Looking for Advice!

[AzStamp]

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Hello, first time poster here, thanks to any who read and reply!

I am very intrigued by dental school and am currently in the process of making a tough decision. I am going to graduate in december with my degree in poly sci, but I highly doubt I will be able to reach my goals with just that. I know its highly unusual for someone with a liberal arts degree to go to dental school, and obviously I have some work to do.

I haven't just thought of this last week, its has actually been on my mind for a few months now. My father works in the field (dental lab) so I have grown up around it. (I appreciate anyone who sends me advice, I doubt I would be able to help much, but if you think I may be able to answer a question, more than happy to.)

Anyways, I'm here to ask

What is the most efficient / effective way to obtain the pre-reqs? I don't want to make it seem like I want to skimp out, but money oh money.

Have you heard of anyone like me? (did they feel dumb? .. I do)

Any other advice?

One thing I wanted to ensure anyone reading, I know DS isn't something you just willy dilly into. I know it takes real dedication and hard work. I believe I have what it takes, but I hope to be able to give the whole process a fair shake and try to get the best possible information and advice available. Thanks so much for reading, really looking forward to your posts.

 

[Rad Protector]

To start off it depends o what classes you have taken thus far with your poly sci degree. Most D schools, if not all, require 2 physics, 2 bio, 2 gen chem, 2 o chem as required foundation classes. until those are completed with good standing you would not even begin to start to app process. This being said the DAT of course is a must and those courses will give you an idea of the science background neccesary to achieve a respectable score. Im glad that you are looking to join this journey with everyone here. For you right now it really depends on where you stand with the "standard" requirements.

 

[JdogDMD]

Well if you start now, the Pre-reqs can take up to two years to knock out. You'll want to get started right away. Look at the schools you want to apply to and take those classes they require. Honestly your degree won't matter. They'll look at your GPA and DAT score. Competitive GPA's will be around 3.5 or up so shoot towards that as much as possible. Good luck!

 

[hs113891]

I was actually in a similar situation. I graduated with a degree in Economics and took a couple years of science courses. I took the DAT, shadowed several dentists, applied a few times, and just got accepted on my third try.

Don't let the fact that I tried three times scare you. It has nothing to do with the fact that I was an Economics major.

First thing you should do is to take the prerequisite courses while you shadow a dentist to see if you like the profession.
Because prereq for Organic Chem is General Chem, it'll take at least two years to finish the prereqs. Here's what I did
Year 1: General Chem + Lab, Physics + Lab
Year 2: Organic Chemistry + Lab, Biology + Lab

Once you finish these courses, you should be able to take the DAT. Make sure to keep in touch with your professors to get letters of recommendations from them. Very important!

Good luck to you!

 

[AzStamp]

To start off it depends o what classes you have taken thus far with your poly sci degree. Most D schools, if not all, require 2 physics, 2 bio, 2 gen chem, 2 o chem as required foundation classes. until those are completed with good standing you would not even begin to start to app process. This being said the DAT of course is a must and those courses will give you an idea of the science background neccesary to achieve a respectable score. Im glad that you are looking to join this journey with everyone here. For you right now it really depends on where you stand with the "standard" requirements.

Thanks for the reply! I have taken chem and astronomy (lol) but chem was a simple version. Either way, I am very excited because I know its tremendously competitive to get in and I feel like I have a chance to sort of start fresh. Unfortunately, I have turned into one of those degree swappers, which is odd because I usually can make up my mind. I guess just not with school. I started out in business marketing, changed to management, transferred schools, switched to poly sci, and somehow am graduating in 3 1/2 years. So, science credit is pretty non - existent, but I did well in high school. I doubt that really counts though. Do you think it would be a good idea to take 1 bio lab next semester, and then 3 each semester until I am finished? It's a tough balance because I know they judge difficulty, but I have also heard taking 3 lab classes is pretty difficult. Plus, I have to think DS would be harder than 3 lab classes for one semester. Do you think taking summer classes works somewhere here?

Sorry if that was kinda long

Well if you start now, the Pre-reqs can take up to two years to knock out. You'll want to get started right away. Look at the schools you want to apply to and take those classes they require. Honestly your degree won't matter. They'll look at your GPA and DAT score. Competitive GPA's will be around 3.5 or up so shoot towards that as much as possible. Good luck!

Thank you! I am really looking forward to taking classes where there is one correct answer haha. (although I'm sure they are much more difficult than poly sci courses) On a real basic level, what do you think contributes greatest to acing those pre-reqs? I heard ochem is sort of a memorization frenzy. (and is tough!)

I am worried because its something I haven't done in a while, but more so than ever want to make sure I do well considering whats at stake!

 

[AzStamp]

I was actually in a similar situation. I graduated with a degree in Economics and took a couple years of science courses. I took the DAT, shadowed several dentists, applied a few times, and just got accepted on my third try.

Don't let the fact that I tried three times scare you. It has nothing to do with the fact that I was an Economics major.

First thing you should do is to take the prerequisite courses while you shadow a dentist to see if you like the profession.
Because prereq for Organic Chem is General Chem, it'll take at least two years to finish the prereqs. Here's what I did
Year 1: General Chem + Lab, Physics + Lab
Year 2: Organic Chemistry + Lab, Biology + Lab

Once you finish these courses, you should be able to take the DAT. Make sure to keep in touch with your professors to get letters of recommendations from them. Very important!

Good luck to you!

Congrats on getting in! That's got to feel good! I am really glad to hear I'm not the only one with a not - so pre-dental degree. Hopefully sometime this week I'll shadow a few dentists too. Makes sense to grab those letters no doubt. How did that schedule work? Its funny because that is about what I had in mind.

 

[periopocket]

There is a very well renowned post-bac program for all the pre-health requirements, that I know many non-science applicants went to, and have had amazing success in gaining admission to dental school, due to the schools numerous affiliations. ===> Bryn Mawr College

 

[AzStamp]

There is a very well renowned post-bac program for all the pre-health requirements, that I know many non-science applicants went to, and have had amazing success in gaining admission to dental school, due to the schools numerous affiliations. ===> Bryn Mawr College

This is very cool! thanks for the reply, definitely something to look into.

 

[UltimateHombre]

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