DDS or DDS/PhD

[harleen317]

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Hello everyone,

I need serious help deciding what to apply for. I have always been interested in dentistry and my love research developed over the years in college. I have had three different independent research projects so far with well renowned schools. I have a science GPA of 3.8 and one of my research is dental science related. I have no clue what it takes to get into the PhD program or what people with DDS/PhD do after graduating. Also what does it take to get into this program? Is the schooling paid for in this PhD program like all other graduate programs? PLEASE help if you know anything!!

Thank you in advance!

 

[ramborhino]

Hello everyone,

I need serious help deciding what to apply for. I have always been interested in dentistry and my love research developed over the years in college. I have had three different independent research projects so far with well renowned schools. I have a science GPA of 3.8 and one of my research is dental science related. I have no clue what it takes to get into the PhD program or what people with DDS/PhD do after graduating. Also what does it take to get into this program? Is the schooling paid for in this PhD program like all other graduate programs? PLEASE help if you know anything!!

Thank you in advance!

Aside from getting solid DAT/GPA scores (I don't think the avgs need be much higher than regular DDS applicants since the PhD option is not incredibly sought after..lots of the schools will try recruit applicants during the interview day towards their PhD). To be competitive for DDS/PhD program..you should probably have some publications under your belt to show you are serious about research and not just the idea of it. DDS/PhD students are typically interested in staying in academics (doing research and teaching at the dental school in basic dental sciences) though I'm sure some don't use their PhD training and enter private practice. I don't think it's as easy to split your time clinically and do research in dentistry as a physician scientist could do in an academic medicine setting.

 

[harleen317]

Ah I don't have anything published yet but that should happen sometime this year. Is that really the deciding factor?

 

[ILLchief]

Hello everyone,

I need serious help deciding what to apply for. I have always been interested in dentistry and my love research developed over the years in college. I have had three different independent research projects so far with well renowned schools. I have a science GPA of 3.8 and one of my research is dental science related. I have no clue what it takes to get into the PhD program or what people with DDS/PhD do after graduating. Also what does it take to get into this program? Is the schooling paid for in this PhD program like all other graduate programs? PLEASE help if you know anything!!

Thank you in advance!

I can only speak on behalf of the UIC dual degree program as I interviewed for this position. Tuition is all paid for (including a stipend during the years but I do not know how much)!! Don't know about other schools but I would assume so. Also, the dental/PhD curriculums are split in half meaning you complete PhD coursework as well as do research for a couple years then go into dental school and do that curriculum and go back and forth until both degrees are completed.

Usually you need roughly the same stats as normal because you need to get accepted into both the PhD program as well as dental school. Obviously you will need a fairly decent amount of research experience which seems like you do definitely. However you will need to know why the hell you actually want to go through such a long, intense, and grueling program. I mean it is at least 7+ years to complete both degrees and if you start fresh out of undergrad youll already be pushing 30 years old+ before starting your career.

The goal of these programs is to have students stay in academia in hopes to continue research at their school and teach. However, a lot of students will just use the free tuition and go practice dentistry.

If you do love research, then look for the schools that offer such programs. You will need to make a separate application besides AADSAS. But you can always do research while just in dental school which will better your apps for specialities (if you so desire) and maybe even some stipends along the way.

 

[baby tooth]

The goal of these programs is to have students stay in academia in hopes to continue research at their school and teach. However, a lot of students will just use the free tuition and go practice dentistry.

I can see why someone would do this. IMO DDS/PHD >>> HPSP.

 

[PointEstimate]

I can see why someone would do this. IMO DDS/PHD >>> HPSP.

Mehhh. Most schools make sure you also finish the PhD by withholding the DDS part of the dual degree until the PhD part is finished. Lost practice and opportunity to build your practice are certainly huge downsides to "getting a free ride" if you look at the DDS-PhD like this.

 

[harleen317]

I can only speak on behalf of the UIC dual degree program as I interviewed for this position. Tuition is all paid for (including a stipend during the years but I do not know how much)!! Don't know about other schools but I would assume so. Also, the dental/PhD curriculums are split in half meaning you complete PhD coursework as well as do research for a couple years then go into dental school and do that curriculum and go back and forth until both degrees are completed.

Usually you need roughly the same stats as normal because you need to get accepted into both the PhD program as well as dental school. Obviously you will need a fairly decent amount of research experience which seems like you do definitely. However you will need to know why the hell you actually want to go through such a long, intense, and grueling program. I mean it is at least 7+ years to complete both degrees and if you start fresh out of undergrad youll already be pushing 30 years old+ before starting your career.

The goal of these programs is to have students stay in academia in hopes to continue research at their school and teach. However, a lot of students will just use the free tuition and go practice dentistry.

If you do love research, then look for the schools that offer such programs. You will need to make a separate application besides AADSAS. But you can always do research while just in dental school which will better your apps for specialities (if you so desire) and maybe even some stipends along the way.

What if I go through the interviews and don't get accepted to any DDS/Phd programs, does this mean that I am not accepted into the DDS either? I mean will I left in the middle no where without the opportunity of dental school too?

 

[ILLchief]

What if I go through the interviews and don't get accepted to any DDS/Phd programs, does this mean that I am not accepted into the DDS either? I mean will I left in the middle no where without the opportunity of dental school too?

I'm not entirely sure about this one. For me, I had 2 separate interviews. One for Dental school and another for PhD. Basically all or none.

 

[r2thekesh]

You can always do a PhD during a residency if you wanted to get advanced training. A lot of specialties are looking for research oriented people.

 

[harleen317]

You can always do a PhD during a residency if you wanted to get advanced training. A lot of specialties are looking for research oriented people.

Hmm that's a good option but I think I really want this DDS/PhD experience.

 

[KermitMorgenstein]

Ah I don't have anything published yet but that should happen sometime this year. Is that really the deciding factor?

No, you don't need to have published anything. You can't dive into any research project expecting a publication. It helps as it demonstrates you went through the critical analysis of your data and interpretations by those who are in the field but you can get that with time in the field as well.


meow

 

[harleen317]

No, you don't need to have published anything. You can't dive into any research project expecting a publication. It helps as it demonstrates you went through the critical analysis of your data and interpretations by those who are in the field but you can get that with time in the field as well.


meow

Hmm sounds good. Does anyone know what causes the admission committee to turn someone down? Or the characteristics that makes up a candidate for this program?

 

[r2thekesh]

Hmm sounds good. Does anyone know what causes the admission committee to turn someone down? Or the characteristics that makes up a candidate for this program?

You need to have high grades as at points you will more coursework going on than the usual dental student. Plus you need to have the drive and desire to complete a research project instead of making money like your classmates will be. They look for high grades, test scores, strong research desire.