Dental Hygiene

[Dr.Jamie]

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This is something I argue about with a family member of mine that is a dentist all the time. I have my degree in biology, decent grades, but nothing spectacular. So I have decided I need to get a Masters degree, which is something I've been advised to do by many people. Plus, it is just something I'd like to have. Anyway, this family member keeps saying that his dentist friends think i need to start into a dental hygiene program and that will make me look better to the Dental Schools. I think this is absurd. Won't upper level science classes, research, and a MS make me look a lot better than that? He says that this one girl he knows is in a Dental Hygiene bachelor's program that she transferred into from a CC, and that she'll be in Dental school before me. Is there any truth to that? Any advice?

 

[Drill2Fill]

I think it would be a watse of time and money, to get a degree you will never use.

 

[DoctorHappyFeet]

I think this is absurd.

I totally agree. If your goal is dental school, going to school for dental hygiene is a huge waste of time and money - you'll just be studying things that you'll be studying in dental school, only on a lot simpler level. If I were on a dental school admission committee I would not be impressed.

Maybe dental hygiene was a reasonable avenue to get to dental school a while back. But dental school has become a lot more competetive, and they want to see students with upper level science courses like you mentioned. I don't see anything challenging about a dental hygiene program.

He says that this one girl he knows is in a Dental Hygiene bachelor's program that she transferred into from a CC, and that she'll be in Dental school before me.

Has she actually been accepted to dental school yet? If not, how the hell could he say that she'll be in d-school before you? Your family member is a douche in my opinion.

 

[DoctorHappyFeet]

I think it would be a watse of time and money, to get a degree you will never use.

beat me to it.

 

[pmantz]

This is something I argue about with a family member of mine that is a dentist all the time. I have my degree in biology, decent grades, but nothing spectacular. So I have decided I need to get a Masters degree, which is something I've been advised to do by many people. Plus, it is just something I'd like to have. Anyway, this family member keeps saying that his dentist friends think i need to start into a dental hygiene program and that will make me look better to the Dental Schools. I think this is absurd. Won't upper level science classes, research, and a MS make me look a lot better than that? He says that this one girl he knows is in a Dental Hygiene bachelor's program that she transferred into from a CC, and that she'll be in Dental school before me. Is there any truth to that? Any advice?

I can see going from dental hygiene and then deciding to go to dental school. But to have a BS and enter an get an associate degee. 😕
I won't go as far as saying it is not challenging in its own way, but I would go for the masters.

 

[ItsGavinC]

I disagee with the other posters. I don't think hygiene would be a complete waste of time--certainly it would allow you to experience some dentistry is ways that you wouldn't be able to otherwise until you enter dental school. It in no way looks bad on an application. At the minimum it shows that you know what it is like to deal with patients, treat patients, and you have an idea of dental materials and instruments. Will it make you a shoe-in for dental school? No. But it could be a stepping-stone to dental school, in the same way a masters degree is. Would you be getting a masters in something you are going to use? Probably not. At least you could make decent money ($25/hr?) with hygiene should you need some extra cash.

 

[DoctorHappyFeet]

Would you be getting a masters in something you are going to use? Probably not.

I think that's a really narrow-minded statement.

 

[Dr.Jamie]

I disagee with the other posters. I don't think hygiene would be a complete waste of time--certainly it would allow you to experience some dentistry is ways that you wouldn't be able to otherwise until you enter dental school. It in no way looks bad on an application. At the minimum it shows that you know what it is like to deal with patients, treat patients, and you have an idea of dental materials and instruments. Will it make you a shoe-in for dental school? No. But it could be a stepping-stone to dental school, in the same way a masters degree is. Would you be getting a masters in something you are going to use? Probably not. At least you could make decent money ($25/hr?) with hygiene should you need some extra cash.

well, i have experience, i was a part time assistant for eight years. I also polish kid's teeth, and worked with them like they were my patients for a summer. I know Hygiene would be more advanced experience, but I don't see it helping me much more. I've been working with patients since the age of 15. So far that hasn't really helped me as far as geting in to dental school.

 

[pre-dentalguy]

This is something I argue about with a family member of mine that is a dentist all the time. I have my degree in biology, decent grades, but nothing spectacular. So I have decided I need to get a Masters degree, which is something I've been advised to do by many people. Plus, it is just something I'd like to have. Anyway, this family member keeps saying that his dentist friends think i need to start into a dental hygiene program and that will make me look better to the Dental Schools. I think this is absurd. Won't upper level science classes, research, and a MS make me look a lot better than that? He says that this one girl he knows is in a Dental Hygiene bachelor's program that she transferred into from a CC, and that she'll be in Dental school before me. Is there any truth to that? Any advice?

It is definitely a waste of time and money. School are NOT more likely to accept you based on a BS/BA in Hygiene. What you need to focus on is a postbacc/Master's program that will enhance your qualifications and make you more competitive. Do this... And do well... And you'll be golden.

Marion

 

[prplmnkydshwshr]

i love how many stupid people are trying to hop on the dental school bus