hygienist/predent

[T.K.]

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Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this. I have been practicing hygiene for almost 10 years, and decided about 7 years ago that advancing in the profession is something that i need to do for myself and my patients. However, when I spoke to Tufts, they strongly discouraged a non traditional student to apply without retaking Bio and things like that. I could believe my ears, they were pretty much telling me that my degree meant nothing!!!! The dentists I work for told me that being a hygienist was a huge plus, but I'm concerned because my GPA is a 3.0, sci is about the same. I'm taking Organic chem right now and not doing as well as I'd like. I'm also trying to study for the DATs and work also. Any thoughts on this? Are there any hygienists out there that have any suggestions? My first choice of schools would be UCONN.

 

[DBEAR]

T.K., one of my classmates is a hyg. She is doing very well in my class. I think her big advantage is when it come to clinic. Her clinical skills are top notch. I think in order to get accepted you will have to do well in the post bac courses and do well on the DAT. To be honest with you being a hyg. probably has no adv. when it comes to addmission except that you have something to talk about at the interview. I suggest that you visit the schools that you are interested in and get to know the head of addmissions.

 

[ducky]

Hi T.K.
Unfortunately your pre-req classes should be fairly current. I would suggest either taking/retaking all the basics Gen-Chem, Biol, O-Chem, etc., or better yet, moving forward into a masters program. I have been an assistant for about ten years and have been accepted to many schools for this fall, even without stellar GPA/DAT numbers. In contrast to DBEAR, I think the experience very much matters and helpful in getting acceptances and I don't believe in non-merit based tactics such as getting to know those who sit on the deciding boards. I also think the board appreciates the experience and maturity of older applicants. I'd be happy to answer any further questions you have...believe me, I've done everything the long hard road...but wouldn't have done it any differently. Good luck!

 

[LisaBug]

Hi TK. I too am a dental hygienist trying to get into dental school. Some of my classes are 11 years old and some are more recent. I talked to admissions at Boston University about that. They said to take the DAT and if I do okay it may not be a problem. I know two dental hygienists that went to Tufts. I would love to talk to you. Let me know

Lisa