Non-Traditional Student

[HSB907]

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Hi All!

I am a 31 year old female. I have a BS in Biology and a Master's in Toxicology. My DAT AA was a 21. I come from a long line of dentists and dental hygienists. 2 years ago, I applied to medical school, but for some reason, I think deep down I knew it wasn't the right path for me. It wasn't until I gave dentistry a refreshed and honest look did I really fall in love with it. Unfortunately, the medical school application is on my record, and I will have to explain myself on why I switched. Personally, I look at dentistry as a specialty in medicine and therefore shouldn't be viewed as a negative. I applied to dental school last year, but did not receive an interview. I had an 18 on the DAT, so I retook it as well as did everything else they asked me to for improving my application. I also have 2 children that are young. As I mentioned, most of my family is in dentistry and they have advised me to keep my kids out of my application (like leisure activities, etc.) because the schools might view having kids as a negative. The truth is, I AM an older applicant and they are not supposed to discriminate based upon whether or not they think I can hack it in school with two young kids. But I'm curious as to what others think of this matter, especially in light of my education and DAT score. I really appreciate all kind and thoughtful input!

 

[DentTreadOnMe]

I don’t think they discriminate if you have kids. I don’t even know where you having kids would show up in the application unless you state you have them in your PS. I know many members of my church who have kids early in life and get into dental school. There’s no evidence of discrimination on that front.

 

[HSB907]

I don’t think they discriminate if you have kids. I don’t even know where you having kids would show up in the application unless you state you have them in your PS. I know many members of my church who have kids early in life and get into dental school. There’s no evidence of discrimination on that front.

I should have mentioned that I am from Texas, and the TMDSAS app has a section for leisure activities. One of the things I listed was taking my daughter swimming. My family is saying not to mention her, but I certainly was hoping that they were wrong. Thank you for your reply!

 

[MBADentalLegend]

I’m 32 with 2 kids and in a similar situation. Message me if you have any questions. I’m also reapplying this year!

 

[Mcat__cat!!!]

I don’t think your unsuccessful entry to dental schools last cycle was due to your two kids. Like you mention, change career option ( dentistry is NOT a specialty in medicine), low DAT, and most of all, dental school is very competitive. There just better applicants to fill those seats than you.
Apply broadly this cycle, good PS and with the new DAT, i think you have a good chance.
Good luck.

 

[Kiryu Kazama]

Hi All!

I am a 31 year old female. I have a BS in Biology and a Master's in Toxicology. My DAT AA was a 21. I come from a long line of dentists and dental hygienists. 2 years ago, I applied to medical school, but for some reason, I think deep down I knew it wasn't the right path for me. It wasn't until I gave dentistry a refreshed and honest look did I really fall in love with it. Unfortunately, the medical school application is on my record, and I will have to explain myself on why I switched. Personally, I look at dentistry as a specialty in medicine and therefore shouldn't be viewed as a negative. I applied to dental school last year, but did not receive an interview. I had an 18 on the DAT, so I retook it as well as did everything else they asked me to for improving my application. I also have 2 children that are young. As I mentioned, most of my family is in dentistry and they have advised me to keep my kids out of my application (like leisure activities, etc.) because the schools might view having kids as a negative. The truth is, I AM an older applicant and they are not supposed to discriminate based upon whether or not they think I can hack it in school with two young kids. But I'm curious as to what others think of this matter, especially in light of my education and DAT score. I really appreciate all kind and thoughtful input!

You’re not that old. You may be older but certainly not the oldest to be in the class. I’ve seen close to 50 years. Another person told me in her school she had someone in their 50’s. Lots of students come in with kids or pregnant or get pregnant during dental school. It’s 4 years and many women in class are married.

Which, side note, not enough credit is given to how they power through all these exams, clinic, lab, etc. with all that comes with growing a baby inside you.

Edit: I would mention your kids. Humans read your application if you pass the computer screening process. Humans enjoy stories and relatable people. Don’t be a robot.

 

[HSB907]

You’re not that old. You may be older but certainly not the oldest to be in the class. I’ve seen close to 50 years. Another person told me in her school she had someone in their 50’s. Lots of students come in with kids or pregnant or get pregnant during dental school. It’s 4 years and many women in class are married.

Which, side note, not enough credit is given to how they power through all these exams, clinic, lab, etc. with all that comes with growing a baby inside you.

Edit: I would mention your kids. Humans read your application if you pass the computer screening process. Humans enjoy stories and relatable people. Don’t be a robot.

Thank you for the kind words and suggestions!

 

[PreDenting]

There are plenty of dental students who have families, get married while in school, have kids, etc.

Both having children and exploring medicine can be a part of your unique story and make you an even stronger applicant if framed the right way. It all comes down to your story.

Work with people to refine your story.

Then, weave that story into your "education interruption" section if necessary, and into your personal and supplemental statements. Having worked with non-traditional applicants, framing stories in the right way works wonders.

We can't always choose the stories that we have in our lives, but we can choose to frame them in the right light.

 

[HSB907]

There are plenty of dental students who have families, get married while in school, have kids, etc.

Both having children and exploring medicine can be a part of your unique story and make you an even stronger applicant if framed the right way. It all comes down to your story.

Work with people to refine your story.

Then, weave that story into your "education interruption" section if necessary, and into your personal and supplemental statements. Having worked with non-traditional applicants, framing stories in the right way works wonders.

We can't always choose the stories that we have in our lives, but we can choose to frame them in the right light.

My story is complex, and I'm currently in the middle of rewriting my personal statement as a reapplicant, which seems to be much more difficult this time around. lol