nurse to dentist

[crownapple]

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Hey everyone,
I am new to the pre dental forum. I currently work full time as an RN. I am going back to school at the local com college to take the majority of my pre reqs (except biochem and genetics) and want to make sure I'm not wasting my time at the community college.

I graduated with my associates of arts from a 4 year university back in 2000 with a 3.04 then transfered to a private university to complete my BSN with a 3.63

What are my chances of getting into any dental school with taking all my pre reqs PART TIME at the comm college? Keeping in mind I will be very focused on my classes and exspect decent if not good grades?

 

[oldboy]

Congrats on your decision to pursue dentistry. First off, you don't need to take genetics or biochem for most dental schools. The basic pre-reqs are one year of bio, physics, gchem, ochem all with labs. Some schools require biochem and calc. Now, as far as taking classes at a community college, there is some controversy on this forum as to whether it matters. I feel that taking a few classes at the community college is fine, but ideally you should try and take them at a somewhat reputable 4 year college. The reason is because the level of difficulty will definitely be higher and admissions committees realize that. Not to say community college courses will not count, but they won't carry as much weight for a returning student's application as the latter. The most important thing, regardless of the school, is that you get excellent grades. A 4.0 from a community college is definitely better than a 2.8 from a reputable 4 year college. Others may disagree with my point of view, but that's just my 2 cents.

 

[spamtoit]

Do you have some dental schools you are interested in like a state school? I would ask their admissions office about community college credit and any potential limits. I agree with the last poster that grades are the most important thing but do realize that a 3.5 from a 4-year college is looked at much higher than a 3.5 at a community college.

 

[Dental Mom]

I called NOVA last yr and I was told that they don't want to see Community College science credits. That would put my application at the bottom of the pile.

Do what ever you can at a 4 yr college. Dental school is becoming very demanding....at the same time, do call the schools you want to apply to and ask what they prefer. You are a nurse and in my opinion you have a great chance to get in.

Good luck!

 

[adr12]

I called NOVA last yr and I was told that they don't want to see Community College science credits. That would put my application at the bottom of the pile.

Do what ever you can at a 4 yr college. Dental school is becoming very demanding....at the same time, do call the schools you want to apply to and ask what they prefer. You are a nurse and in my opinion you have a great chance to get in.

Good luck!

Agreed, I would definitely contact any dental schools that you are interested in and ask them about community college credits. I believe most have a maximum, or don't accept them at all in science courses. Good luck!