Non-Traditional Student Looking for Help!

[Srh98105]

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Hi all,

I am 32yo, and have been very strongly considering applying to dental school. I considered applying after undergrad, but just wasn't ready for more school at that time.

I graduated with a degree in Biology, overall GPA 3.4 (science 3.6). I have met all of the pre-requisite class requirements, and I feel like I can do pretty well on the DAT (with a lot of prep). That leaves me with 2 questions...

1. What are the chances of getting into a dental program as an older student, with a professional work history that is un-related? (bounced around a bit and have been working in technology for the past 5 years)


2. Most schools require reference letters from professors. I can come up with many glowing references from my professional life, but none of my professors knew me while I was in school, and that was 10 years ago. How do I come up with the "right kind" of letters now?


Thanks in advance for the input, if there are any others like me out there who are looking for someone to share this experience with, please let me know. I would love to have a friend to talk with on a regular basis about the process.

Thanks!
Steve

 

[William Olympus]

Hey Steve, I'm think you stand a very good chance. I'm 26 and also a non-traditional student, but my friend is 30 and worked as a paralegal for years, and we both got in. There are more non-traditional folks here than you'd probably think. It actually seems like our class is younger than most, but we do have several students in their 30s, including one who is 36. Or 35... I don't really remember.

I think it's a very good idea to have recommendation letters from your professional life, so don't worry about that. You might want to consider taking a 300 or 400 level science course while you are preparing for the DAT to not only show that you still have the chops for the tough stuff, but also to get in good with your professor.

Good luck!
-S

P.S. I forgot to mention that a student with whom I did post-bacc studies was a 42 year-old Econ PhD and worked in real estate for many years. She's currently kicking ass and taking names at UB.

 

[Ronald Jeremy]

Steve-
I also think you have a good shot. I imagine that you would have to score well on the DAT to show you still got the basics down pat, and probably take some upper level science to show you can switch it back on for d-school.
Your life experience will give you a nice edge over most applicants. You'll have more to draw from in terms of answering interview questions and writing a personal statement. Definitely go for it!!

 

[wimmcs]

Steve-
I also think you have a good shot. I imagine that you would have to score well on the DAT to show you still got the basics down pat, and probably take some upper level science to show you can switch it back on for d-school.
Your life experience will give you a nice edge over most applicants. You'll have more to draw from in terms of answering interview questions and writing a personal statement. Definitely go for it!!

I would have to agree w/Jeremy. I was in the same boat a couple of years ago at age 32. I had a couple of degrees that were non-science related and a good career/job. Decided to give it all up and jump into taking my pre-reqs along w/a few upper science classes. Did o.k. on my DAT and here I am enjoying my first year. I was accepted to 4 very good schools out of my 5 interviews and my age was never an issue, in fact I would say that it was more of a benefit in my case. If you have any addl questions, don't hesitate to ask. My class has around 11 who are 30+ out of a class of 54, so it's a very diverse class. Going w/what RJ said: take some upper level science classes and do well. Do well on your DAT and good luck w/the rest. One of my recommendation letters came from my former boss, 2 came from science professors and one from a dental clinic director where I was volunteering. Good luck and make sure this is what you want to do since it's not an easy road to get here.

 

[DentalNerd]

I agree with all the comments. Being a non-trad can set you apart from the rest of the applicants. It would be beneficial to take a couple of courses (preferably upper level) to show adcom you are serious and to obtain those necessary letters. You'll need to shadow a dentist who will also write a letter. Be sure to do your homework before applying. Research the schools that are non-trad friendly. The ADEA publishes an annual book "Dental School Guide" that includes stats, such as 'over 30'. The file is attached in an old thread....

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=242507

 

[Srh98105]

Wow! Thank you all for such a great response. It sounds like I shouldn't be too concerned about my age!

I do have one more question, with regard to some of the advice to take some higher level science classes. I apologize up front for my ignorance...

I can take some classes fairly easily at a local community college as they offer evening schedules, but they don't really have anything above the 200 level. Should I be trying to get into a larger university to take classes there? I didn't realize that they would let me in to take "a few classes".

Thanks!

Steve

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

Hello,

Many of you with non-traditional background have asked me about their chances of getting into dental school as well as their "advanced" ages when they apply. My take is that applicants with non-traditional backgrounds are NOT at the disadvantage when compared with the more traditional biology or chemistry major students. Infact, their unique background make them stand out from the rest of the applicants. As long as you do well in your predent and your GPA and DAT are competitive, the dental schools do not care what you majored in. My degree in aerospace engineering actually helped quite a bit as couple of faculty who interviewed me are aviation buff so needless to say, the interview went quite well. Regarding applying to school in mid thirties or even forties , dental schools like mature candidates because they know that you have already given some thoughts to your career change. If I can think of a problem for applicants with non-science background, it is the preparation in the science field that they have to content with. I had to take all my predent while I was in my Masters program in Aerospace Engineering and that was tough. DP

 

[William Olympus]

No worries, and it certainly isn't ignorance. Everyone has to start somewhere.

If you have a larger school nearby then I would suggest giving that a try. I took some courses at Syracuse University, and I took them part time. Now, it wasn't as inexpensive as the community college, but I think dental schools prefer that you take the courses at what they perceive to be a more "challenging" institution. Plus, the larger schools do tend to offer a larger selection of courses.

So don't worry about matriculating or anything like that. See if the school has a continuing education department. They tend to help quite a bit. Also look to see if the school has a committee that advises students pursuing the health professions. That's where I started the road back to school.

If you can, look into courses that will help you when you do get into dental school. Biochemistry, Histology, Embryology, Human Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology, that sort of thing.

Hope this helps!
-S

 

[fightingspirit]

i know exactly how you feel. i am an older student and when i interviewed and realized that everyone else was literally 21, i felt inferior for not having the brains to chose dentistry earlier in life. off course the thought of the younger ones having more energy than me and more time to practice and make more money did not make me feel better either. BUT, here is how you should think of it: you can be 45 and a dentist, or you can be 45 and not a dentist. which one would you chose?

now, as far as the 2 questions, i think you should call up schools, request a phone appointment with the assistant dean of admissions or student affairs, and ask them the questions exactly the way you phrased them in your post.

good luck

 

[jmac44]

Non-traditional students rule!

I graduated with an engineering degree in 97, spent 4 years designing power steering systems, and then taught tennis four 3 years. Now at thirty, I just got my first acceptance for class of 2010.

You can definitely go back but I would reccommend taking a few courses and getting to know the professors for the LOR. Maybe take a Bio and a Chem to help review for the DAT and get to know the professors. My main advice is to get your application in early (June/July). AADSAS is slow so don't make things worse by being late. I didn't get my stuff in until early October and as a result I had to wait until the second wave for an acceptance. Good Luck!

 

[sumozmom]

Hi all,

I am 32yo, and have been very strongly considering applying to dental school. I considered applying after undergrad, but just wasn't ready for more school at that time.

I graduated with a degree in Biology, overall GPA 3.4 (science 3.6). I have met all of the pre-requisite class requirements, and I feel like I can do pretty well on the DAT (with a lot of prep). That leaves me with 2 questions...

1. What are the chances of getting into a dental program as an older student, with a professional work history that is un-related? (bounced around a bit and have been working in technology for the past 5 years)


2. Most schools require reference letters from professors. I can come up with many glowing references from my professional life, but none of my professors knew me while I was in school, and that was 10 years ago. How do I come up with the "right kind" of letters now?


Thanks in advance for the input, if there are any others like me out there who are looking for someone to share this experience with, please let me know. I would love to have a friend to talk with on a regular basis about the process.

Thanks!
Steve

hey steve-
i'm 37 decided this past fall to go into dds.
i have an accounting deg and worked in IT/Net Ops.
Both of my parents are MD's and as a kid had a great life.
NOW- I'm a single mom w/2 kids and would love to provide that linda life to my kids.
I have been shadowing for 3 mths now and LOVE it. When I walk into the office I get such an overwhelmingly positive feeling - unlike the one I get when I walkinto the Data Center at work.
I have also talked to the admin office here @ the d-school-and they gave me a path forward.
SOOOO...monday is my firstday back to school since the early 90's.
I plan to take my DAT in 2007 mayish. and apply very early for 2008 ( JUNE 2007).
May undergrad grade are not great under3.0 so I 'm targeting 4.0 in all mt sience classes that I have left ( 6 classes).
Well good luck - have fun if u have any ??? let me know

 

[Rams 19]

hey steve-
i'm 37 decided this past fall to go into dds.
i have an accounting deg and worked in IT/Net Ops.
Both of my parents are MD's and as a kid had a great life.
NOW- I'm a single mom w/2 kids and would love to provide that linda life to my kids.
I have been shadowing for 3 mths now and LOVE it. When I walk into the office I get such an overwhelmingly positive feeling - unlike the one I get when I walkinto the Data Center at work.
I have also talked to the admin office here @ the d-school-and they gave me a path forward.
SOOOO...monday is my firstday back to school since the early 90's.
I plan to take my DAT in 2007 mayish. and apply very early for 2008 ( JUNE 2007).
May undergrad grade are not great under3.0 so I 'm targeting 4.0 in all mt sience classes that I have left ( 6 classes).
Well good luck - have fun if u have any ??? let me know

I will pile on here. I am 34 and worked in an unrelated field for 9 years before taking all my science pre-reqs and applying for the first time this cycle. Being a non-traditional applicant certainly sets you apart and gives you a lot to talk abou in both the essay and interview formats. I think it also helps that we have long since adjusted from a cushy undergrad lifestyle to the "real world" haha. I've been accepted to my top choice program so although it was a big risk financially to quit my job and pursue a career in dentistry, I've never regretted it because I am following a dream.

 

[Daneosaurus]

I will pile on here. I am 34 and worked in an unrelated field for 9 years before taking all my science pre-reqs and applying for the first time this cycle. Being a non-traditional applicant certainly sets you apart and gives you a lot to talk abou in both the essay and interview formats. I think it also helps that we have long since adjusted from a cushy undergrad lifestyle to the "real world" haha. I've been accepted to my top choice program so although it was a big risk financially to quit my job and pursue a career in dentistry, I've never regretted it because I am following a dream.

This thread is nearly 10 years old.

 

[Rams 19]

This thread is nearly 10 years old.

So it is. My apologies.