New Non-Trad, Introducing Myself

[Nolongerused]

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[dentalWorks]

as far as Advice goes, you seem to REALLY been lurking around SDN for a while lol. Nothing I can tell you right now that you don't already know.

Your plan is perfect, your going back to school for LORs, your GPA is solid, your had a nice MCAT number and now dentistry. Theyr REALLY going to like you cause it shows how mature you've become to learn about this field (dentistry). Its very clear that ur not pursuing dentistry because you didn't into med school, your just genuinely interested in dentistry.

 

[Simple Jack]

... so I'm just going to live at the library for the next 3 months and reappear to society after the DATs.

haha, that's awesome man! you're going to be in the wilderness, like 40 days/40 nights style, then you'll descend the mountain and open up a can on the DAT!👍 good luck and keep posting

 

[ArmyPilot]

Hey Non-Trad Dad,

Congrats on your decision. You and I are in the exact same boat (I am a non-trad with similar GPA and time out of school - minus the kid) - I however cant apply to D-school for another two years due to my contract with the military (crapola!). I suggest getting Achiever and that other DAT example program as to get geared for the exact questions you will see (and not waste time studying in the wrong areas). Good luck!

 

[AmpedUp]

Just out of curiosity, what brought you into Dentistry? Those are some pretty good stats by the way. I'm sure you can do anything you want. Feel free to PM if I kinda put you on the spot - that's not my intention. Good luck with the DAT! You'll do great.

 

[ArmyPilot]

So you like the Kaplan stuff? Im going to have to take that route once I can get stabilized in one area (I have been overseas my whole career - 3 years Wester/Eastern European theatres, currently in Iraq, and looking at Korea or Afghanistan as my next stop). Yes I do fly - specifically UH-60 Blackhawks (ever see the movie "Blackhawk Down"? I fly the one that gets shot down in the middle of the city. Not exactly the best reference to my bird, but its the most current movie out there with my aircraft). You can always fly later bud - if I could do it all over again with the knowledge I have now, I would have went straight up dentistry. Oh well...should make for an interesting interview should I get one. 😉

 

[AmpedUp]

I'd be glad to answer that (it is basically what my entire personal statement is about. I should just send that to you 🙂) Essentially after working a few different jobs the past 5 years (I was a firefighter, auditor, plant supervisor, you name it) I realized something was still missing, and I wanted to work in healthcare to help better people's lives. So I did a bunch of research and came across dentistry and began to shadow. I knew a lot about medicine already because my dad is a physician, and I have shadowed a ton of physicians in my life (plus I was premed all through college). Dentistry just gave me a much better feeling than medicine. All the doctors I spent time with seemed burned out by medicine and all the red tape they have to go through these days (and it is only getting worse). Also, being a family guy I definitely felt dentistry would give me a lot more time with my family (love time with my little boy 🙂 ) over medicine and again, I found it more interesting due to working with your hands, running your own business, longer patient interaction, etc... Thanks for the words of encouragement.

Oh and for all the premed/med students out there, medicine is an AMAZING career so please don't think I'm trying to start another medicine vs. dentistry war on the forums. My dad still says he would do it all over again in a heartbeat even with all the BS doctors have to put up with these days.

That's AWESOME!!! Nice perspective. *In Bold* My thoughts exactly.

Well, it looks like you're set...Keep pushing! What are you using to prep for the DAT?

 

[OneLife1979]

I'm 30 yrs old with a 2 and 3 yr old. It's nice to see so many people that are in similar situations to mine taking the plunge.