Dental school with dui?

[JSHONG21]

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I got the DUI(misdemeanor) when I was 22 (2007). I am a former combat veteran from the Usmc with an honorable discharge. I got the dui when I was on leave and made a big mistake by going behind the wheel. A very big mistake that I deeply regret everyday... it was my first offense with the law besides some speeding tickets..I did aa/dui classes/mothers against drunk driving course/ and community service. How much will this affect me getting into dental school? I plan on transferring to UCSD next year and should be done by 2014. Any advice wil be greatly appreciated.

 

[e00z]

I think you'll be alright. You received it over 4 years ago. You've had a long time to mature and admission offices take that into account. I myself received a DUI earlier this year (january) and I have received 2 interviews(I am currently applying). I called one school and they said that they would like to see at least a full year or 2 since the DUI. Unfortunately I received mine relatively recently so I have definitely been penalized for it. However the fact that I still got 2 interviews means it's not the end of the world(for those who have gotten one). Just be sure to learn from your mistakes, convey to admissions how you have matured since, make sure the rest of your application is strong and you'll be fine. Good luck.

 

[YoHomey]

I remember reading a thread about some dude with a DUI who got accepted and then had to meet with the Dean after the criminal background check to explain and defend himself and then to be told that the matter would be handled by some executive review committee (his offer could be rescinded). And this was despite being told by Admissions during the app cycle that his DUI would be a non issue. Not sure about the final outcome. Both of you may want to search for that thread.

 

[93geo]

I know people who have gotten into medical school that got dui's in their past. As long as you are a good candidate the admissions people will most likely look it over. Just be prepared to explain it in an interview. If you have multiple charges on top of your dui then you may have reason to worry but just one dui will probably not be a big hindrance. Either way it has already happened so there is not much you can do about it. Just be prepared to answer to it if asked about it. I doubt admissions people are naive enough to think that nobody makes mistakes.

 

[YoHomey]

Just hope the Adcom who's reviewing your app didn't have a family member or friend who died or was injured in a car accident by some drunk driver. That would be a DUI checkpoint you couldn't pass on through even if you knew how to say the alphabet backwards.

 

[budentite]

That's a tough one to answer. One one hand, a student I went to school with was a junkie, and spent time in rehab just before dental school. However, he had some crazy powerful connections with BU, and I've never seen such a terrible student, so that might not be such a good example.

On the other hand, if you get a DUI after graduating dental school, you can be disciplined by the state's dental board, including losing your license to practice dentistry.

There is also a thing called "diversion" because of the high percentage of dentists with substance abuse problems. If you went through some kind of treatment program after the DUI I'm sure no school will hold the DUI against you.