How important is genetics in dental school?

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ptran1

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How important is undergraduate genetics in dental school?

I was unfortunately deferred from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine due to getting a C- in my genetics course my last semester. Due to personal reasons, I decided not to take the final in the course, which affected my final grade severely and ultimately my acceptance. Admission officers decided to defer my matriculation upon the condition of completion of 2 upper level biology courses that will help me in dental school of at least a B in both classes.

Due to my predicament, I will take those two biology classes. Since this was the only school I was able to apply to at the time, I would like to try to seek out other opportunities now that I have 1 year to grow and mature as a person and applicant. But how important is it that I should retake the genetics course in the eyes of admissions officers of other schools in my situation? I do not mind retaking the course to prove my ability as a student (I graduated Tufts University with a 3.6 GPA, Biology degree), but I would rather take a course that would actually help me during dental school such as anatomy and physiology, and immunology. Any advice would be much appreciated.
 
I'd say it's important to retake. Not necessarily because it helps you in dental school (I can't really speak to that, as I have neither taken genetics nor am I a dental student), but to prove that you can handle the class. If you choose 2 new classes, that might be seen as giving up on genetics, even if that's not the case.
 
Thank you for your answer and opinion. The problem is that I never gave up in the class, though it might seem that way to admission officers. I was well on my way of getting an A in the class, the only reason I got a C- was because I decided not to take the final (Got a 0%) due a personal experience. If I explain this during the interview as well as have my professor from the class write me a letter, do you think it would be OK? My only problem is that I would hate the feeling waste of time retaking that course that will not help me in anyway in dental school besides proving I can do it... But I understand your point
 
Thank you for your answer and opinion. The problem is that I never gave up in the class, though it might seem that way to admission officers. I was well on my way of getting an A in the class, the only reason I got a C- was because I decided not to take the final (Got a 0%) due a personal experience. If I explain this during the interview as well as have my professor from the class write me a letter, do you think it would be OK? My only problem is that I would hate the feeling waste of time retaking that course that will not help me in anyway in dental school besides proving I can do it... But I understand your point
That's fair. Maybe call Tufts and see what they would recommend
 
I would call up Tufts because this is a weird dilemma. Are they automatically accepting you after completion of those two bio courses assuming you get a B or higher in them? I wouldn't waste your time retaking genetics if you don't have to take it. Best take immunology, biochem 2, or A&P.
 
Thank you for your answer and opinion. The problem is that I never gave up in the class, though it might seem that way to admission officers. I was well on my way of getting an A in the class, the only reason I got a C- was because I decided not to take the final (Got a 0%) due a personal experience. If I explain this during the interview as well as have my professor from the class write me a letter, do you think it would be OK? My only problem is that I would hate the feeling waste of time retaking that course that will not help me in anyway in dental school besides proving I can do it... But I understand your point

If you didn't complete the course, it's in a way of giving up the course. But then again, it depends on your situation.
 
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a grade is a grade regardless of how irrelevant it is to dental school. i think you should retake it and show that are capable of improvement and learning
 
To add to wzhu's comment I think it'll show not only competency but COMPLETION. Adcoms, I believe, want to know that they are taking someone who isn't going to give up no matter what the circumstance. You can do it! Since you had an A the whole way pretty much it'll just be review.
 
Adcoms are probably seeing this in terms of unable to conquer personal issues, you could send them a letter explaining what happened, but ultimately it is on you to complete the course with flying colors to prove to them it isn't an issue. The only way I think that this could be solved is either showing proof of the personal issue or just going out and getting the class done. From what I understand genetics isn't vital in dental school or dentistry in general, but good to know as are almost all biology courses.
 
Genetics at Tufts? 0. But you just didn't meet the conditional acceptance requirement. I recommend two of the following: immuno, histo, physio or gross anatomy (only if it has wet lab).
 
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