MHA before DMD

[DentalDiva RDH]

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Sooo here's the word...I'll try to make this short and sweet.

I recently got accepted to a Master of Health Administration Program. I am very interested in this field as well as Dentistry. I have my bachelors in dental hygiene and I am a registered dental hygienist. I intend on applying to dental school next cycle 2012-2013, meaning I would have time to complete my masters in time, before matriculation, if and when I am accepted. I am having a hard time making my decision of holding off on the masters and just sticking to dentistry or if I should attend the MHA program? with the intention of still applying next cycle. I just want to note this program is not a back-up plan and I am in no rush or have any time constraints in regards to applying to dental school, I'm only 21. I fully intend on using this degree to my advantage in the future, whether I am fortunate enough to become a dentist or not. A few advisors/mentors have told me that attending this program seems to be "treading water" because becoming a dentist has always been and still is my main goal and dream, I'm workin' on it...so this is unsettling and..well.. I've never "tread" in my short lived life, so this actually pissed me off. I usually make great decisions for myself and on my own, but this one's a toughy! I have a very serious passion about healthcare policy and management as well, which is why I applied to the program in the first place! No doubt I want to and would be honored to become a dentist, but if any of you were in my position what factors would you take into consideration when making your decision? Is anyone an avid genius on how graduate caps on federal loans work and how this may effect me in the financial aid process for dental school? Accruing more debt is definitely heavy on my mind. Obviously it looks good on an application if you have a masters of any sort, I feel it most certainly sets you apart, but it isn't a masters in a hardcore science, so how helpful will it be in the application process to dental school? In that respect, besides for future career advancement. Any opinions and insight is much appreciated! Thanks!😀

 

[spearmint]

I can't see why you shouldn't do it. You have plenty of time. If you intend to use the degree in the future, then it's time well spent. I can see it opening more doors and giving you more options in dentistry than private practice. Just make sure you have completed all your pre-reqs for dental school first.

 

[DentalDiva RDH]

I can't see why you shouldn't do it. You have plenty of time. If you intend to use the degree in the future, then it's time well spent. I can see it opening more doors and giving you more options in dentistry than private practice. Just make sure you have completed all your pre-reqs for dental school first.

Thanks much! Yes, I figured making sure my pre-reqs were all set, would be a keen idea, but I just have physics and the labs for it, time wise I'm sure I can handle both at the same time!

Anyone else? I have a month to make the decision, I think the debt is really a big issue here, dental hygiene school is not cheap, and further adding to my debt is a huge deal to me at this point. I do not want to jeopardize being able to pay for dental school in the future, by having used up my graduate fed. loans!