This. this is the problem. In this whole thread, you don't see MD = DO. Not that they are, but at the top half of DO schools, you're pretty damn close to lower tier MD. I already respected top dental schools (if you care too look at the dental forum where dipdoc posted another thread about this). The fact is that I did not get in and settled for DO. That statement is correct. But that proves NOTHING. i could also point out the fact is that most dental students "settled" for dental school as opposed to medical school. these are all just Conjectures.
EDIT: You will probably argue that compareing two diifferent professions does not hold the same weight as md vs do in the last sentence I wrote. My rebuttal: go outside of SDN and look around, ask around, become more realistic. Anecdotal or whatever, but I know many many people who choose DDS/DMD, PA, nursing, MD/DO, Optometry based on their interests AND the professions level of difficulty to gain admission. I personally know a couple of Pre-dental who claimed pre-med until later in college and "suddenly" decided dentistry interested them more. Not saying that is anyone here, but you'd be surprised at the average aspiring pre-med. DO is becoming more and more like MD, and that means, less people care about the initials.
TLDR Bottom line: it's all about self selection, for which in todays world, DO gains a higher caliber than dentistry.