I have Idiopathic Hypersomnia, but I still want to be a dentist?

[predentwasconfused]

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It's similar to narcolepsy without cataplexy, but not as severe, I just never feel refreshed after sleeping for hours on end and very little helps to alleviate my drowsiness. I'm still a functioning human being and can do pretty much everything an otherwise healthy person can (drive, work out, i eat healthy, good sleep hygiene, etc)

I'm in the process of seeing a sleep specialist and I'm going in for my PSG and MSLT in late August (after my DAT, currently studying for that) and my symptoms seem to be in line with IH.

Will this affect my ability to be a dentist? I'm not on medications as of now, and I've been managing somewhat with coffee and espresso shots (i know it's not healthy, that's why I'm seeing a doc for this now!). Also, will I need to disclose this now? I'm going to submit my application within the next week but I don't know what my final diagnosis will be. The doctor told me this is the best she can tell me for now, but I want to get my app in asap to be considered a semi-early applicant. I'm also in a 3+4 accelerated program with one particular dental school so I kinda have my foot in the door.

Should I even bring this up at all if I'm not required to? Or will I be required to disclose this during my interview or other application procedures? I'm not academically impaired, it's just my social life that's been taking a blow, I've slept through dates and parties and I'm always worried I'd fall asleep while driving. I've had this since high school and have made it this far pretty okay and my practice DAT scores are in the 20s so I'm not having any academic stresses or obstacles because of my disorder/condition.

I just don't want my excessive sleepiness to be the reason I can't fulfill my dreams! 🙁

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

You do not need to disclose anything related to your health. This is called Protected Health Information and a violation of HIPPA if someone asks you about it. But will it affect licensure down the line? I do not know. My only concern is if a dentist is in the middle of a procedure and you fall asleep with the handpiece on high speed and your foot stays on the pedal. You can seriously injure a patient permanently. Even worse if you decide to become an Oral Surgeon.

Malpractice insurance may not cover you due to this pre-existing condition and, not to get political, but I believe the era of insurances not denying you for pre-existing conditions are over.

 

[biochem5]

You do not need to disclose anything related to your health. This is called Protected Health Information and a violation of HIPPA if someone asks you about it. But will it affect licensure down the line? I do not know. My only concern is if a dentist is in the middle of a procedure and you fall asleep with the handpiece on high speed and your foot stays on the pedal. You can seriously injure a patient permanently. Even worse if you decide to become an Oral Surgeon.

Malpractice insurance may not cover you due to this pre-existing condition and, not to get political, but I believe the era of insurances not denying you for pre-existing conditions are over.

I remember somewhere along the way ( I think maybe paperwork prior to starting dental school ) I signed a statement testifying that I didn't have any health conditions that interfered with physical or mental ability (can't remember the exact wording). I also remember a similar statement in one school's supplementary application.

 

[Robin-jay]

It's similar to narcolepsy without cataplexy, but not as severe, I just never feel refreshed after sleeping for hours on end and very little helps to alleviate my drowsiness. I'm still a functioning human being and can do pretty much everything an otherwise healthy person can (drive, work out, i eat healthy, good sleep hygiene, etc)

I'm in the process of seeing a sleep specialist and I'm going in for my PSG and MSLT in late August (after my DAT, currently studying for that) and my symptoms seem to be in line with IH.

Will this affect my ability to be a dentist? I'm not on medications as of now, and I've been managing somewhat with coffee and espresso shots (i know it's not healthy, that's why I'm seeing a doc for this now!). Also, will I need to disclose this now? I'm going to submit my application within the next week but I don't know what my final diagnosis will be. The doctor told me this is the best she can tell me for now, but I want to get my app in asap to be considered a semi-early applicant. I'm also in a 3+4 accelerated program with one particular dental school so I kinda have my foot in the door.

Should I even bring this up at all if I'm not required to? Or will I be required to disclose this during my interview or other application procedures? I'm not academically impaired, it's just my social life that's been taking a blow, I've slept through dates and parties and I'm always worried I'd fall asleep while driving. I've had this since high school and have made it this far pretty okay and my practice DAT scores are in the 20s so I'm not having any academic stresses or obstacles because of my disorder/condition.

I just don't want my excessive sleepiness to be the reason I can't fulfill my dreams! 🙁

Consult a lawyer, show the lawyer the dentistry contract you have to sign before matriculating.

 

[gizmokitty96]

I think this is one of those situations that only you know what you can handle. You know what your stamina is, and you know yourself the best in what you can accomplish. I get that it is your dream to become a dentist, but imagine you get kicked out of dental school during your third year because you fall asleep on a patient. That would suck because you not only wasted three years but you ruin any chance of you ever going to dental school.
There are other things you can do that are related to dentistry, like research or work in a lab, that can help you avoid a malpractice lawsuit that maybe are worth looking into.
Another thing you could do is make a list of all the aspects of dentistry that you like, and that you don't like, and maybe that can help you think of another career that has the parts of dentistry that you love.
I really do hope that your doctor is able to help you with your hypersomnia, and once you have a true handle on that I think you will make a wonderful dentist!