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deleted1202971
(I see the only specific thread for non-trad is here, hope its okay that I’m inquiring about dentistry. Please redirect me if this post has to be deleted.)
Hi all,
As the title states, I am an (almost) 28 year old graphic designer considering a drastic career change. I want to emphasize that I am at the very beginning stages of considering going into the dental field. I am looking for any advice or recommendations as I dive further into my research. I am becoming well aware that this type of change will be incredibly time consuming, difficult, and may require some old fashioned good luck.
My situation:
I am currently living in NYC and am a full time graphic designer. I have always had good employment as a designer and have loved it, but as I get older I think about what I can see myself doing 10, 20 years from now. Although my profession might mislead you, I am incredibly type A. I like having a clear set of steps to follow and a clear path towards advancement. I am a very driven person when I have a clear goal in mind.
I know my life would have to be completely turned upside down to even begin to pursue this career. From the quick research I’ve done, I figure these could be my first steps:
There are just so many other factors that I know will come into play. Some specific questions I have for you:
Hi all,
As the title states, I am an (almost) 28 year old graphic designer considering a drastic career change. I want to emphasize that I am at the very beginning stages of considering going into the dental field. I am looking for any advice or recommendations as I dive further into my research. I am becoming well aware that this type of change will be incredibly time consuming, difficult, and may require some old fashioned good luck.
My situation:
- BA in Design from a reputable state school (3.75 GPA if it matters, haha)
- Associates in Design from a top art school
- Currently in the 3rd year of my graphic design career
- Have taken no pre req science classes (yes I’m kicking myself for not doing this during my BA)
- Currently live in NYC and willing to move, I have very supportive family in Oregon
I am currently living in NYC and am a full time graphic designer. I have always had good employment as a designer and have loved it, but as I get older I think about what I can see myself doing 10, 20 years from now. Although my profession might mislead you, I am incredibly type A. I like having a clear set of steps to follow and a clear path towards advancement. I am a very driven person when I have a clear goal in mind.
I know my life would have to be completely turned upside down to even begin to pursue this career. From the quick research I’ve done, I figure these could be my first steps:
- Shadow and talk with people in dentistry to see if I can picture myself doing this
- Take science pre req classes through a CC
- Start seriously shadowing at an office
- Start volunteering
- Collect LOR/Score well on the DAT/etc
There are just so many other factors that I know will come into play. Some specific questions I have for you:
- Are the chances of switching to this career path too slim for me to spend my time/money on it? Will I be laughed out of the room when they hear my age paired with my career history? Coming from a non-STEM or even business background I worry
- Will my history of not even touching anything science related eliminate me during admissions?
- Is research necessary to be accepted to a program? I’ve seen some older students do that, but they always have a relevant BA degree/work experience
- Also considering being a Dental Hygienist, thoughts on that option?
- A bit random, but - anybody have knowledge of pursing this career in England? I have citizenship from one of my parents, who may be moving there soon, and my sister lives there now. Toying with the idea of moving there myself to be with the rest of my family if I were to pursue dentistry. But I also love my life in America so I don't need to move there.
