Criminal record question

[WhistlesgoWOO]

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How much does having a class A misdemeanor affect getting into dental school?

 

[geckel]

Nobody cares if you've had a misdemeanor..........just be honest about it on your application. Be prepared to explain how you have grown up since then and don't draw any extra attention to that aspect of your application. The adcoms know that college kids drink and I've never heard of it holding someone back from proffesional school.

 

[WhistlesgoWOO]

well it wasn't drinking, it was marijuana, does that makes any difference.....?

 

[tinman831]

Having a blemish on your record won't prevent you from getting into dental school, but it will definitely hold you back. You have an uphill battle to fight and you will have to totally convince the admissions committees that you have matured and learned your lesson.

 

[reapply2007]

Most medical centers have a random drug screening policy. If you plan on getting clinic time in one you'll probably need to have a planned response when the question arises.

 

[Warbucks]

How much does having a class A misdemeanor affect getting into dental school?

hire a lawyer and have it erased, or expunged, i think thats the term.

 

[reapply2007]

If it happened when you were a minor, the record is sealed and your worries are over. Supposedly this allows you lead a long, happy, and successful life without reliving bad decisions. If it happened as an adult, and you really want to dump it from the record you'll probably need an attorney to help you out. Even if you do successfully get it expunged, some apps ask if you've ever had anything expunged.

You could also call the courthouse and see if there is any record of your problem. I've heard that some small areas or some ridiculously overworked courts drop some records just because they can't handle the amount of work it takes to maintain everything. You could be lucky.

 

[dentintraining]

Do dental schools pull a criminal record?? I guess I've never thought about this, it does make sense that they would, so they don't accept the recently released ax murderer. But does anyone know for sure if they pull a criminal record on all applicants (or at least on all probable applicants)?

 

[WhistlesgoWOO]

you can actually hire a lawyer and have it erased? that's pretty cool if you can actually do that....but no i was not a minor, and im pretty sure it's on my record but i guess i could check to be certain

 

[pmantz]

1

 

[lilchinoboy03]

i think youll be ok as long as you can explain that youve grown a lot since then.

 

[jpollei]

Any state board will probably have more of a concern about this than any dental school. You may want to casually check into what the dental board in the state(s) you want to practice in has to say...

 

[Denteeth]

Yes! Once dental schools send you a conditional acceptance, they ask to submit a criminal background check form and some other background checks as well.... hope this helps!

 

[setdoc7]

1- Although you may have the charges erased, the record of your arrest will still be with the police, and I am not sure if that will ever go away.
2-You should definitely check with any state dental boards where you plan on practicing and see what their restrictions might be.
3- You need to check if you will be eligible for any student loan (fed) money, as there is a big question on the FAFSA about this issue, and dental school is expensive.
Explore this all carefully, as the application process and interview process are both tedious and expensive. You should know where you stand before moving forward. Assuming that adcoms will accept that you have grown up is a major assumption that I would not bank on. The adcoms at the med school I am affiliated with would not interview you. Good luck.

 

[FutureDent020]

1- Although you may have the charges erased, the record of your arrest will still be with the police, and I am not sure if that will ever go away.

This is very true. When I was 17 I was pulled over and ticketed for speeding and underage consumption. I blew a .01, but wasn't arrested or anything. The event was expunged and I hadn't heard anything about it until a couple months ago. I'm applying for the Navy HPSP and a government employer (badge and all) had to interview me about the event. She asked about my drinking habits and everything that happened that day, which was 6 years ago. So, just because it is expunged does not mean it's not on your record. All the fines are just dropped, except for your lawyer fees.