Dismissed from Dental School Need Advice

[dentistry~2021]

I had a meeting with the Student Academic Committee today and was told I am dismissed from dental school (D1) after failing 2 science classes my first trimester. I had a hard time with all of my didactic courses, barely scrapping by with a passing grade on the other science courses, but was doing well in my clinical courses. All of my assignments were turned in on time and I arrived consistently on time for all classes and attended tutoring sessions.

Although I had an idea that dental school would be challenging, I didn’t think I would struggle so much academically. The first two months I had difficulty finding a study method that helped me retain the material. I was experimenting with study methods that worked for other people, rather than sticking to a study method. I was not retaining the information, which put me behind in most of the classes, making it harder to catch up. Throughout undergrad, I commuted to college, so I always had my parents as my support system. Being away from them was hard as is, but my roommate also left on medical leave a few weeks into the trimester. It was difficult adjusting from living with my family to suddenly living by myself. Also, after failing the first exam I truly believed that I could do better on the next exam if I studied harder, but after failing another I lost my confidence. I didn't know what I could fix to improve. I had difficulty focusing during the exam since I was often overthinking about the results of my low scores and their consequences. Also, I was constantly comparing myself to how everyone else in the class was doing and felt lost on why I was struggling so much. Not only was it harder for me to adapt academically, but I was struggling mentally, which I didn’t realize until I talked with a phycologist during winter break. She made me realize that all the changes I encountered in the past few months were impacting my mental health and causing me to have anxiety.

After receiving the failing grades, I hoped for the best outcome, either being put in the five year program or repeating the year. I have started the appeal process, but would like to know what my options are. Is getting into another dental school possible? What are my options on how to handle this situation? Any advice would be appreciated.

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[LFA20]

I had a meeting with the Student Academic Committee today and was told I am dismissed from dental school (D1) after failing 2 science classes my first trimester. I had a hard time with all of my didactic courses, barely scrapping by with a passing grade on the other science courses, but was doing well in my clinical courses. All of my assignments were turned in on time and I arrived consistently on time for all classes and attended tutoring sessions.

Although I had an idea that dental school would be challenging, I didn’t think I would struggle so much academically. The first two months I had difficulty finding a study method that helped me retain the material. I was experimenting with study methods that worked for other people, rather than sticking to a study method. I was not retaining the information, which put me behind in most of the classes, making it harder to catch up. Throughout undergrad, I commuted to college, so I always had my parents as my support system. Being away from them was hard as is, but my roommate also left on medical leave a few weeks into the trimester. It was difficult adjusting from living with my family to suddenly living by myself. Also, after failing the first exam I truly believed that I could do better on the next exam if I studied harder, but after failing another I lost my confidence. I didn't know what I could fix to improve. I had difficulty focusing during the exam since I was often overthinking about the results of my low scores and their consequences. Also, I was constantly comparing myself to how everyone else in the class was doing and felt lost on why I was struggling so much. Not only was it harder for me to adapt academically, but I was struggling mentally, which I didn’t realize until I talked with a phycologist during winter break. She made me realize that all the changes I encountered in the past few months were impacting my mental health and causing me to have anxiety.

After receiving the failing grades, I hoped for the best outcome, either being put in the five year program or repeating the year. I have started the appeal process, but would like to know what my options are. Is getting into another dental school possible? What are my options on how to handle this situation? Any advice would be appreciated.

You have 3.7uGPA and 22AA and you were struggling??? This really boggles my mind. I think its more of a health issue. What dental school did you go to if you don't mind telling us?

 

[Chicago_predental]

Im so sorry to hear about this! I definitely thinkCBT or even starting a low-dose anxiety medication may be extremely helpful going forward in managing anxiety. Also, if your school has a learning specialist, they can help you identify your study habits and what works best for you so that you are studying effectively. Your stats are great, so I cant see how youre not prepared to handle a rigorous load. Good luck !

 

[deleted994703]

you can get dismissed if you fail 2 classes?? shouldnt they allow you to remediate? i would definitely appeal or get a lawyer.

 

[oralcare123]

School did not offer you an option of repeating a year? Strange.

 

[Gustavo dos Santos]

which school isn’t allowing remediation or for you to try and repeat?

 

[axiumgod]

Probably wouldn’t get accepted to another dental school. You need to fight the dismissal and stay where you are.

 

[PerioDont]

regardless of your DAT/GPA, it was a tough time in your life with lots of transitions. Sometimes things happens in life.

Best case scenario for you is trying to appeal and stay at the same school. I know of several successful dentists who had to repeat time in dental school so its not the end of the world.

 

[Rick Harrison]

Do you mind sharing the name of the dental school just so none of us end up also choosing this school

 

[JMK77]

Trimester, hmm.. but I think it really depends on your mindset and determination. I'm also a D1 like you. Chances are it will just get harder from here. If you can't pass courses on your first trimester of D1, you will not pass in your D2 year and board exam later. Even if you transfer to another school, it's not like it will be easier. Every school teaches so their students are ready for the board exam, that's it. We are all pretty much studying the same material. You have to fix your problems first before thinking about attending dental school again or you will just be wasting tons of money and time for nothing. There is no guarantee that 5 year program will be come 6 year or 7 year.

 

[Jaa_]

Trimester, hmm.. but I think it really depends on your mindset and determination. I'm also a D1 like you. Chances are it will just get harder from here. If you can't pass courses on your first trimester of D1, you will not pass in your D2 year and board exam later. Even if you transfer to another school, it's not like it will be easier. Every school teaches so their students are ready for the board exam, that's it. We are all pretty much studying the same material. You have to fix your problems first before thinking about attending dental school again or you will just be wasting tons of money and time for nothing. There is no guarantee that 5 year program will be come 6 year or 7 year.

If you're a D1 like OP, how would you know it will just get harder and they won't pass in D2? Each year is different depending on your skillset. To make a broad generalization like this to someone in this situation without experience is wrong.

 

[JMK77]

If you're a D1 like OP, how would you know it will just get harder and they won't pass in D2? Each year is different depending on your skillset. To make a broad generalization like this to someone in this situation without experience is wrong.

I know quite a number of dentists from different schools from my experience. Also, from upperclassman. Every single one I talked to said D1 year is just a beginning and D2 will be harder. I have never heard someone who say D2 is easier than D1 year at least. Besides, nobody here has experience like OP. We don't know what OP's curriculum looks like, and we don't even know what school OP is going to. Most we know is that it's trimester. Anyway, the point here is that OP needs to sort the problem out before heading back to dental school, if that's possible. Just going back and repeating a year might not be the right solution here.

 

[GoDental101]

I know quite a number of dentists from different schools from my experience. Also, from upperclassman. Every single one I talked to said D1 year is just a beginning and D2 will be harder. I have never heard someone who say D2 is easier than D1 year at least. Besides, nobody here has experience like OP. We don't know what OP's curriculum looks like, and we don't even know what school OP is going to. Most we know is that it's trimester. Anyway, the point here is that OP needs to sort the problem out before heading back to dental school, if that's possible. Just going back and repeating a year might not be the right solution here.

I’ll widen your horizons…d2 was easier than d1. And d3 is easier than d2. Every school and every person has a different experience.

 

[PerioDont]

I’ll widen your horizons…d2 was easier than d1. And d3 is easier than d2. Every school and every person has a different experience.

Agreed. D4 was the easiest year by far imo. I thought D1 was hardest and it got easier each year. ofc YMMV

 

[deleted994703]

Trimester, hmm.. but I think it really depends on your mindset and determination. I'm also a D1 like you. Chances are it will just get harder from here. If you can't pass courses on your first trimester of D1, you will not pass in your D2 year and board exam later. Even if you transfer to another school, it's not like it will be easier. Every school teaches so their students are ready for the board exam, that's it. We are all pretty much studying the same material. You have to fix your problems first before thinking about attending dental school again or you will just be wasting tons of money and time for nothing. There is no guarantee that 5 year program will be come 6 year or 7 year.

i disagree, D1 is the hardest because of the adjustment period. it seems like OP had trouble adjusting to dental school and lacked support. it’s not good to put someone where they’re already down. i’m sure if op was given a second chance and has support, goes to therapy, finds proper study methods they will be successful and pass their boards (which has like a 99% pass rate btw).

 

[thepfourthmolar]

3.80 and 22AA? wow I'm sorry you had to go through this. It's not normal for schools to just dismiss their students so thats a pretty scary thought.

 

[deleted994703]

3.80 and 22AA? wow I'm sorry you had to go through this. It's not normal for schools to just dismiss their students so thats a pretty scary thought.

it’s normal for nyu, not sure if that’s where op attended though.

 

[UCLA MCDB]

Trimester? Perhaps usc with pbl…

 

[thepfourthmolar]

Trimester? Perhaps usc with pbl…

A lot of dental schools with summer semester are considered trimester. I personally have not heard about usc dismissing any students. They apparently invest in their students!

 

[thepfourthmolar]

it’s normal for nyu, not sure if that’s where op attended though.

Is it worth the risk to go there?

 

[deleted994703]

Is it worth the risk to go there?

that’s up to you but i heard they don’t care about their students.

 

[PerioDont]

Is it worth the risk to go there?

definitely not worth the debt

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I personally have not heard about usc dismissing any students. They apparently really want the students’ tuition money!

Fixed it for you.

Big Hoss

 

[thepfourthmolar]

Fixed it for you.

Big Hoss

I know they are top 5 as far as being expensive but I personally have not heard anyone being dismissed from there. Correct me if im wrong though.

 

[allDAT]

Hm…it’s odd to be dismissed so quickly.

There are alternative career options available. Being dismissed might be a blessing for you. It’s so hard to say.

The odds of acceptance into another program after a dismissal would be very low (although not not impossible). You’d probably have to go get a master’s degree to prove you can handle the academic workload. At some point, it just doesn’t make sense to continue down the same road.

Don’t let this moment in time define you though. You’ll find your way.

 

[wannagiveup]

I had a meeting with the Student Academic Committee today and was told I am dismissed from dental school (D1) after failing 2 science classes my first trimester. I had a hard time with all of my didactic courses, barely scrapping by with a passing grade on the other science courses, but was doing well in my clinical courses. All of my assignments were turned in on time and I arrived consistently on time for all classes and attended tutoring sessions.

Although I had an idea that dental school would be challenging, I didn’t think I would struggle so much academically. The first two months I had difficulty finding a study method that helped me retain the material. I was experimenting with study methods that worked for other people, rather than sticking to a study method. I was not retaining the information, which put me behind in most of the classes, making it harder to catch up. Throughout undergrad, I commuted to college, so I always had my parents as my support system. Being away from them was hard as is, but my roommate also left on medical leave a few weeks into the trimester. It was difficult adjusting from living with my family to suddenly living by myself. Also, after failing the first exam I truly believed that I could do better on the next exam if I studied harder, but after failing another I lost my confidence. I didn't know what I could fix to improve. I had difficulty focusing during the exam since I was often overthinking about the results of my low scores and their consequences. Also, I was constantly comparing myself to how everyone else in the class was doing and felt lost on why I was struggling so much. Not only was it harder for me to adapt academically, but I was struggling mentally, which I didn’t realize until I talked with a phycologist during winter break. She made me realize that all the changes I encountered in the past few months were impacting my mental health and causing me to have anxiety.

After receiving the failing grades, I hoped for the best outcome, either being put in the five year program or repeating the year. I have started the appeal process, but would like to know what my options are. Is getting into another dental school possible? What are my options on how to handle this situation? Any advice would be appreciated.

I didn't read other replies. Your options I think are nursing, physical therapy, pharmacy, etc. Be prepared to explain your dismissal. As far as appeals go, do you really want to keep attending this school especially now that you are on the administration's radar? Re-admission is unheard of esepcially for someone who's been dismissed. This too shall pass. Keep your chin up.

 

[southernnm]

You have 3.7uGPA and 22AA and you were struggling??? This really boggles my mind. I think its more of a health issue. What dental school did you go to if you don't mind telling us?

I had a 24 AA and a 4.0 UGA (at a school that graded plus minus) and I failed out after 2 years.

Your test scores can’t measure passion, drive, and grit. But most of all, the kids who succeed are highly academically inclined. If you don’t have a passion for school, you will fail. If you were a kid that never had to study in undergrad like me, you will fail.

Please message me OP-life doesn’t end after dismissal. I have a great career only a year after I was dismissed, with a great title and more responsibility than any dentist out there.

 

[Let me out!]

I had a 24 AA and a 4.0 UGA (at a school that graded plus minus) and I failed out after 2 years.

Your test scores can’t measure passion, drive, and grit. But most of all, the kids who succeed are highly academically inclined. If you don’t have a passion for school, you will fail. If you were a kid that never had to study in undergrad like me, you will fail.

Please message me OP-life doesn’t end after dismissal. I have a great career only a year after I was dismissed, with a great title and more responsibility than any dentist out there.

What is this job with the great title and more responsibilities than *ANY* dentist out there?

 

[southernnm]

What is this job with the great title and more responsibilities than *ANY* dentist out there?

I’m the GM for a resort style hotel. The pay is lower of course, but I would say, between the size of my staff, a restaurant, bar, and hotel I have more responsibility than a dentist who just manages a small practice. I handle all the operations, finances, HR, sales, etc.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

I’m the GM for a resort style hotel. The pay is lower of course, but I would say, between the size of my staff, a restaurant, bar, and hotel I have more responsibility than a dentist who just manages a small practice. I handle all the operations, finances, HR, sales, etc.

I’ll stick with the higher pay and lower responsibility.

Big Hoss

 

[Let me out!]

Interesting how one becomes a GM of a resort hotel that manages everything in one year.

Regardless, I'll also stick to higher pay and lower responsibilities 😁

 

[southernnm]

Interesting how one becomes a GM of a resort hotel that manages everything in one year.

Regardless, I'll also stick to higher pay and lower responsibilities 😁

Well, I got very lucky-I had previous experience managing an automotive assembly line and injection molding facility, and I had a buddy in the hotel game who took a chance on me as a GM.

The first property I managed was horrible-cheap extended stay. Druggies, homeless, criminals, the whole nine yards. But I marketed myself well, made a name for myself, and used a few more connections to land me my current position.

I would be happy to answer any questions folks have via DM.

 

[LFA20]

I had a 24 AA and a 4.0 UGA (at a school that graded plus minus) and I failed out after 2 years.

Your test scores can’t measure passion, drive, and grit. But most of all, the kids who succeed are highly academically inclined. If you don’t have a passion for school, you will fail. If you were a kid that never had to study in undergrad like me, you will fail.

Please message me OP-life doesn’t end after dismissal. I have a great career only a year after I was dismissed, with a great title and more responsibility than any dentist out there.

How did you fail out after 2 years? Was it mainly clinical(hand skills)? Isn’t the first 2 years usually the hardest?

 

[southernnm]

How did you fail out after 2 years? Was it mainly clinical(hand skills)? Isn’t the first 2 years usually the hardest?

My biggest issue was the complete inability to watch 20-30 hours of slideshows a week. I could physically not sustain it, I felt like my mind was on fire.

I just refused to go to class, or take notes, or study. I would watch all the lectures on 2X speed the day of the test, and it was always enough to get low 70s.

Well, fast forward to the last semester of D2, and we had all these classes with weekly turn-in assignments, which i refused to do, since I thought it wasn’t pertinent to being a good dentist. I figured they’d just make me remediate and write a paper. Well they didn’t, especially given that I wasn’t a model student to begin with.

Thing that sucks the most is I scored in the top 5 in my class on our mock board exam. So I clearly knew my stuff, but they were just done with me at that point. I don’t blame the admin whatsoever.

 

[LFA20]

My biggest issue was the complete inability to watch 20-30 hours of slideshows a week. I could physically not sustain it, I felt like my mind was on fire.

I just refused to go to class, or take notes, or study. I would watch all the lectures on 2X speed the day of the test, and it was always enough to get low 70s.

Well, fast forward to the last semester of D2, and we had all these classes with weekly turn-in assignments, which i refused to do, since I thought it wasn’t pertinent to being a good dentist. I figured they’d just make me remediate and write a paper. Well they didn’t, especially given that I wasn’t a model student to begin with.

Thing that sucks the most is I scored in the top 5 in my class on our mock board exam. So I clearly knew my stuff, but they were just done with me at that point. I don’t blame the admin whatsoever.

I'm just a bit confused.. So you wanted to be a dentist but found out during school that it's not for you? Why didn't you just drop out voluntarily in the beginning? seems like a waste of time and money.

I don't see the benefit of just straight up not wanting to follow the rules and be a rebel.

 

[southernnm]

I'm just a bit confused.. So you wanted to be a dentist but found out during school that it's not for you? Why didn't you just drop out voluntarily in the beginning? seems like a waste of time and money.

I don't see the benefit of just straight up not wanting to follow the rules and be a rebel.

Hello, moving forward, let’s please direct any further questions to my DMs-this thread is getting a lot of responses as it is, and I’m sure others have questions, since it is such a unique situation.

I would have liked to be a dentist, but I simply could not handle the schooling. In undergrad I could, since I only spent about 15 hours a week, but when the workload increased, I found it physically impossible to focus for that long on a single topic.

I tried many different study methods, reaching out, etc. But nothing really worked.

It’s weird because I felt so lazy at the time, like why couldn’t I do what everyone else did so easily? And yet now, I have never missed a day of work since I started. I have no issues handling my workload.

The pace is different however-my current position demands that I juggle many tasks simultaneously. The pace is so fast, and I love it. Correct me if Im wrong, but dentistry is a profession where you need to focus really hard on a single task until it’s completed. And then repeat. That is very, very difficult for me.