Just Realized

[FutrDDS]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Hey everyone!
I was a former pre-med who has now realized (after comparing experiences in the ER and shadowing a dentist) that dentistry was for me all along. Of course, having realized this my last year in college, I have a couple of questions I wa hoping some of you could help me with. In a nutshell, my dilemma is that I am totally lost. I don't even know where to start for the application procedure. I mean, I know the main organization that has the electronic application, etc, but is there any requirement specific for dentistry school? I am taking the DAT in June, as well as graduating. Can anyone offer any advice for what to do on my year off? One main thing that I am struggling with is the letters of recommendation. I know that the ones I have on file from science professors are for medical school... although they outline my skills, etc. they wish me well in medical school. This year, I have been completing my second major in english. Any advice as far as that? Also, how many shadowing hours are required? Any suggestions about the time period to submit the applications (for medical school, it's ASAP because of rolling admissions)? Last, but not least, a quick look at my resume reveals that I was indeed a pre-med turned pre-dental... will the schools look badly upon this? Any help would be GREATLY appreciated...thanks!🙂

 

[Hot-n-Aml]

Hey FutrDDS,

I was in your shoes at one time, and the best advice I can give you is to turn all your pre-med experience (ie: volunteering in hospitals) into 'health care' experience. Dentistry is health care, and you can point out to the admissions commitee that you wanted to understand the health care system, and become familiar with patient dynamics. You don't have to volunteer in a dental clinic to be accepted, BUT you should talk to a dentist, since they will give you the best advice and maybe a letter of reference, which schools love.

I'm not sure...but I do think that admissions might have an issue with your switch and its timing compared to when you're applying. Therefore, make them realize that you are better fit than other applicants since you have more exposure to health care. and DON'T come right out and tell them about the switch if they don't ask. I stress that this isn't dishonesty since getting into any professional school is a mind-game, and you have to be able to make all the resources/experience you have work to your advantage.

As for the reference letters, your skills have not changed, and whatever they wrote is just as suitable for dental school. So talk to your profs and tell them your situation and why you switched and they will understand.

I hope this helps, and don't give up. Good luck!!

Hot-n-Aml
_________________________________________________
University of Pittsburgh, SDM, Class of 2007

 

[Pre-Dent-David]

Hey I am pre dent and will prob volunteer at a hospital at some point. Volunteering in general is good. But exclusively volunteering at a hospital throughout your undergrad career might be a prob??

 

[ALI]

I think if your professor mentioned medicine in your letters of rec that would look bad
For example" I' m sure he/she will thrive in medical school" or " he or she will become a capable and caring physician"
In those cases, you should get new letter of rec.