Not sure about what to do next

[jl1899]

I am currently a sophomore studying Exercise Science, I was on track to complete gen. bio this year but I am having second thoughts about whether or not I even want to still apply for dental school or even if I want to go in general.

I have considered just getting my degree for now and minoring in something else which I am interested in, and applying for a masters program to polish up my GPA and transcript. I've shadowed dentists before I am interested in the day to day life, however, the costs and amount of time are a little daunting. I just do not have a clue about what I want to do, and I feel like maybe I should ease up on the prereqs because I feel like I'm rushing now and I won't do as well.

HELP!!!

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[aspiring-dentist101]

I am currently a sophomore studying Exercise Science, I was on track to complete gen. bio this year but I am having second thoughts about whether or not I even want to still apply for dental school or even if I want to go in general.

I have considered just getting my degree for now and minoring in something else which I am interested in, and applying for a masters program to polish up my GPA and transcript. I've shadowed dentists before I am interested in the day to day life, however, the costs and amount of time are a little daunting. I just do not have a clue about what I want to do, and I feel like maybe I should ease up on the prereqs because I feel like I'm rushing now and I won't do as well.

First, go shadow few general dentists to get a better idea if its something you like doing. Really observe them and ask what they like about their lifestyle and other tasks that you may find it common with your interest. You want to know if dentistry is something you truly want to pursue before taking the prerequisites for it.

 

[jl1899]

Yeah I've shadowed both an Orthodontist (end goal) and a General Dentist a few times; I'm gonna look to do it for a bit longer to gain a better understanding

 

[Vote For Pedro]

Hey! Give me a message if you want to talk about it more.

 

[aspiring-dentist101]

Yeah I've shadowed both an Orthodontist (end goal) and a General Dentist a few times; I'm gonna look to do it for a bit longer to gain a better understanding

That's awesome! But try to shadow a general dentist more. Most specialists just do consultations. Majority of students that graduate from dental schools pursues general dentistry. Shadowing a gd will give you a better understanding of what type of interactions and patients you'll get and what you'll most likely deal with! Best of luck!

 

[Cthuluhoop]

Shadowing really only gives you a partial picture of what it's like to be a dentist. You'll find out what it's like to be a dentist after you graduate dental school and actually start working as one, until then it's anyone's guess if you'll like it or not in my opinion. Also shadowing dentists who graduated 6 or more years ago doesn't exactly give you the full picture of what it's like to graduate in more recent years. Dentistry at this price point is very situational, anyone who had their education paid for, or had a family's practice to take over is very different than a student who is self funded and has no connections in the field.
If I could give myself advice while I was your age, I would try not to be so closed minded on dentistry and have blinders on to all other careers. While I encourage you to keep looking into dentistry and shadowing when you can, also look for other opportunities that you could get into that isn't even necessarily directly in healthcare. If you feel that it is in healthcare, explore other fields as well as dentistry.

The cost of a dental education is astronomical these days, adding a masters loan and any undergraduate student loans on top of dental school is not a great idea unless you get into a dental school that costs under $250k for the 4 years, all inclusive. Anyone who gets a masters before going to dental school and takes a loan out, who also has undergraduate student loans is not setting up for a great future in this career

 

[aspiring-dentist101]

Shadowing really only gives you a partial picture of what it's like to be a dentist. You'll find out what it's like to be a dentist after you graduate dental school and actually start working as one, until then it's anyone's guess if you'll like it or not in my opinion. Also shadowing dentists who graduated 6 or more years ago doesn't exactly give you the full picture of what it's like to graduate in more recent years. Dentistry at this price point is very situational, anyone who had their education paid for, or had a family's practice to take over is very different than a student who is self funded and has no connections in the field.
If I could give myself advice while I was your age, I would try not to be so closed minded on dentistry and have blinders on to all other careers. While I encourage you to keep looking into dentistry and shadowing when you can, also look for other opportunities that you could get into that isn't even necessarily directly in healthcare. If you feel that it is in healthcare, explore other fields as well as dentistry.

The cost of a dental education is astronomical these days, adding a masters loan and any undergraduate student loans on top of dental school is not a great idea unless you get into a dental school that costs under $250k for the 4 years, all inclusive. Anyone who gets a masters before going to dental school and takes a loan out, who also has undergraduate student loans is not setting up for a great future in this career

That is true. Not sure about other states but the points you made are very relevant here in California actually.

 

[Cthuluhoop]

That is true. Not sure about other states but the points you made are very relevant here in California actually.

Right, of course that's the kicker. If you do want to do dentistry for sure at this price point the only certainty you'll have for a financially stable future is go to the military and let them pay for it, HPSP and let them pay for it, or do some serious planning and scouting to find a very rural area that can sustain a dentist and afford dental care and move to the middle of nowhere.

If you don't do these things and spend $350k+ on dental school and want to go to an area that's in the city, near a city, or in generally accepted nice place to live (not saying rural areas are not nice, they're just not everyone's cup of tea), then it's a long, stressful, and hard road ahead to get rid of that debt

 

[jl1899]

Shadowing really only gives you a partial picture of what it's like to be a dentist. You'll find out what it's like to be a dentist after you graduate dental school and actually start working as one, until then it's anyone's guess if you'll like it or not in my opinion. Also shadowing dentists who graduated 6 or more years ago doesn't exactly give you the full picture of what it's like to graduate in more recent years. Dentistry at this price point is very situational, anyone who had their education paid for, or had a family's practice to take over is very different than a student who is self funded and has no connections in the field.
If I could give myself advice while I was your age, I would try not to be so closed minded on dentistry and have blinders on to all other careers. While I encourage you to keep looking into dentistry and shadowing when you can, also look for other opportunities that you could get into that isn't even necessarily directly in healthcare. If you feel that it is in healthcare, explore other fields as well as dentistry.

The cost of a dental education is astronomical these days, adding a masters loan and any undergraduate student loans on top of dental school is not a great idea unless you get into a dental school that costs under $250k for the 4 years, all inclusive. Anyone who gets a masters before going to dental school and takes a loan out, who also has undergraduate student loans is not setting up for a great future in this career

Thank you! You made very good/eye-opening points. Really appreciate the advice!

 

[jl1899]

I am currently a sophomore studying Exercise Science, I was on track to complete gen. bio this year but I am having second thoughts about whether or not I even want to still apply for dental school or even if I want to go in general.

I have considered just getting my degree for now and minoring in something else which I am interested in, and applying for a masters program to polish up my GPA and transcript. I've shadowed dentists before I am interested in the day to day life, however, the costs and amount of time are a little daunting. I just do not have a clue about what I want to do, and I feel like maybe I should ease up on the prereqs because I feel like I'm rushing now and I won't do as well.

HELP!!!

Also, another thing, do you guys think I should hold off on taking prereqs because I'm unsure? I just feel like I wouldn't perform well at this given moment. It's hard because I really do not know!!!

 

[knewstance]

If I could give myself advice while I was your age, I would try not to be so closed minded on dentistry and have blinders on to all other careers. While I encourage you to keep looking into dentistry and shadowing when you can, also look for other opportunities that you could get into that isn't even necessarily directly in healthcare. If you feel that it is in healthcare, explore other fields as well as dentistry.

Seriously consider shadowing other careers fields. Maybe your parents or siblings, maybe some of your friend's parents. Try to get the largest vision of possible careers, that way if dentistry ends up being your choice, you will be confident and dedicated. If not, you will not have any hard feelings towards not reaching your goal.

Also, another thing, do you guys think I should hold off on taking prereqs because I'm unsure? I just feel like I wouldn't perform well at this given moment. It's hard because I really do not know!!!

YES, 100%. If you aren't dedicated to getting into dental school/becoming a dentist, you will not perform as well as you could if you knew that was your path.

 

[aspiring-dentist101]

Right, of course that's the kicker. If you do want to do dentistry for sure at this price point the only certainty you'll have for a financially stable future is go to the military and let them pay for it, HPSP and let them pay for it, or do some serious planning and scouting to find a very rural area that can sustain a dentist and afford dental care and move to the middle of nowhere.

If you don't do these things and spend $350k+ on dental school and want to go to an area that's in the city, near a city, or in generally accepted nice place to live (not saying rural areas are not nice, they're just not everyone's cup of tea), then it's a long, stressful, and hard road ahead to get rid of that debt

The interest rate currently is at 6% for most unsub loans right now?

Also, another thing, do you guys think I should hold off on taking prereqs because I'm unsure? I just feel like I wouldn't perform well at this given moment. It's hard because I really do not know!!!

Taking the prerequisites are part of the path to pursuing dental school. Don't take it until you're certain. Give yourself some time and explore to see what you like out there first. Its never late to pursue what you like anyway!

 

[Cthuluhoop]

The interest rate currently is at 6% for most unsub loans right now?


Taking the prerequisites are part of the path to pursuing dental school. Don't take it until you're certain. Give yourself some time and explore to see what you like out there first. Its never late to pursue what you like anyway!

Direct unsubsidized currently is 6.6% for this past year. I believe it will be in the mid 7s next year, and is only to continue rising. Would not be surprised if it was close to 9 by the time we need our third year loan.
Source: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans/interest-rates