Few questions

[mnl22]

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First, Hi, I am a new member here..
I have always wanted to be a Dentist for some reason, and still want to. I wanted to goto school immediately when I graduated High School in 2006, but I had a 4 year fight with cancer, which I am glad to say I have made a full recovery from 🙂 !

I am 22 now, I hope I am not too old to pursue this career. There are a few Community colleges around me that offer "pre-DENTISTRY" preparation.. Here is a link to one-http://www.prairiestate.edu/worksheets/as_dent.pdf

My question is, what would be the process I go through, after completing the above courses? Thank you. I appreciate your help.

 

[persenmi]

Congratulations on beating cancer! At 22 years old you are DEFINITELY NOT to old to pursue this career. Dental students range from 20 to 50 years old. However, it is rare to gain acceptance to a dental school with less than a bachelors degree from a four year university. Every dental school has a list of prerequisite courses to gain acceptance but only some schools accept community college courses as meeting these requirements. This information can usually be found on the school website. My advice would be to enroll in a university and major in one of the sciences (e.g. biology, chemistry, biochemistry, etc.) as these majors will most likely fulfill most dental school requirements. However, you can major in whatever you like so long as you meet all the prerequisite courses. Then your next step is to study for and take the DAT. Then apply! I hope this helps.

 

[doc toothache]

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=527335

 

[flyingforever]

.

 

[UndergradGuy7]

I noticed the link you posted (Prairie state) is in IL. If you plan on staying in IL and going to UIC for dental school, then it would be in your best interest to go to UIC or UIUC for undergrad. They accept mostly UIC/UIUC undergrads. Just look at the stats on their website.

If you are going out of state, then it doesn't matter as much. But most people recommend going to a university and not community college. You will need to do a full bachelor's degree (it is hard to get in without one). After taking pre-reqs like the ones you listed, you should have a major chosen and finish it and also take upper level biology classes. Take the DAT after you finish your pre-reqs, usually after junior year.

 

[dentalgrrl]

Congratulations on your recovery and your decision to go to dental school! You are absolutely not too old!!!! I was 26, working as a dental assistant when I decided to go back to school. I am now 28 with an interview next Friday. It's never too late to carpe diem...get your undergrad, fulfill your prereqs, take your DAT and off you go! Good Luck!! (You are already lucky...you found SDN super-early in the game! I wish I would have known about this place years ago! )

 

[mnl22]

Thanks everyone! I appreciate everything.. I don't plan on applying to UIC at any point, just was using PSC as a example as it is close to me.

 

[mnl22]

Excuse my ignorance, Can a Dental Hygienist become a Dentist by bridging their A.S. to a Bachelor's then apply to a School?

 

[27Teeth]

Excuse my ignorance, Can a Dental Hygienist become a Dentist by bridging their A.S. to a Bachelor's then apply to a School?

I don't think it's ideal. Your best bet is a 4 year university, doing as well as you can (major is not crucial but bio is prob the quickest route), studying hard for DAT (aim for 19 or above on the 1st try), and shadowing a dentist.

I say 4 year university b/c some schools won't look at you if you have prereqs at a CC.

Good luck with everything! You are very inspiring!