Need Advice (New here)

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
S

Sarutobi231

Full Member
10+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 8, 2009
Messages
55
Reaction score
0
Members do not see this ad.
Hey everyone I'm a senior in undergrad at the University of Illinois right now and by the time I graduate my overall GPA should be about 3.45 and my science GPA should be about 3.35 to 3.40. I'm a double major in Chemistry and Psychology and have fulfilled all my requirements. I got a 23 AA on the DAT.

I'm taking a year off and I was wondering if I should either shadow at a dentist's office or enter a 1 year master's program. Also, how are my credentials? Is a double major along with the other things good enough to get into a dental school without doing a 1 year master's program??

Thanks very much in advance.
 
You can do without the Master's and yes try to get in at least 40hrs of shadowing.
 
adizzle87 said:
You can do without the Master's and yes try to get in at least 40hrs of shadowing.
Click to expand...

+1.

I do believe some schools have requirements on the shadowing hours, so make sure you check them out and fulfill them by the time you apply.

Keep yourself active for the remainder of the year, doesn't necessarily have to be dental-related work but if you have the opportunity to work at a dental lab or assistant, go for it.
 
Sarutobi231 said:
Hey everyone I'm a senior in undergrad at the University of Illinois right now and by the time I graduate my overall GPA should be about 3.45 and my science GPA should be about 3.35 to 3.40. I'm a double major in Chemistry and Psychology and have fulfilled all my requirements. I got a 23 AA on the DAT.

I'm taking a year off and I was wondering if I should either shadow at a dentist's office or enter a 1 year master's program. Also, how are my credentials? Is a double major along with the other things good enough to get into a dental school without doing a 1 year master's program??

Thanks very much in advance.
Click to expand...
I did exactly what you are doing. I graduated last May and applied this past July. I tried to work in a dental lab, but they wouldn't hire me because I would most likely be leaving in under a year. You can shadow and volunteer, which is what i did and it was great experience, but it is unlikely you will be hired. To be a certified assistant you need at least one year of schooling. Some dentist may let you come in and volunteer, but you won't get paid and you could possibly hinder business, so you'd have to find someone you knew. Trust me I have looked at all the options. You have good stats so get your application in early, do a little shadowing if you haven't already, and look for a job outside of dentistry. Everything inside dentistry takes training and time. Businesses and companies are hesitant to put time and money into you if you will most likely just leave in under a year. I have learned the hard way. Luckily I got into dental school. People may have different stories, but I had no luck looking for a job within dentistry between May and I guess now.
And skip the masters, it's for people who need to boost their GPA or show they can handle the workload. Unless you just want to stay in school.
 
Thanks all for the great replies! The consensus seems to be that the Master's is not needed. I do plan on shadowing on my year off and this final semester at school and hopefully find any type of job.

Also, this maybe be a naive question but how does shadowing work? How can you officially show you shadowed with someone? Do they write a letter to the school or sign some form of official paper?

Thanks again.
 
With a 3.5 and 23 AA you shouldn't need much more than standard shadowing, average EC's, and a semi-normal personality, you should get in with no problem.
 
Sarutobi231 said:
Thanks all for the great replies! The consensus seems to be that the Master's is not needed. I do plan on shadowing on my year off and this final semester at school and hopefully find any type of job.

Also, this maybe be a naive question but how does shadowing work? How can you officially show you shadowed with someone? Do they write a letter to the school or sign some form of official paper?

Thanks again.
Click to expand...


When you fill out your AADSAS it will give you an option to have the person you shadowed to upload a letter. Just get your dentist's email and send him the link to upload it to AADSAS
 
Stumbled onto this thread and am just curious...

What are the typical cummulative and science GPAs needed for dental school admission?
 
Great. Thanks for the replies Paulie. I guess I should just shadow and worry about the rest when I start applying.
 
ArkansasRanger said:
Stumbled onto this thread and am just curious...

What are the typical cummulative and science GPAs needed for dental school admission?
Click to expand...
~3.4 sGPA, 3.5cGPA, 19.5AA
If you are a bit below that should still be OK. There is always that bell-shaped distribution 😉 Please none of the whole "you need a 3.5 and 20s, its more getting competitive" stuff, there are a decent amount of 3.3s and below who get in every year.
 
adizzle87 said:
~3.4 sGPA, 3.5cGPA, 19.5AA
If you are a bit below that should still be OK. There is always that bell-shaped distribution 😉 Please none of the whole "you need a 3.5 and 20s, its more getting competitive" stuff, there are a decent amount of 3.3s and below who get in every year.
Click to expand...
With stats like that youd better have way better EC's though. If you dont have great EC's (like me) you need the 3.5++ and 20's+, that should ensure admittance
 
Interesting. I really don't know anything about dentistry as a career because I've always been interested in MD/DO and PA. I do, however, like going to the dentist, lol.
 
Last edited:
Sarutobi231 said:
Great. Thanks for the replies Paulie. I guess I should just shadow and worry about the rest when I start applying.
Click to expand...

Yea, you should be money cause you have the academics down. Apply early and I doubt that any school would deny you of an interview. Dress to impress and you'll have acceptances left and right. Put a final nail in the coffin w/ 100+ shadowing. Are you applying next cycle? How far along are you?
 
PaulieGualtieri said:
Yea, you should be money cause you have the academics down. Apply early and I doubt that any school would deny you of an interview. Dress to impress and you'll have acceptances left and right. Put a final nail in the coffin w/ 100+ shadowing. Are you applying next cycle? How far along are you?
Click to expand...

I'll be graduating this coming May and gonna start applying right away. Should have about 100 hours of shadowing by the end of June (crossing my fingers...)!

My top school is University of Illinois at Chicago and I'm just worried my GPA isn't high enough...I would love to stay in-state.
 
Where exactly do the dental prereqs begin to differ from the med ones? Because I have an strong interest in both fields and would like to keep both options open for a while until I make my desicion. Will the only roadblocks that I hit be volunteering at hospitals versus shadowing dentists, and the whole MCAT and DAT situation?

Oh and sorry OP I don't mean to hi-jack the thread
 
Sarutobi231 said:
I'll be graduating this coming May and gonna start applying right away. Should have about 100 hours of shadowing by the end of June (crossing my fingers...)!

My top school is University of Illinois at Chicago and I'm just worried my GPA isn't high enough...I would love to stay in-state.
Click to expand...


Yea predents has their avg gpa acceptance at a 3.9 which is ridiculous. I would say for most ppl it could be a problem, but come on 23DAT... you should be good. What was the breakdown of the DAT parts?
 
Gallix23 said:
Where exactly do the dental prereqs begin to differ from the med ones? Because I have an strong interest in both fields and would like to keep both options open for a while until I make my desicion. Will the only roadblocks that I hit be volunteering at hospitals versus shadowing dentists, and the whole MCAT and DAT situation?

Oh and sorry OP I don't mean to hi-jack the thread
Click to expand...

I think the basic ones are the same: 2 each of bio, chem, o-chem, and physics with of course English and possibly math. I just found this thread and wondered the same thing out of interest.
 
PaulieGualtieri said:
Yea predents has their avg gpa acceptance at a 3.9 which is ridiculous. I would say for most ppl it could be a problem, but come on 23DAT... you should be good. What was the breakdown of the DAT parts?
Click to expand...

Ya I saw that! Only 1 was under 3.8....

Orgo - 22
Gen Chem - 21
Bio - 19
RC - 30
QR - 20
PAT - 20
 
ArkansasRanger said:
I think the basic ones are the same: 2 each of bio, chem, o-chem, and physics with of course English and possibly math. I just found this thread and wondered the same thing out of interest.
Click to expand...

Yep, you need gen chem 1&2, org chem 1&2, bio 1&2, physics 1&2 (although not tested on the DAT), some english, and typically calc 1. Some schools have more req.s and courses like biochem and anatomy/physiology are highly recommended.
 
Sarutobi231-
Since you already finished your classes, you could start getting letters of recommendation from professors. Some professors can take forever, so it's good to start early. You'll also need a LOR from one of the dentists that you shadow.

I also recommend doing some community service. It doesn't have to be a huge time commitment, but an hour or 2 per week would be good.

(P.S. I agree that you don't need a masters to get into dental school, but if it's something you want to do for personal reasons, then do it. And nice job on the DAT👍)
 
sketo43 said:
Sarutobi231-
Since you already finished your classes, you could start getting letters of recommendation from professors. Some professors can take forever, so it's good to start early. You'll also need a LOR from one of the dentists that you shadow.

I also recommend doing some community service. It doesn't have to be a huge time commitment, but an hour or 2 per week would be good.

(P.S. I agree that you don't need a masters to get into dental school, but if it's something you want to do for personal reasons, then do it. And nice job on the DAT👍)
Click to expand...

Thanks Sketo! And ya I'm asking around for my LOR's and I think that getting a LOR from a dentist is a great idea.

My friends just made me feel like I was wasting a year by not going to school or something so I was just wondering and I'm going with all of your suggestions.
 
PaulieGualtieri said:
Yep, you need gen chem 1&2, org chem 1&2, bio 1&2, physics 1&2 (although not tested on the DAT), some english, and typically calc 1. Some schools have more req.s and courses like biochem and anatomy/physiology are highly recommended.
Click to expand...

I did hear about the anatomy/phys requirement but I was probably going to take that class anyways since I enjoy A&P 😀

As far as calculus, I need to take a class Spring Semester that is called "Calculus and Differential Equations for Biology Majors" or something along those lines. Does a class like that suffice, or will I have to take the actual Calculus course?

Last thing, are there any other dental related ECs besides shadowing dentists?
 
Sarutobi231 said:
Ya I saw that! Only 1 was under 3.8....

Orgo - 22
Gen Chem - 21
Bio - 19
RC - 30
QR - 20
PAT - 20
Click to expand...

Wow! 30 in RC...some schools count that as the most important section because they say it correlates with how fast you can retain info. Quite impressive. And a 20 on math, I think you'll find that is very high compared to most. The only thing I don't like is the bio, but I think the rest of your DAT more than makes up for it. I know for at least Nova they wanted to look at applicants w/ 20+ in the bio section. Kudos on those scores. Btw, I have to ask.... CoD:MW2?
 
Gallix23 said:
I did hear about the anatomy/phys requirement but I was probably going to take that class anyways since I enjoy A&P 😀

As far as calculus, I need to take a class Spring Semester that is called "Calculus and Differential Equations for Biology Majors" or something along those lines. Does a class like that suffice, or will I have to take the actual Calculus course?

Last thing, are there any other dental related ECs besides shadowing dentists?
Click to expand...

That calc course should suffice. But look into the biochem. Many schools want to see applicants that have taken it because it's quite a lot of information to learn when you see it the first time in DS, especially considering the pace which you will be moving at.

As for the ECs being dental related, maybe going on an dental outreach program w/ your dentist....but then again, i guess that's ultimately shadowing. Anything showing proficiency w/ hand eye coordination. H3 MLG pro player? 😀
 
PaulieGualtieri said:
That calc course should suffice. But look into the biochem. Many schools want to see applicants that have taken it because it's quite a lot of information to learn when you see it the first time in DS, especially considering the pace which you will be moving at.

As for the ECs being dental related, maybe going on an dental outreach program w/ your dentist....but then again, i guess that's ultimately shadowing. Anything showing proficiency w/ hand eye coordination. H3 MLG pro player? 😀
Click to expand...

Hahah I'm more of a COD player myself 😀

Thank you for the help, I'll definitely look into biochem as well and see what shadowing opportunities arise!
 
PaulieGualtieri said:
Wow! 30 in RC...some schools count that as the most important section because they say it correlates with how fast you can retain info. Quite impressive. And a 20 on math, I think you'll find that is very high compared to most. The only thing I don't like is the bio, but I think the rest of your DAT more than makes up for it. I know for at least Nova they wanted to look at applicants w/ 20+ in the bio section. Kudos on those scores. Btw, I have to ask.... CoD:MW2?
Click to expand...

Thanks Paulie...ha ya bio was never my strong suit and I thought the one I took was really hard compared to other ones I took!

Unfortunately not...I have a lot of friends who play COD:MW2...but I will say I'm a huge Naruto fan...hence the name ha

Ya I was pleasantly surprised with my RC score and hopefully my DAT is enough to get me into the school I want...getting in to dental schools keeps getting harder and harder...
 
Whoah, whoah, whoah!!....guys, you can't leave w/o throwing up your XBL g-tags... mine's Riffft
 
Sarutobi231 said:
Mostly Midwest schools (SIU, Indiana, Marquette, Michigan)...do you know of any that looks at the DAT more closely than GPA?
Click to expand...

You got to search in a guy called "doc toothache" 's posts. I remember he once put up a spreadsheet that ranked the importance of DAT sections and gpa for each school. Doc toothache's stuff is probably one of the best sources of information on this site.
 
adizzle87 said:
~3.4 sGPA, 3.5cGPA, 19.5AA
If you are a bit below that should still be OK. There is always that bell-shaped distribution 😉 Please none of the whole "you need a 3.5 and 20s, its more getting competitive" stuff, there are a decent amount of 3.3s and below who get in every year.
Click to expand...
I think you are exactly right. And it is getting more competitive, which is why the numbers are at a 3.5 GPA 19.5AA. 4 years ago I was told it was 3.2 GPA 18 AA.
 
Sarutobi231 said:
Madness??? THIS IS DENTAL SCHOOL!!!!!
Click to expand...

And then you fall into the well of knowledge.. 😉

GO ILLINI! Your application seems a lot like mine was, UIUC, Psych & Chem, similar GPA, similar DAT (yours is 2 pts higher though!), and I got into UIC so you should be fine.

Definitely get those shadowing hours in, 40 Hours at least, but UIC "recommends" 100 hours of shadowing. And if you're shadowing a family dentist in the city of Chicago, that can't hurt. Also, see if you can attend the Midwinter Meeting in Chicago in February. It's a good place to network, and it's good to see the technology that's out there. I used it as a talking point in my interview. Visit the school, talk to admissions, talk to the students, get your name out there.

By the way, I'm assuming you're wanting to attend UIC, since most of my dental friends from UIUC wanted to go to Chicago. Though with your stats, you'll have a lot of options; I'd bet that you'd get in UoP and Columbia at the very least.
 
FutureDent020 said:
I did exactly what you are doing. I graduated last May and applied this past July. I tried to work in a dental lab, but they wouldn't hire me because I would most likely be leaving in under a year. You can shadow and volunteer, which is what i did and it was great experience, but it is unlikely you will be hired. To be a certified assistant you need at least one year of schooling. Some dentist may let you come in and volunteer, but you won't get paid and you could possibly hinder business, so you'd have to find someone you knew. Trust me I have looked at all the options. You have good stats so get your application in early, do a little shadowing if you haven't already, and look for a job outside of dentistry. Everything inside dentistry takes training and time. Businesses and companies are hesitant to put time and money into you if you will most likely just leave in under a year. I have learned the hard way. Luckily I got into dental school. People may have different stories, but I had no luck looking for a job within dentistry between May and I guess now.
And skip the masters, it's for people who need to boost their GPA or show they can handle the workload. Unless you just want to stay in school.
Click to expand...

How did you spend your time? I'm in the same position, except I haven't been accepted (yet! applied in mid nov.).
 
I'm in the same boat as you Sarutobi- stats wise.

To be honest, I believe you don't need to go overboard on your application. If you have decent EC's and shadowing, then go study abroad, volunteer abroad, learn a language. GO HAVE FUN.

You don't need a SMP or post-bac to make yourself more competitive. You have a year off- make the best of it, it will never come again. That's what I'm doing- and if anything- volunteering abroad is just as good as SMP or Post-Bac.

I already have my plans sorted out. Learn Japanese in an intensive course overseas for 6 months and teach/volunteer english in China for 3 months.

I dunno- I guess what I'm saying is that you don't need the extra work and just to live life.

P.S. I just watched the part where Asuma dies. Sigh.... Poor guy, your SN reminds me of him -_-
 
beatsdre said:
I'm in the same boat as you Sarutobi- stats wise.

To be honest, I believe you don't need to go overboard on your application. If you have decent EC's and shadowing, then go study abroad, volunteer abroad, learn a language. GO HAVE FUN.

You don't need a SMP or post-bac to make yourself more competitive. You have a year off- make the best of it, it will never come again. That's what I'm doing- and if anything- volunteering abroad is just as good as SMP or Post-Bac.

I already have my plans sorted out. Learn Japanese in an intensive course overseas for 6 months and teach/volunteer english in China for 3 months.

I dunno- I guess what I'm saying is that you don't need the extra work and just to live life.

P.S. I just watched the part where Asuma dies. Sigh.... Poor guy, your SN reminds me of him -_-
Click to expand...

Great advice...that's what I was initially going to do (travel, relax, volunteer etc.)

Ya Asuma dying sucked...but my name refers to the 3rd Hokage ha..loved that guy...both dead.

somethinpositiv said:
And then you fall into the well of knowledge.. 😉

GO ILLINI! Your application seems a lot like mine was, UIUC, Psych & Chem, similar GPA, similar DAT (yours is 2 pts higher though!), and I got into UIC so you should be fine.

Definitely get those shadowing hours in, 40 Hours at least, but UIC "recommends" 100 hours of shadowing. And if you're shadowing a family dentist in the city of Chicago, that can't hurt. Also, see if you can attend the Midwinter Meeting in Chicago in February. It's a good place to network, and it's good to see the technology that's out there. I used it as a talking point in my interview. Visit the school, talk to admissions, talk to the students, get your name out there.

By the way, I'm assuming you're wanting to attend UIC, since most of my dental friends from UIUC wanted to go to Chicago. Though with your stats, you'll have a lot of options; I'd bet that you'd get in UoP and Columbia at the very least.
Click to expand...

Ha fellow illini with the same majors?? That's so weird...people keep telling me chem and psych together doesn't make sense.

Thanks for the heads up for that midwinter meeting...and I do want to go to UIC (near home, lower tuition...).

You mind if I ask how many shadowing hours you had when you applied to UIC?? Thanks for the info!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

dentaljunkie84948
Need Advice
Replies
2
Views
316
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
A
Need Advice
Replies
2
Views
915
drDental_
drDental_
A
Pls help need some advice
Replies
2
Views
550
DS2027
D
toothtea
Feel like I bombed Kira...Need Advice
Replies
6
Views
1K
Mr.Smile12
Mr.Smile12
C
need help, post Bach?
Replies
1
Views
368
macsak
M
Top