Do Dental Schools Look At Your Degree or Courses?

[AmpedUp]

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All right folks. This upcoming May I'm going to graduate with a degree in General Studies with an emphasis in Chemistry. My school doesn't have a good Pre-Health curriculum (lots of unnecessary classes - most without Pre-Reqs for Dental Schools), so I designed my own under the BGS department. Anyway, I was told by someone that dental schools evaluate someone based on their degree. I mean, I have great EC's, an above average GPA (~3.67 Sci, 3.74 Overall), and a well-rounded education so...I'm a little confused.

Courses I've taken (Science): General Bio 1 and 2, General Chem 1 and 2, Organic Chem 1 and 2, Physics 1 and 2, Biochemistry I, Biochemistry Lab, Microbiology, Anatomy/Physiology (combined course), Computer Science, Medical Terminology, Nutrition and Analytical Chemistry.

I also have a lot of Behavioral or Social Science courses in Political Science, Sociology (a majority here ~ 5 courses), Philosophy (Bioethics), Microeconomics and Psychology.

Math - Statistics and Calculus I

Will dental schools overlook my situation with a "not so pretty lookin" degree? Should I consider a Postbacc or something?

^Excuse me for the dumb question(s)...

 

[baseballjunkie]

I think you'll be fine wherever you apply. The only schools that MAY question your degree A LITTLE BIT would be some of the more research intensive schools. Your science GPA shows that you can do well in your science didactic courses in d school, so I wouldn't worry about doing a post-bac. If your DAT produces 20+ in the science sections, then I really wouldn't worry at all. With good ECs and some dental experience you should be a good applicant.

 

[AmpedUp]

I think you'll be fine wherever you apply. The only schools that MAY question your degree A LITTLE BIT would be some of the more research intensive schools. Your science GPA shows that you can do well in your science didactic courses in d school, so I wouldn't worry about doing a post-bac. If your DAT produces 20+ in the science sections, then I really wouldn't worry at all. With good ECs and some dental experience you should be a good applicant.

Which dental schools are considered "research intensive"? Would UMKC be one of them (my "state" school by contract)?

 

[baseballjunkie]

Which dental schools are considered "research intensive"? Would UMKC be one of them (my "state" school by contract)?

I'm not sure about UMKC. Maybe someone else on this forum could speak better for me.

 

[AmpedUp]

I'm not sure about UMKC. Maybe someone else on this forum could speak better for me.

That's fine. Thanks for your post though! It's a relief to know that I won't be dismissed because of my degree. Well, not yet...I still need to apply to find out.

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=701115

 

[AmpedUp]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=701115

Cool.

 

[AmpedUp]

anyone else with a non-trad degree or something that got in or knows a little something about dental admissions? any umkc alumni or attending students or applicants?

 

[Predoctalk]

when you decide where you are going to apply, you can write a separate letter or email regarding your degree to the Dean of Admissions and explain your situation (much like you did on this forum). That way, at least if you are written off (which you won't be) it would be an informed decision on their part, rather than them just looking at your degree title. You will be fine with a good DAT score.​

 

[4X4MD]

i am curious as well...id like to kind of make my own program but i have a hard time believing that a general studies degree is not looked down upon

im a biology major but i dont really want to take any classes in botany or anything like that...id rather spend more time taking social sciences and health sciences based classes along with upper level biology classes that are more applicable to my career path

anyone with experience in admissions with a gen studies degree?

 

[Predoctalk]

My degree was exercise science, which may as well have been gen studies. I took the classes listed by the op with a few additional courses. You should just call and inquire if you are curious. They have chosen the pre-reqs that they consider to be good indicators of success so the rest of the classes shouldn't be relevant. For example, an english/poly sci major with the required pre-reqs is not looked down upon. How would gen studies be different? I don't think it is really a big deal. 👍

 

[AmpedUp]

My degree was exercise science, which may as well have been gen studies. I took the classes listed by the op with a few additional courses. You should just call and inquire if you are curious. They have chosen the pre-reqs that they consider to be good indicators of success so the rest of the classes shouldn't be relevant. For example, an english/poly sci major with the required pre-reqs is not looked down upon. How would gen studies be different? I don't think it is really a big deal. 👍

Sounds good.

Congrats on the multiple acceptances as well!

By the way, I don't speak for everyone, but I would not change a thing in designing my own program. I did it real carefully (with the help of my predent advisor) so that I had the right mix of classes. In fact, since I really didn't have to take these classes to complete my degree, I felt in control of my education and that alone motivated me to do it. I didn't even feel forced (like some people who are Bio/Chem majors for the sole purpose of gaining admission to dental, med, etc schools). I just don't like the idea of doing a degree program where some of the classes I take aren't going to be used or applied later on. That's a waste of my time (and for some who really care about where they put their dollars - a waste of money).