How important is research?

[lindell12a]

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On my AADSAS application, I don't have any research listed. Is this a big deal? 🙁

 

[Fonz]

depends on the school. But its always a plus to have

 

[lindell12a]

depends on the school. But its always a plus to have

Is it hard to get in without it?

 

[wigglytooth]

Is it hard to get in without it?

I don't know if it weakens your chances, but I know that there are dental students at Penn Dental and elsewhere who haven't done undergraduate research. I'm willing to think that the adcoms take it as another nice extracurricular activity. Spend your free time the way you want to spend it instead of what you think adcoms want you to spend it. Afterall, it is your free time, not theirs.

 

[dontwakeme]

If you make it clear that you don't wanna go into academic dentistry and you have tons of shadowing/clinical experience, research is unimportant IMO.

But, I'm a strong proponent of atleast trying research. You could end up loving it. And it will look great on the app.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Research is a big bonus because adcomms will be thrilled if you mention an interest in research, even if you plan to pursue it later on in your career. This is what I want to do at least, get my hands dirty for a few years and then do research and run my own practice. Then in many more years I would like to teach. Hope it works out.

 

[tastybeef]

How relevant does your research have to be? Can it be research in any field?

 

[lgwdnbdgr]

How relevant does your research have to be? Can it be research in any field?

Yes. The value of research to admissions committees isn't the body of knowledge that you gained from doing it. They like research because it gives you a different perspective that will help you understand the material and they hope it means you'll do more dental related research later.

Research is not necessary. It's kinda like having a stack of twenty dollar bills. It'll definitely help, but no more than having two stacks of ten dollar bills.

 

[xdianaax]

It's not so much the research you do as much as the fact that you did it. Research show that you are committed and dedicated to something that you don't necessarily get a grade for. It also shows that even though you had the option to do other things with your time, you chose to commit it to making yourself a better applicant. Good luck.

 

[blasterx]

Despite having a publication and a poster presentation, I'm going to say it's not that important and here's my anecdotal evidence as to why:

I recently interviewed at a school that proclaimed (according to their website) to be in the top 5 of dental schools for research funding. They asked me about both of my projects but didn't ask for any details and generally didn't seem to really care about it.

That being said, I wouldn't consider it a deal breaker. If you're not into research, I wouldn't bother. Your time will be better spent doing community service which both of the schools I have interviewed at asked me about and wanted details.

 

[cjouc]

Not that important. Most important is science gpa and DAt

 

[Mcglock]

I think its a crap shoot. It probably depends on the school, who's on the admissions committee, and who's interviewing you. Out of three interviews last cycle only one of my interviewers seemed to care at all about my research experience.