend to apply to just to see their opinion on the issue?

That is a sound piece of advice. I'm definitely going to look into this.

My friend who applied to dental school last cycle met a guy during one of his interviews who was caught twice for dealing cocaine. My friend later found out that he was accepted into his class for the upcoming year! Granted the guy had incredible stats, but don't lose hope! I think the biggest things is telling the ADCOM what you have learned from it etc..

Damn. That's pretty serious stuff, but I'm glad he got in!

What about cases that are dismissed? In my case an MIC and MIP, one in high school and the other my freshman year of college?

My friend is in medical school and he also had the same charges. Just stay out of trouble from now on and drink responsibly 😉

Unless its been expunged I would state them, because all your dismissed charges still show up on the background check. Try contacting the court to see if you can have them expunged.

I looked into expungement and I have found out some details. Expungement won't do much for me. Misdemeanors cannot be expunged and require a pardon from the governor, which is pretty hard to get.

Also, my friend who was in jail with me (for the same charges), who now is a lawyer, told me one very important detail in regards to applications:you must respond YES to the question have you ever been arrested for a felony, even if you plead down to a misdemeanor.

Also to anyone who is in a similar situation as me, don't give up! Stay out of trouble! Keep your head up! And most importantly keep your GPA up and do well on the DAT!

 

[shulace]

Hey guys, my friend who attended law school in CA messaged me today with a few new facts:

"It is illegal for any employer to ask about misdemeanor marijuana convictions more than 2 years old. When filling out an application, it even specifically says to not disclose anything about it."