Non-traditional pre-dental course path, 3.22 gpa

[T00thFa1ry]

Hi! I'm on the verge of finishing all of my remaining prerequisites to apply to dental school. The only classes left are organic chemistry 2 and biochemistry. My grades from physics and organic chemistry 1 aren't in yet, but I've been between a low A and a high B in both classes. Right now, my overall GPA is 3.08. I took a bad hit in the summer when I took organic chemistry 1 in a mini semester and got a D. I keep wondering if I should finish my music minor. The only thing holding me back is that I'd have to transfer to another college, which is about an hour away. I have a 12 year old and a 9 year old, and my boyfriend helps a lot but I'm just not sure if I should pursue it, if the value of it outweighs the drive time and time away from my family. I have the Kapland books and flash cards, so I'm trying to prepare for the DAT. I'd just like to transition as smoothly as possible and have a package that the boards are going to want. Thank you for your help!


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[Tooth Fariy]

Looking at your GPA, you may want to get 21+ DAT. There are a lot of DAT breakdowns in the DAT discussion section of SDN. I'm not sure how well Kaplan will prepare you for DAT, but lot of people also used Destroyer, Bookcamp, CrackDATPAT, Chad's videos, Feralis' notes, etc. to get a high DAT score. I'm sure you'll be able to achieve a high score as long as you study hard. However, what I'm more concerned about is with your children. You mentioned how going to this college that's an hour away will take the time away from your family. I don't know how much support your boyfriend can provide you while you're in dental school, but just be aware that going to dental school will take away quite a bit of time from your children. The final decision is up to you. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck~!

 

[Likkriue]

You need to retake orgo 1 and get a C minimum.

I also suggest dat bootcamp/destroyer for the dat. Head to the dat forums for resources.

 

[Faefly]

I think You should take more classes to improve your GPA. Postpone graduating and take more classes and retake the Organic Chemistry 1. A D will not look good at all. Most schools want a C or more on science courses. Orgo 1 is hard, retake it and you will do fine. And of course if you did take a good Dat score that will be amazing.

Best of luck!

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Looking at your GPA, you may want to get 21+ DAT. There are a lot of DAT breakdowns in the DAT discussion section of SDN. I'm not sure how well Kaplan will prepare you for DAT, but lot of people also used Destroyer, Bookcamp, CrackDATPAT, Chad's videos, Feralis' notes, etc. to get a high DAT score. I'm sure you'll be able to achieve a high score as long as you study hard. However, what I'm more concerned about is with your children. You mentioned how going to this college that's an hour away will take the time away from your family. I don't know how much support your boyfriend can provide you while you're in dental school, but just be aware that going to dental school will take away quite a bit of time from your children. The final decision is up to you. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck~!

You need to retake orgo 1 and get a C minimum.

I also suggest dat bootcamp/destroyer for the dat. Head to the dat forums for resources.

I think You should take more classes to improve your GPA. Postpone graduating and take more classes and retake the Organic Chemistry 1. A D will not look good at all. Most schools want a C or more on science courses. Orgo 1 is hard, retake it and you will do fine. And of course if you did take a good Dat score that will be amazing.

Best of luck!

You can only avoid the possibility of NOT retaking if you get a solid A in Orgo II. Even then, it's a major hit in your GPA and doesn't look good. In addition, it's a pre-requisite and many schools require a C or better. So to be honest, I have to agree with the retake statement everyone else has said. This shouldn't stop you from doing your best for Orgo II though.

This overall GPA is for a Bachelors? You may end up needing to do a postbacc or SMP or Masters of some sort. This all depends on how many credits you have already and how much of an impact each A can make on this GPA. Aim to get 19-21 (or higher) on the DAT and with some solid extracurricular, volunteering, recommendations, shadowing, and (maybe) some research and you should have a great chance to get into dental school.

 

[dshen92129]

keep your head up and keep going! everything will workout the way its supposed to be!

 

[T00thFa1ry]

I did take organic chemistry 1 again and completed the class with an A! Finished physics with a high B. I'm trying to prepare early for organic 2 so that I can attack the synthesis project with confidence.

I had emailed the admissions department at a dental college in GA, and they told me that I didn't need a bachelors to get in and could just focus on the required courses to get into dental school because I would get a bachelor's while in dental school anyways.

Although on semester break, I'm studying for the DAT through some study apps. I'll be practicing until I feel confident that I can make excellent scores! To become a dentist has been my dream for a very long time. I have help and a great support team to make sure I finish my goal. I'm actually visiting my brother-in-law in AZ right now, who's a dental student in his second year.


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[Toothout]

I did take organic chemistry 1 again and completed the class with an A! Finished physics with a high B. I'm trying to prepare early for organic 2 so that I can attack the synthesis project with confidence.

I had emailed the admissions department at a dental college in GA, and they told me that I didn't need a bachelors to get in and could just focus on the required courses to get into dental school because I would get a bachelor's while in dental school anyways.

Although on semester break, I'm studying for the DAT through some study apps. I'll be practicing until I feel confident that I can make excellent scores! To become a dentist has been my dream for a very long time. I have help and a great support team to make sure I finish my goal. I'm actually visiting my brother-in-law in AZ right now, who's a dental student in his second year.


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Most of the schools require a B.S though. Not to apply, but to matriculate.

 

[schmoob]

You have plenty of time to get your undergrad before matriculating since it sounds like you want to start Fall 2018.
Work on your GPA. Also, as mentioned stay away from Kaplan. The resources mentioned like Bootcamp, Chad's, Destroyer, etc are the best resources to use. Much much cheaper too.
And yes, dental school with kids will be very difficult; but as long as you stay as motivated as you are now I'm sure you will get it. Good luck!

 

[T00thFa1ry]

I'm at a 3.22 gpa now. I'm so happy that I'm bringing it up! Organic 2 is going really well. I'm bound to finish this class and statistics with an A. I plan to take the DAT in May 2017 and submit my application through AADSAS in June. While waiting for a response, I know I should plan on finishing biochem and physics. I took the algebra based physics last semester. I think maybe biochem in summer.

 

[schmoob]

I'm at a 3.22 gpa now. I'm so happy that I'm bringing it up! Organic 2 is going really well. I'm bound to finish this class and statistics with an A. I plan to take the DAT in May 2017 and submit my application through AADSAS in June. While waiting for a response, I know I should plan on finishing biochem and physics. I took the algebra based physics last semester. I think maybe biochem in summer.

You can do it! I did it with kids, so I know the pain. I'm no genius, and if I can do it so can you!!

 

[Likkriue]

That is great! If you plan to apply to other schools as well, I think a bachelors looks more favorable to some schools, although you don't nessesarily need to get one. I would reccomend if it doesn't hinder you too much to get it.

 

[MaxSnast]

LOVE hearing this

Keep grinding - I truly feel that making your perseverance smack adcoms in the face immediately upon opening your application can have the biggest weight with non-trads like us.

I'm 35, have two boys (10 & 6), and am coming from 10+ years in management with Trader Joe's. BA in Italian in 2004. I also went through a year-long separation from my wife, and it was part of what lit the fire in me to pursue something I was passionate about.

Overall GPA from undergrad was 3.15. Went back in fall of 2015 to hammer out ALL of my dental school prerequisites at a highly respected community college and kept a 4.0 under heavy course loads to bring the GPA up to 3.35 by the time I applied, with the BCP at 4.0. 19AA, 19TS, 20RC, 21 PAT with a 15 in organic chemistry (similar situation to you - my only option in order to get any Orgo in before the DAT was a 5-week Orgo I summer course).

Above all I wanted to make my application say "my circumstances and background might be unique, but I absolutely am going to make this happen."

I was accepted last week and will be a D1 this fall.

Keep on KILLING it, and it will absolutely happen for you!


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[T00thFa1ry]

You can do it! I did it with kids, so I know the pain. I'm no genius, and if I can do it so can you!!

Thanks schmoob! I'm no genius either. When I was in dental hygiene school, I was always the top clinician because I had been in assisting for a long time, and in dental hygiene in the USAF, but I hated not being at the top with book smarts. I love dentistry so much that I want to be the very best, and I'd love to one day teach when I can no longer work a regular schedule. I know my professors told me that they'd rather have the clinician who can perform over the one who knows it all but can't perform as well. I understand, but I still want to reach for the stars!

 

[T00thFa1ry]

That is great! If you plan to apply to other schools as well, I think a bachelors looks more favorable to some schools, although you don't nessesarily need to get one. I would reccomend if it doesn't hinder you too much to get it.

I have talked to my advisor and am waiting for him to come up with a reasonable plan for me. I know I can apply without a BS, but because preference is given to those with a 4 year degree, I'd like to do anything I can to increase my chances of getting a spot at the college I'm hoping to get into (Georgia, Augusta University. They've been through a few name changes. The most recent was Georgia Regents University, and before that it was Georgia Health Sciences University, and before that it was Medical College of Georgia). I already have to turn my life upside down to go to dental school, so I'd like if I could make transition for my children a little easier.

 

[T00thFa1ry]

LOVE hearing this

Keep grinding - I truly feel that making your perseverance smack adcoms in the face immediately upon opening your application can have the biggest weight with non-trads like us.

I'm 35, have two boys (10 & 6), and am coming from 10+ years in management with Trader Joe's. BA in Italian in 2004. I also went through a year-long separation from my wife, and it was part of what lit the fire in me to pursue something I was passionate about.

Overall GPA from undergrad was 3.15. Went back in fall of 2015 to hammer out ALL of my dental school prerequisites at a highly respected community college and kept a 4.0 under heavy course loads to bring the GPA up to 3.35 by the time I applied, with the BCP at 4.0. 19AA, 19TS, 20RC, 21 PAT with a 15 in organic chemistry (similar situation to you - my only option in order to get any Orgo in before the DAT was a 5-week Orgo I summer course).

Above all I wanted to make my application say "my circumstances and background might be unique, but I absolutely am going to make this happen."

I was accepted last week and will be a D1 this fall.

Keep on KILLING it, and it will absolutely happen for you!


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Congratulations on getting accepted!! I am so excited and happy for you, more so because your background story of being non-traditional and having children make me feel like I have even more hope to cling to. I wish you the best in your journey!!

 

[T00thFa1ry]

As I gain hope and continue to reach for my goal, I wonder how to plan for paying for dental school costs? As far as I understand, Sallie Mae only gives loans if you have a cosigner. When I went through divorce, I had to file bankruptcy chapter 7. The judge didn't allow for me to file a chapter 10. It stays on record for 10 years, so I still show with this bankruptcy for 2 more years. I've managed to stay on top of my credit as I attempt to raise my scores, but the chapter 7 is a shadow that looms even into the year I'll be applying to dental school. I've applied for a few scholarships in the past, but I never seem to win any. Is there a solution out there that won't hold me back from trying to apply this year?

 

[schmoob]

As I gain hope and continue to reach for my goal, I wonder how to plan for paying for dental school costs? As far as I understand, Sallie Mae only gives loans if you have a cosigner. When I went through divorce, I had to file bankruptcy chapter 7. The judge didn't allow for me to file a chapter 10. It stays on record for 10 years, so I still show with this bankruptcy for 2 more years. I've managed to stay on top of my credit as I attempt to raise my scores, but the chapter 7 is a shadow that looms even into the year I'll be applying to dental school. I've applied for a few scholarships in the past, but I never seem to win any. Is there a solution out there that won't hold me back from trying to apply this year?

You mentioned USAF, were you AD? Do you have any GI Bill benefits?
After all your hard work, the loans shouldn't be what stop you

 

[T00thFa1ry]

You mentioned USAF, were you AD? Do you have any GI Bill benefits?
After all your hard work, the loans shouldn't be what stop you

I was active duty. My GI Bill benefits were used up in prerequisites and hygiene school.

I was given the option to have dental school paid for by the military as long as I finished the remaining dental school prereq's and passed the DAT with their recommended scores, but I don't want to take that route. When I was in the US Air Force, I worked with a lot of wonderful dentists. Military dentists get assigned to specific treatment areas in the clinic. If you graduated as a general dentist, you only do fillings everyday of your career in the military for 4 years. If you graduated as a specialist, like an endodontist, you only do root canals everyday for 4 years.

I love oral surgery and am fascinated by head and neck anatomy, being able to visualize the inervations inside of the foundation known as the jaws and how everything is interconnected. There's something to be said about taking trauma and guiding a life back towards restoration. It's a spark in my heart. I just don't know if I'll be that guide yet. There are many things to consider.

I also enjoy the variety of general dentistry, being able to understand my strengths and weaknesses in parts of each specialty that a GD can touch upon, and build my skill. I don't like the label "Jack of all trades, and master of none" because it IS possible to master more than one area of any part of life.

So you see, if you can understand my passion, I feel that taking on the military's offer to pay for dental school in exchange for 4 years of service binds my hands and dampers my vitality.

Money has never been my guiding reason for wanting to become a dentist. I am a minimalist. I don't like clutter, I don't like to shop, and I don't take joy in the material world. My guiding reason is to bring joy to the lives of others through individualized quality dentistry. I understand overhead completely, but if you do right by others, the rewards will reach into both parts.

 

[schmoob]

I was active duty. My GI Bill benefits were used up in prerequisites and hygiene school.

I was given the option to have dental school paid for by the military as long as I finished the remaining dental school prereq's and passed the DAT with their recommended scores, but I don't want to take that route. When I was in the US Air Force, I worked with a lot of wonderful dentists. Military dentists get assigned to specific treatment areas in the clinic. If you graduated as a general dentist, you only do fillings everyday of your career in the military for 4 years. If you graduated as a specialist, like an endodontist, you only do root canals everyday for 4 years.

I love oral surgery and am fascinated by head and neck anatomy, being able to visualize the inervations inside of the foundation known as the jaws and how everything is interconnected. There's something to be said about taking trauma and guiding a life back towards restoration. It's a spark in my heart. I just don't know if I'll be that guide yet. There are many things to consider.

I also enjoy the variety of general dentistry, being able to understand my strengths and weaknesses in parts of each specialty that a GD can touch upon, and build my skill. I don't like the label "Jack of all trades, and master of none" because it IS possible to master more than one area of any part of life.

So you see, if you can understand my passion, I feel that taking on the military's offer to pay for dental school in exchange for 4 years of service binds my hands and dampers my vitality.

Money has never been my guiding reason for wanting to become a dentist. I am a minimalist. I don't like clutter, I don't like to shop, and I don't take joy in the material world. My guiding reason is to bring joy to the lives of others through individualized quality dentistry. I understand overhead completely, but if you do right by others, the rewards will reach into both parts.

I understand.
Not sure if you have a disability rating or not, but have you looked into Chapter 31? It could provide some help with financing school. It is a REALLY great program.

 

[Iron15]

I did take organic chemistry 1 again and completed the class with an A! Finished physics with a high B. I'm trying to prepare early for organic 2 so that I can attack the synthesis project with confidence.

I had emailed the admissions department at a dental college in GA, and they told me that I didn't need a bachelors to get in and could just focus on the required courses to get into dental school because I would get a bachelor's while in dental school anyways.

Although on semester break, I'm studying for the DAT through some study apps. I'll be practicing until I feel confident that I can make excellent scores! To become a dentist has been my dream for a very long time. I have help and a great support team to make sure I finish my goal. I'm actually visiting my brother-in-law in AZ right now, who's a dental student in his second year.


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Honestly I really think you should get your bachelors before applying. Most, if not all that matriculate have a degree. Many of them even have Masters degrees. Anyways, I wish you the best of luck.

 

[Faefly]

I really don't get what's the hurry, why don't you finish your degree and while you are at it, take some elective to boost your gpa, and then take 3 or 2 months of your life to really prepare for the dat, I mean these apps you are talking about won't really cut it! You want to take the dat in may! that mean you are preparing for the dat while you are taking courses at school, this means you either will hurt your gpa or your dat!

You need to be serious about the dat, you need to get more than 22+, that means getting more than 90 from 100 in almost all of the parts of the dat! THats not easy. You need high DAT score to compensate your lower GPA.
You are settled down, what's the hurry for? Take your time, improve your gpa and get a great Dat to achieve your dream!

PS: You are doing an awesome JOB! I am so proud of you!

 

[T00thFa1ry]

I understand.
Not sure if you have a disability rating or not, but have you looked into Chapter 31? It could provide some help with financing school. It is a REALLY great program.

I'll look into it. I've never heard of chapter 31. It would be great to have financial help with school! Thanks again schmoob!

 

[T00thFa1ry]

Honestly I really think you should get your bachelors before applying. Most, if not all that matriculate have a degree. Many of them even have Masters degrees. Anyways, I wish you the best of luck.

I'd like to get my bachelor's, but I've corresponded with one of the dental colleges that I'm hoping to go to and they've told me that I can apply without it. After I turn in my DAT and application, I'm sure I can finish my bachelor's before day 1 dental school.

 

[T00thFa1ry]

I really don't get what's the hurry, why don't you finish your degree and while you are at it, take some elective to boost your gpa, and then take 3 or 2 months of your life to really prepare for the dat, I mean these apps you are talking about won't really cut it! You want to take the dat in may! that mean you are preparing for the dat while you are taking courses at school, this means you either will hurt your gpa or your dat!

You need to be serious about the dat, you need to get more than 22+, that means getting more than 90 from 100 in almost all of the parts of the dat! THats not easy. You need high DAT score to compensate your lower GPA.
You are settled down, what's the hurry for? Take your time, improve your gpa and get a great Dat to achieve your dream!

PS: You are doing an awesome JOB! I am so proud of you!

The hurry is that I'm about to turn 42. It pains me to know that I won't have a long career doing the thing I love most, but I do want to teach in dentistry when I can no longer practice. My ex-husband gave me an ultimatum while I was trying to finish all of my classes and said, "Either we're having kids or we're having a divorce." So, I quit going to school to salvage what I could in my marriage but ended up getting divorced anyways. He cheated on me 3 times. I've had to wait until my kids were a little older for me to get back into college classes, so that ate away at my time, too. I study for the DAT between every semester break and during any chance that I have, but I don't let it interfere with the classes that I take because I do understand the importance of raising my gpa.

The other reason for my hurry is that I am so passioned about dentistry! I've grown so much in my clinical experience and it excites me to cross the border! I see my focus! Everything around me is but a blur because the aim from my arrow is pointed straight ahead! And, I know where I belong because I know in my soul that I WILL make a difference! This is what defines me. Dentistry is me. It is my home. It's the method to which I am a light to others. This is why I go full speed ahead and leap for the stars! I know I can do it. In reaching my goals through dedication and hard work, I will be able to teach and show my children a valuable lesson that is more than what others can teach them. When my children say, "My mother had a goal. She was a single mother facing hardships (I won't list all of them right now lol) and she showed me that it was a real thing to be able to achieve", it will be because they saw it firsthand. I only wish I had an unfathomable number of years to touch the lives of my future patients and the lives of my future dental school students.

 

[Iron15]

The hurry is that I'm about to turn 42. It pains me to know that I won't have a long career doing the thing I love most, but I do want to teach in dentistry when I can no longer practice. My ex-husband gave me an ultimatum while I was trying to finish all of my classes and said, "Either we're having kids or we're having a divorce." So, I quit going to school to salvage what I could in my marriage but ended up getting divorced anyways. He cheated on me 3 times. I've had to wait until my kids were a little older for me to get back into college classes, so that ate away at my time, too. I study for the DAT between every semester break and during any chance that I have, but I don't let it interfere with the classes that I take because I do understand the importance of raising my gpa.

The other reason for my hurry is that I am so passioned about dentistry! I've grown so much in my clinical experience and it excites me to cross the border! I see my focus! Everything around me is but a blur because the aim from my arrow is pointed straight ahead! And, I know where I belong because I know in my soul that I WILL make a difference! This is what defines me. Dentistry is me. It is my home. It's the method to which I am a light to others. This is why I go full speed ahead and leap for the stars! I know I can do it. In reaching my goals through dedication and hard work, I will be able to teach and show my children a valuable lesson that is more than what others can teach them. When my children say, "My mother had a goal. She was a single mother facing hardships (I won't list all of them right now lol) and she showed me that it was a real thing to be able to achieve", it will be because they saw it firsthand. I only wish I had an unfathomable number of years to touch the lives of my future patients and the lives of my future dental school students.

Best of luck to you my friend.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

The hurry is that I'm about to turn 42. It pains me to know that I won't have a long career doing the thing I love most, but I do want to teach in dentistry when I can no longer practice. My ex-husband gave me an ultimatum while I was trying to finish all of my classes and said, "Either we're having kids or we're having a divorce." So, I quit going to school to salvage what I could in my marriage but ended up getting divorced anyways. He cheated on me 3 times. I've had to wait until my kids were a little older for me to get back into college classes, so that ate away at my time, too. I study for the DAT between every semester break and during any chance that I have, but I don't let it interfere with the classes that I take because I do understand the importance of raising my gpa.

The other reason for my hurry is that I am so passioned about dentistry! I've grown so much in my clinical experience and it excites me to cross the border! I see my focus! Everything around me is but a blur because the aim from my arrow is pointed straight ahead! And, I know where I belong because I know in my soul that I WILL make a difference! This is what defines me. Dentistry is me. It is my home. It's the method to which I am a light to others. This is why I go full speed ahead and leap for the stars! I know I can do it. In reaching my goals through dedication and hard work, I will be able to teach and show my children a valuable lesson that is more than what others can teach them. When my children say, "My mother had a goal. She was a single mother facing hardships (I won't list all of them right now lol) and she showed me that it was a real thing to be able to achieve", it will be because they saw it firsthand. I only wish I had an unfathomable number of years to touch the lives of my future patients and the lives of my future dental school students.

You will be a dentist and you will be great! Keep up the good work!

 

[Faefly]

The hurry is that I'm about to turn 42. It pains me to know that I won't have a long career doing the thing I love most, but I do want to teach in dentistry when I can no longer practice. My ex-husband gave me an ultimatum while I was trying to finish all of my classes and said, "Either we're having kids or we're having a divorce." So, I quit going to school to salvage what I could in my marriage but ended up getting divorced anyways. He cheated on me 3 times. I've had to wait until my kids were a little older for me to get back into college classes, so that ate away at my time, too. I study for the DAT between every semester break and during any chance that I have, but I don't let it interfere with the classes that I take because I do understand the importance of raising my gpa.

The other reason for my hurry is that I am so passioned about dentistry! I've grown so much in my clinical experience and it excites me to cross the border! I see my focus! Everything around me is but a blur because the aim from my arrow is pointed straight ahead! And, I know where I belong because I know in my soul that I WILL make a difference! This is what defines me. Dentistry is me. It is my home. It's the method to which I am a light to others. This is why I go full speed ahead and leap for the stars! I know I can do it. In reaching my goals through dedication and hard work, I will be able to teach and show my children a valuable lesson that is more than what others can teach them. When my children say, "My mother had a goal. She was a single mother facing hardships (I won't list all of them right now lol) and she showed me that it was a real thing to be able to achieve", it will be because they saw it firsthand. I only wish I had an unfathomable number of years to touch the lives of my future patients and the lives of my future dental school students.

I am so sorry for the bad things that happened to you.. At the same time, I am so proud of you. Based on this story alone, you can get accepted, just tell them your story and how you survived the hardships on your life. I mean if they read this they will accept you..

I hope you get accepted. The reason I said wait a bit was because I wanted you to enhance your chances, but hey, just do well in your DAT and hope for the best

Best of luck! You are a role model! and Dentistry schools should be proud to have you! Age is just a number <3

 

[T00thFa1ry]

Thanks yas! You don't have to be sorry for me. I look at everything as a lesson, and see the truth in that education is expensive regardless of where the lesson was learned. Everything that has happened in my life was a chance to learn and grow. Some lessons are hard (like the DAT lol) and some lessons are easy. The big "what if" always hangs over me, but that's a battle I'll find a way to fight.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

Why do you want to be a dentist?

 

[T00thFa1ry]

Why do you want to be a dentist?

The reason I want to be a dentist is in the posts I've written in this thread.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

The reason I want to be a dentist is in the posts I've written in this thread.

I read through your comments but aside from saying that you are passionate about/love dentistry, I never saw you actually elaborate on why (outside of this line about oral surgery):

"I love oral surgery and am fascinated by head and neck anatomy, being able to visualize the inervations inside of the foundation known as the jaws and how everything is interconnected. There's something to be said about taking trauma and guiding a life back towards restoration. It's a spark in my heart. I just don't know if I'll be that guide yet. There are many things to consider."

I'm curious what it is about dentistry (specifically) that motivates you.

 

[schmoob]

I read through your comments but aside from saying that you are passionate about/love dentistry, I never saw you actually elaborate on why (outside of this line about oral surgery):

"I love oral surgery and am fascinated by head and neck anatomy, being able to visualize the inervations inside of the foundation known as the jaws and how everything is interconnected. There's something to be said about taking trauma and guiding a life back towards restoration. It's a spark in my heart. I just don't know if I'll be that guide yet. There are many things to consider."

I'm curious what it is about dentistry (specifically) that motivates you.

I think she made it rather clear. It's all there.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

I think she made it rather clear. It's all there.

Maybe you could point it out to me? I'm not sure where she mentioned what it is about dentistry itself that motivates her, just that she is very passionate about becoming a dentist.

It's not a criticism or anything, I'm genuinely curious - it takes a lot of motivation to be in her situation and still be that passionate about going to dental school, and I'd love to hear where it all comes from.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

She used to be a dental hygienist and loves the clinical and educational aspects of dentistry. Earning the doctorate will allow her to do much more in the field and for her patients. She also wants to be an inspiration for her children by pursuing higher education.

If it's mostly the clinical aspects, I think that dental therapist is another option she may wish to explore - the education timeline is a bit shorter, but it would give her access to the additional clinical opportunities and (some) autonomy she's looking for.

 

[schmoob]

If it's mostly the clinical aspects, I think that dental therapist is another option she may wish to explore - the education timeline is a bit shorter, but it would give her access to the additional clinical opportunities and (some) autonomy she's looking for.

Although I'm know you mean well, I think you should consider how you would feel if someone told you that you should be a dental therapist.
Although the circumstances differ between you and OP, you both have the same goal. Her hill is steeper, no doubt. But when faced with an incredible challenge, it becomes discouraging when others recommend considering other options. I am also aware that you are also keeping OP'S priorities in life in mind, which is important in this decision.
Her goal will not be impossible. It will be incredibly difficult, but overcoming those obstacles will make the end result that much more rewarding.
Dental school is hard. Dental school with kids is crazy hard. But dental school is not forever, and having a support system will definitely be a major factor to success.

I encourage OP to pursue dentistry. But I will discourage OMFS. I am not unrealistic. An additional 4-6 years of something so demanding in her situation is not something I would do personally.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

Dental therapists are still required to work under the license of a dentist. They are currently limited to working in 3 states, with 3 more undergoing efforts to approve licensing DTs.

I noted in my above message to her that I also think she may be able to make a more meaningful impact with a related career. Being a single mom would be my main concern for her pursuing a DDS/DMD curriculum, but if it's what she wants to do in life, I'd rather we support her with resources on here to do it the right way than for her to struggle getting there on her own.

There's definitely trade-offs, but I think it's worth considering. What's sacrificed in autonomy (and state) is made up for in significantly less time having to raise her GPA for admission, school time, etc. Most importantly, it's a lot cheaper.

Although I'm know you mean well, I think you should consider how you would feel if someone told you that you should be a dental therapist.
Although the circumstances differ between you and OP, you both have the same goal. Her hill is steeper, no doubt. But when faced with an incredible challenge, it becomes discouraging when others recommend considering other options. I am also aware that you are also keeping OP'S priorities in life in mind, which is important in this decision.
Her goal will not be impossible. It will be incredibly difficult, but overcoming those obstacles will make the end result that much more rewarding.
Dental school is hard. Dental school with kids is crazy hard. But dental school is not forever, and having a support system will definitely be a major factor to success.

I encourage OP to pursue dentistry. But I will discourage OMFS. I am not unrealistic. An additional 4-6 years of something so demanding in her situation is not something I would do personally.

I personally would not feel offended at all, I don't look down on dental therapists as a profession. I think in the OP's case it provides a lot of what she's looking for as a dentist, which is different than asking her to consider options that are unrelated/unfulfilling.

She seems fully capable of becoming a dentist, but at 42 (and still preparing to apply) I think that practicality also needs to be heavily considered. The financial implications alone are concerning.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

I agree with your reasoning. But it's like asking OP to consider investing in a Honda that will do its job to get her from point A to point B because it makes sense to us, when she really wants a Lamborghini. There are things dentists can do that dental therapists can't do. The autonomy and freedom to work anywhere you want are big professional incentives in my opinion. She did note that she doesn't mind the finances. A lot of her justifications are driven by emotions, and for people who just want to do what they love without restrictions, career practicality may not be the best consideration. I have a classmate who will be 61 when he finishes our program. I have no idea how he wants to practice, but he's happy with his choice...

I think it's precisely because this is so emotionally driven that it's important practical advice be given for balance. If I was passionate about cutting off my finger, the right thing to do would be to tell me "that's a bad idea", and not encourage my blindly just to be supportive.

The reality of this situation is: OP is 42, and currently has an overall GPA of a 3.08. By the time she realistically raises that, takes the DAT, applies and matriculates it will be another 2-3 years conservatively, and then an additional 4 years to finish dental school. Can anyone, in good conscience, suggest going hundreds of thousands into debt that you won't be able to even begin paying back until you're almost 50 - while simultaneously raising 2 kids? In my opinion it would be a massive disservice not to discuss alternatives that still allow the OP to practice more clinical dentistry.

 

[FeralisExtremum]

Eh, bad analogy. You have no reason to want to cut off your finger.

The realistic alternative is you can ask her to pursue a related career that will produce a paycheck, but one in which she won't be completely happy with. She can go on like that, most likely still be living with debt anyways, and be unhappy for the rest of her life. Or she can go to dental school, be in debt either way, and at least go to work every day enjoying what she can do.

I really don't think the financial difference between becoming a dental therapist and becoming a dentist can be so casually brushed aside with "probably in debt anyways". One is substantially higher, longer lasting, and more problematic than the other. If happiness ignorant of real-life consequences is the end goal, then you can advise a person to do almost anything "as long as it makes them happy".

It should also be pointed out that the difference between a dentist and a dental therapist is not black and white. There's pretty substantial overlap; it stands to reason if she would be happy as a dentist she wouldn't be miserable as a dental therapist unless she absolutely had to perform specific procedures.

If you bring kids into the equation though, and talk about being able to support their well beings for the next 2-6 years, that is a different story. Child care will be a challenge, not to mention the kind of childhood quality for them.

Being realistic here: her kids are in the equation, period. You can't entertain the hypothetical of her pursuing dental school without including them.

 

[SmileItsLife]

You're story is truly amazing, and thank for your service! I hope you succeed and achieve all of your best dreams.

As for paying for school: I wouldn't be too worried if I where you if you get into GRU- I think that school is even cheaper than the Texas schools. Of course search up the best loan plan, but you'll honestly be fine, imo. Honestly, I hope you become a dentist. I root for people like you.

 

[Faefly]

Can we let this woman live her dreams!
I mean don't project your fear upon her!
She'll make it! If she gets accepted it, she'll manage, her kids will be fine as any could be with a working mother or without a working mother!
why are you doing this?
She already gave up too much, and what more? you want her to give more of her soul, just because the kids are in the equation.
My mom gave up too much for us. I wish she didn't!
She wouldn't have become so miserable now!

So, yeah, if it's not an advice that is really about how she can get accepted or better her chances, I consider it, not relevant and can do damage more than good!

I would always encourage people to follow their dreams!
Killing people dreams is just sad!
Why would you do that!

Oh don't tell, for her own good, or I am just being practical!

Ok. If we are being practical, here!
We all are wasting what? 8 years of our lives, maybe 12?
Stress, worries, competitions, health deteriorating, missing out great things in lives, not seeing enough of family, and loved ones

Why are we doing that?

Money?
but we can get money in other ways.....

Then why?

To please your mom and dad?
to make you feel better than others?
for the social status?
because you could not become a doctor?
because it's better than being a lab rat?
because you want to get better dates on Dating sites!?

or is because it's your dream to be a dentist

So, it's ok for you to waste years of your live following this dream, but others are not being realistic enough!

Huh! Double standards!

 

[SmileItsLife]

OKAY! People, can we stop talking about money in this thread? Her best shot is Georgia's Dental school and that costs ~$17000/ year. Plus some fees... she'll be at like $20000 a year. I know that is a lot of money, but she will be a dentist, and she will probable make a 1:1 ratio on her first year income:student debt IF she'll become a GP (which is highly unlikely since she wants specialize).

Yes, she may have to struggle with a balance of having a life with her kids going to school year-round for 4 years, but that is only a choice for her to make. She has already made it, so no need to second guess her. She knows her situation best.

 

[schmoob]

OKAY! People, can we stop talking about money in this thread? Her best shot is Georgia's Dental school and that costs ~$17000/ year. Plus some fees... she'll be at like $20000 a year. I know that is a lot of money, but she will be a dentist, and she will probable make a 1:1 ratio on her first year income:student debt IF she'll become a GP (which is highly unlikely since she wants specialize).

Yes, she may have to struggle with a balance of having a life with her kids going to school year-round for 4 years, but that is only a choice for her to make. She has already made it, so no need to second guess her. She knows her situation best.

Your numbers are a little off. You are not considering full COA. Otherwise a $100K DMD is a steal.

Can we let this woman live her dreams!
I mean don't project your fear upon her!
She'll make it! If she gets accepted it, she'll manage, her kids will be fine as any could be with a working mother or without a working mother!
why are you doing this?
She already gave up too much, and what more? you want her to give more of her soul, just because the kids are in the equation.
My mom gave up too much for us. I wish she didn't!
She wouldn't have become so miserable now!

So, yeah, if it's not an advice that is really about how she can get accepted or better her chances, I consider it, not relevant and can do damage more than good!

I would always encourage people to follow their dreams!
Killing people dreams is just sad!
Why would you do that!

Oh don't tell, for her own good, or I am just being practical!

Ok. If we are being practical, here!
We all are wasting what? 8 years of our lives, maybe 12?
Stress, worries, competitions, health deteriorating, missing out great things in lives, not seeing enough of family, and loved ones

Why are we doing that?

Money?
but we can get money in other ways.....

Then why?

To please your mom and dad?
to make you feel better than others?
for the social status?
because you could not become a doctor?
because it's better than being a lab rat?
because you want to get better dates on Dating sites!?

or is because it's your dream to be a dentist

So, it's ok for you to waste years of your live following this dream, but others are not being realistic enough!

Huh! Double standards!

It's a legitimate discussion of the situation. It's not cut and dry.
I am familiar with the demand of dental school with children, it complicates things. OP's are a little older than mine, so they are more self-sufficient. But they require different forms of attention.
Don't stress, man. At first I thought it was people being not nice, but it was quickly clarified and it is a healthy and civil discussion. I promise, no one wishes OP any ill will here.

I think it's precisely because this is so emotionally driven that it's important practical advice be given for balance. If I was passionate about cutting off my finger, the right thing to do would be to tell me "that's a bad idea", and not encourage my blindly just to be supportive.

The reality of this situation is: OP is 42, and currently has an overall GPA of a 3.08. By the time she realistically raises that, takes the DAT, applies and matriculates it will be another 2-3 years conservatively, and then an additional 4 years to finish dental school. Can anyone, in good conscience, suggest going hundreds of thousands into debt that you won't be able to even begin paying back until you're almost 50 - while simultaneously raising 2 kids? In my opinion it would be a massive disservice not to discuss alternatives that still allow the OP to practice more clinical dentistry.

The GPA is fine. Let's say ~3.2 because of the upward trend. A 3.2 is below the average matriculation GPA, but the expectations are managed when it comes to admissions. A single parent will have a much harder time maintaining a 3.5+ as opposed to a 19 year old who has nothing but time to themselves.
I'm sure you are thinking that in dental school, expectations are the same whether a student has kids or not. And you're right. From personal experience, many classmates who had more time to study and only their own schedule to manage performed better than I. But I still beat out plenty of other folks who have the time, but simply chose not to put forth as much effort.
Her dedication is definitely clear, so I don't think that lack of effort is an issue ADCOMS will see from her. It will work in her favor.

 

[DMDDDSHopeful]

Am I the only one to consider the the OP has alimony and child support? She said her husband cheated and she's a single mother now so chances are this was documented in court and she received most of the assets in the divorce.

To state that she is being selfish by pursuing schooling and going into massive debt might be inaccurate. She may be better off than all of us! Lol.

We don't need to know her personal history though. Please don't take this as me asking. Best of luck and I hope she achieves whatever she sets her mind to.

I do agree that informing people of every option is never a bad thing. Telling someone to think of other options may come off bad at first, but @FeralisExtremum had good intentions. I have friends that are in MD school that now recommend PA school and wish they went there instead. So I think this may be a very close analogy. Doesn't mean she needs to go that route.

 

[T00thFa1ry]

I love each and every one of you! I'd like you to know that I didn't sense any negativity from anyone until some came to my rescue. I really appreciate the critical thinking of my road ahead.

A bit of me for clarification and to help you understand. In the military, I served as an assistant and hygienist. After my ex-husband threatened me with divorce if we didn't expand our family immediately, I finished the rest of my classes that I had started for pre-hygiene. I was accepted into dental hygiene school and found out that I was pregnant with our 2nd child in the same week. I went almost 1 year of hygiene school with a 2 year old and a growing belly. After my daughter was born, 2 had 1 semesters left (summer and fall) to complete the program and get my degree, and advised that I could return to finish the rest of the semester within 1 year and jump in where I left off. During the wait to get back into hygiene school and finish the program, my ex-husband took my son out of state (and with the woman he was cheating on me with, but I didn't know at that moment) under the guise that his grandmother was dying. She actually was ill, but my dad was in and out of the hospital battling stage 3 non-Hodgkin's lymphoma/had a bone marrow transplant and very ill also. So my daughter and I stayed in GA. My dad passed a few months later. He is buried in California, where I'm from, and my mother moved back to California. She said she would stay with me and help with the kids. My children and I will be in class in close enough times. I'll just be in class a little longer. But with my kids having after school activities, they're busy also. Their taekwondo master smiles everytime I sit at a table, put my earplugs in and finish homework. People always ask how I do it because they know my education status and see photos of my kids and me always at the park or doing something together. Seven hours of sleep at night (sometimes more sometimes less), coffee, time management, coffee and small naps.

I did look at becoming an OS with a skeptical eye also, as fascinated as I am by the field. The variety in GD is enormous, with its reach extending into part of OS that would still allow for me to have a hand in the process. I see the student loans, additional time, on call schedule, the lives that could potentially be in my hands, the responsibility, the trade-off. I look at it with fear and admiration. I also look at GD in that way, but not in a way that empassions additional commitment because as you've said, I am almost 42. I know that even as I reach for the stars, I have my limits. I am no god, but I do wish to be great!

To answer the question, what motivates me.... the work, touching lives, the lesson to my children, physiological changes, that's a big part of it. I want a team like me. I have worked with many assistants, hygienists, front office, office managers and dentists over the years. I have the capability of providing a livelihoood for people. Through the Air Force, I was given the opportunity to teach assistants how to assist and refine their skills. I was also the main assistant in the training of dentists on how to work with an assistant. Even after going into the civilian sector, I have helped to teach other assistants that I have worked with as much as I can help with. I am positive that I can employing an excellent team, and help them to achieve growth. Wanting to be the best me won't come at the expense of others. I am not deceived that any of this will come easy. There's accountability and responsibility that can't be shied away from, and my aim is straight ahead. When I had gone to hygiene school, it was because I didn't think that as young as I was, that I could handle being responsible for whether someone has a job or not. I am thankful for my friends who are dentists locally, that have given me good advice and helped me to grow. Sorry, but I'm getting really sleepy. Past my bed time and I've gotta try to wake up for church tomorrow morning. ~Peace

 

[T00thFa1ry]

Oh, yes I get child support. I didn't get to keep the house. When my ex-husband went out of state, he was separating. When I saw that he didn't intend to come back with my son, I called the police but was told that without custody papers from a divorce, my ex had every right to take and keep my son out of state. I had to file for divorce because he didn't. I then had to trick my ex-husband into letting me have my son for the summer. As soon as I got him in state lines, I had him served. In order to get my son back, my income went towards paying for an attorney instead of a lot of bills. He never showed up to court to fight a custody battle so I got the kids. I was lucky to have some financial help. I'm not rich, nor am I poor. Money may not be my driving factor, and I'm not going to use it as an excuse to enjoy my current lifestyle or improve it, although improvement has its appeal. I prefer to collect memories rather than stuff. Cars and houses fade. Every time my children smile during our events together, I collect those as often as I can.

Also, when someone talked to me and asked me to consider "what if I have to change my dream". It felt as if someone punched me in the gut and knocked the wind out of me. To be a dental therapist isn't an option that I want to consider, but I do try to think realistically and ask other "what if's". I still look ahead and I will not give up easily. I just know that it could always be worse. If I don't..... I'm still breathing. Although breathing may come harder with such a scenario, there are worse things. I am alive, I'm breathing, I can hold onto my support system and they will be there for me.