Dental School after Business School

[Beans1991]

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Hello everyone, this is my first post on this forum.

I graduated with my MBA degree last year. I am 26 now and I am working in my respective field but feel like something is missing.

I have thought about going to dental school, I am going to speak with my dentist to get his opinion as well.

Having done no science I college I would have to satisfy all of my pre reqs which I'm guessing takes 2 years?

Being 27 years old now, would anyone recommend or deter me from doing this?
I would obviously try to Shadow a dentist or do additional work to see if this is really what I want to do. I believe I would like the patient interaction and impacting people's lives.

Any advice would be appreciated! If you want more information please ask.

 

[Life of Pablo]

Yes, you would need to take 2 years or prereqs at a college (preferably a 4 year college/university). If dentistry is truly your passion, I say pursue it especially because you're only 26. However, it is expensive (anywhere from 200k-500k+) and i'm assuming you've had to take out loans for your MBA and will have to take out loans for dental school. That can get quite expensive, so make sure it's what you really want.

 

[Beans1991]

Yes, you would need to take 2 years or prereqs at a college (preferably a 4 year college/university). If dentistry is truly your passion, I say pursue it especially because you're only 26. However, it is expensive (anywhere from 200k-500k+) and i'm assuming you've had to take out loans for your MBA and will have to take out loans for dental school. That can get quite expensive, so make sure it's what you really want.

Thank you for the input! I was fortunate enough to not have loans for my MBA.

Some things I would enjoy about dentistry I think
Working with my hands
Helping people
Own your own business
Good skills to improve upon

Would taking pre reqs be too tough given my business background? That is the main concern of mine, having to give up 2 years if I go to school full time or maybe less if it's full time.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

Would taking pre reqs be too tough given my business background? That is the main concern of mine, having to give up 2 years if I go to school full time or maybe less if it's full time.

I think if you're determined enough the pre-reqs won't be a problem - they're mostly introductory level courses (bio, chem, etc.) that are taught to everyone in their early exposure to science.

Whether it's worth it given your age by the time you complete your dental degree is more of a personal decision.

 

[Life of Pablo]

It's okay to not have a strong science background because the pre reqs are where you first establish your science background. It's like me asking you if I would have trouble taking intro business classes even though I've never taken a business class before. You learn most of the stuff during the class and having a strong background in the subject isn't necessary.

Again, if dentistry is what you really want, go for it. Make sure it is what you want though because it's a long, tough journey.

 

[Beans1991]

Thank you both!

It definitely sounds like a great profession. Aside from online research and shadowing are there any other methods of career research that you used or recommend? I would just want to be 100% right before making a commitment.

 

[Blackca3]

I'm in a similar boat as you. Finished undergrad with a business degree then worked for a couple years and didn't enjoy what I was doing. I
had zero of the science prereqs needed when I went back to school Fall 2016. It is possible to complete all of the prereqs for most schools in a year and take the DAT. I was much more focused in school this time around and earned all A's where as in undergrad I finished with a 3.4.

 

[Life of Pablo]

Thank you both!

It definitely sounds like a great profession. Aside from online research and shadowing are there any other methods of career research that you used or recommend? I would just want to be 100% right before making a commitment.

Yes, a number of dental schools have pre-dent SIM courses that are a couple days and you pretty much get to experience what it's like to be a dental student. You learn about dentistey and get to work in the lab a bit. i did one and absolutely loved it. Look into local dental schools to see if there's one near you.

 

[1ysh]

Having such strong business background definitely sets you apart from rest of the applicants. You're slightly older than average but that means you have more real life experiences. Dentist is a great job for things you mentioned, among many others. You're only 27 and if you don't try now, you'll regret in your 40s, 50s.

 

[Beans1991]

I'm in a similar boat as you. Finished undergrad with a business degree then worked for a couple years and didn't enjoy what I was doing. I
had zero of the science prereqs needed when I went back to school Fall 2016. It is possible to complete all of the prereqs for most schools in a year and take the DAT. I was much more focused in school this time around and earned all A's where as in undergrad I finished with a 3.4.

Well I'm glad that I'm not the only one! What business degree did you get? Could you go into more detail about the pre reqs? That's awesome they took 1 year! I was thinking 2 years minimum. Did you go to school full time or part time?

 

[Beans1991]

Yes, a number of dental schools have pre-dent SIM courses that are a couple days and you pretty much get to experience what it's like to be a dental student. You learn about dentistey and get to work in the lab a bit. i did one and absolutely loved it. Look into local dental schools to see if there's one near you.

That sounds amazing!! I would want to do that to see if it would be a great fit. Is there a general database with programs or would you suggest individual searches of schools?

 

[Evolver311]

Go for it!! Starting D1 next week. I'm in my lower 30s. My degree is in audio recording and I owned a professional recording and mixing studio for nearly a decade. I did a formal post-bacc to fulfill the pre-reqs and loved being back in school. It took me 2 application cycles and 2 stabs at the DAT, but I'm going to be a Dentist!! Follow your heart, believe in yourself and the rest will fall into place.


Sent from my iPhone using SDN mobile

 

[Beans1991]

Having such strong business background definitely sets you apart from rest of the applicants. You're slightly older than average but that means you have more real life experiences. Dentist is a great job for things you mentioned, among many others. You're only 27 and if you don't try now, you'll regret in your 40s, 50s.

Thanks! I would hope my business experience would not go to waste! I am really interested in a pre dent course! I'll have to do more research.

 

[Blackca3]

I majored in Management Science and Economics then graduated in May of 2014. Went on to work for Amazon and Target. Last fall I took Chem 1, Bio 1, and Phys 1. I was still working full time up through October for Target. It was tough to do both so I quit. This past spring I took Chem 2, OChem 1, Phys 2, Bio 2. Took the DAT beginning of July. I'll finish OChem 2 next week and I'll take Bio Chem this upcoming fall. If I hadn't had my annual training for the army in May I would have taken OChem 2 then and would instead be finishing up Bio Chem next week and then returning to the workforce for a year before starting dental school. Knowing what I know now, I would have taken OChem 1 last fall. You don't need general chemistry to be able to understand what is going on in that class.

 

[Beans1991]

I majored in Management Science and Economics then graduated in May of 2014. Went on to work for Amazon and Target. Last fall I took Chem 1, Bio 1, and Phys 1. I was still working full time up through October for Target. It was tough to do both so I quit. This past spring I took Chem 2, OChem 1, Phys 2, Bio 2. Took the DAT beginning of July. I'll finish OChem 2 next week and I'll take Bio Chem this upcoming fall. If I hadn't had my annual training for the army in May I would have taken OChem 2 then and would instead be finishing up Bio Chem next week and then returning to the workforce for a year before starting dental school. Knowing what I know now, I would have taken OChem 1 last fall. You don't need general chemistry to be able to understand what is going on in that class.

That's nice that you were able to do some during work! It sounds like if you time it right you could finish pre reqs in one year! I think I order for me to decide I will have to attend a pre dent course. Hopefully there are some soon in my surrounding area. If I attend one and love it I know it will be the right decision.

 

[schmoob]

Go for it, it's never too late. Once you graduate you will have a huge advantage with your business background IMO. Many choose dentistry for the entrepreneurial opportunities, and having your background will really help you. Don't let your age stop you.

 

[SmileItsLife]

I majored in Management Science and Economics then graduated in May of 2014. Went on to work for Amazon and Target. Last fall I took Chem 1, Bio 1, and Phys 1. I was still working full time up through October for Target. It was tough to do both so I quit. This past spring I took Chem 2, OChem 1, Phys 2, Bio 2. Took the DAT beginning of July. I'll finish OChem 2 next week and I'll take Bio Chem this upcoming fall. If I hadn't had my annual training for the army in May I would have taken OChem 2 then and would instead be finishing up Bio Chem next week and then returning to the workforce for a year before starting dental school. Knowing what I know now, I would have taken OChem 1 last fall. You don't need general chemistry to be able to understand what is going on in that class.

Although you don't need Gen Chem 2 knowledge for Ochem, some schools require you pass each class within the sequence before taking the next level (i.e. Gen Chem 1> Gen Chem 2> Orgo 1> Orgo 2). That's more dependent on the college though. I just wanted to let OP know.

I agree that it's doable in 12 months if you go to school full time even during summer sessions. Your story sounds pretty amazing too. I find what you did really cool. Most people I know wouldnot have the tenacity to do what's you did

 

[Beans1991]

Find out if your local dental school (if you have one) offers a pre-dental simulation course. It will give you a small glimpse into working with your hands. As far as whether dental school will be right for you, figure out what your priorities are in life and share them with some dentists. Listen to what they have to say about their own experiences and decide whether the drawbacks are OK for you.

I started reaching out to local dentist as well as my personal dentist. He agreed to talk to me this weekend! I think I would like the hands on work instead of being behind a desk all day.

 

[Beans1991]

What would you guys thing about a class like this?
The program I looked at was the Pre Dental Beginner Tooth Waxing and Denture Course
Pre-Dental | UCLA Dentistry

 

[Life of Pablo]

What would you guys thing about a class like this?
The program I looked at was the Pre Dental Beginner Tooth Waxing and Denture Course
Pre-Dental | UCLA Dentistry

where are you from if you don't mind me asking?

 

[Beans1991]

where are you from if you don't mind me asking?

Just moved to Walnut Creek area, but I'm from Reno, NV.

 

[Life of Pablo]

Just moved to Walnut Creek area, but I'm from Reno, NV.

Perfect! UOP offers one here - Predental Simulation Course
It's in San fran so it's much, much closer than UCLA.

UCSF might also offer one. You'd have to look into that.

 

[Beans1991]

Perfect! UOP offers one here - Predental Simulation Course
It's in San fran so it's much, much closer than UCLA.

UCSF might also offer one. You'd have to look into that.

I noticed that!! UOP has one but it was offered in April so I'm late :/ I emailed the contact person to see if they have any upcoming courses. I'm hoping that they do! UCLA has one that's in late August so that may be an option if UOP doesn't offer one.

 

[doc toothache]

Without shadowing, there is not much point in contemplating additional steps you will need to take.
2014 Age and DS 2006-2013

 

[Beans1991]

Without shadowing, there is not much point in contemplating additional steps you will need to take.
2014 Age and DS 2006-2013

Would you recommend shadowing over a pre dent course?

 

[doc toothache]

Would you recommend shadowing over a pre dent course?

A "pre-dent" course, while a good tinkering course, does nothing to expose you to dentistry as we know it.

 

[Beans1991]

A "pre-dent" course, while a good tinkering course, does nothing to expose you to dentistry as we know it.

I have done some cold calls since I am new to the area. How would you recommend trying to shadow a dentist? Has there been something in particular that had worked in the past?

Thanks!!

 

[Beans1991]

I have done some cold calls since I am new to the area. How would you recommend trying to shadow a dentist? Has there been something in particular that had worked in the past?


Thanks!!

Cold calls without any luck

 

[Life of Pablo]

Cold calls without any luck

If you're new to the area, find a new dentist and become him/her patient. Then you can easily ask and I'm sure they'll say yes

 

[Beans1991]

If you're new to the area, find a new dentist and become him/her patient. Then you can easily ask and I'm sure they'll say yes

I'm thinking of that as well!

 

[koowhat]

Hello. I am currently a Senior in business school with a major in MIS (currently at 3.24 gpa). I am on the verge of graduating in the Spring of 2017, but I will be finishing up classes this Winter. I need some opinions, should I not graduate yet and do my pre-dental perquisites at the same university, or should I apply to another school to do my perquisites and graduate in the Spring of 2017 for my MIS degree?

 

[Blackca3]

Hello. I am currently a Senior in business school with a major in MIS (currently at 3.24 gpa). I am on the verge of graduating in the Spring of 2017, but I will be finishing up classes this Winter. I need some opinions, should I not graduate yet and do my pre-dental perquisites at the same university, or should I apply to another school to do my perquisites and graduate in the Spring of 2017 for my MIS degree?

Are you asking for a specific reason?? Your question is kinda vague. Why not just graduate and keep taking classes? Then you'll have the opportunity to work, build your resume and you can still take classes.