Personal past getting in the way of getting into dental school?

[tamster]

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I have a question that I'm sure isn't asked here on this forum often but I was hoping someone could help me. Much as I'd hate to admit, I have a spotty history (accused of theft and I now have a record) and also accused of cheating on an exam (my friend was looking at my exam and they assumed I was helping him). I don't want to make any excuses for conduct but I've made an effort to turn my life around which was probably the best change I could have done. I regularly attend church, I've managed to bring my GPA up to a 3.8 for the past two years and I've also worked at my dentists office in that period of time. I'm about to graduate soon with honors and my next step would be applying to dental schools. My question is do I have a legitimate chance of getting into a dental school or does my history preclude me from admission?

 

[dexadental]

Of course you have a chance at getting in, a rather high chance with your nice GPA and volunteer experience. I'm sure it be even higher had you lacked the "past experiences" but I really think it comes down to how bad you want to get in, what else you are willing to do to make up for those past mistakes, and how sensitive the person who interviews you is. You should be fine, just ace the DAT...have you taken it yet?

 

[1FutureDDS]

You regularly attend church, but do you believe in God and live your life like a Christian?

 

[edkNARF]

Some states will not let you get a license if you have been convicted of a crime.

 

[podarski]

I don't think wether he believes in God or lives his life like a Christian will make a difference in getting into dental school. If that question ever came up you would have one heck of a lawsuit on your hands. Just focus on the changes you made, all you have to do is convince them you're a changed person, just make up you can back it up with examples when they ask you how you have changed.

 

[3rdMolarRoller]

one of my dads friends had a kid that was a bad apple...ten times worse than you. His dad paid a lawyer I think around $6k to have his cirminal file locked...or something like that.

Long story short, he was accepted to UF and has been practicing in FL for 4 years now

 

[PERFECT3435]

You regularly attend church, but do you believe in God and live your life like a Christian?

i must have fooled my adcom pretty good. whats a church?
no offense, but believing in god doesnt make you a good/bad person.

 

[grinningrice]

one of my dads friends had a kid that was a bad apple...ten times worse than you. His dad paid a lawyer I think around $6k to have his cirminal file locked...or something like that.

Long story short, he was accepted to UF and has been practicing in FL for 4 years now

Thats awful! The sad thing is that this is most likely not the only case.

 

[PERFECT3435]

grinningrice,

just out of curiosity. how come you didnt apply to IUSD?

 

[rocknightmare]

hrm.

you guys think people don't deserve a 2nd chance? well lawyers are made to give people 2nd chances. but if you screw up your 2nd chance then you get burnt big time.

 

[demonicr]

I have a question that I'm sure isn't asked here on this forum often but I was hoping someone could help me. Much as I'd hate to admit, I have a spotty history (accused of theft and I now have a record) and also accused of cheating on an exam (my friend was looking at my exam and they assumed I was helping him). I don't want to make any excuses for conduct but I've made an effort to turn my life around which was probably the best change I could have done. I regularly attend church, I've managed to bring my GPA up to a 3.8 for the past two years and I've also worked at my dentists office in that period of time. I'm about to graduate soon with honors and my next step would be applying to dental schools. My question is do I have a legitimate chance of getting into a dental school or does my history preclude me from admission?

was your theft record a felony?

 

[tamster]

Yes I believe that I am a much better Christian now than I was before. I am totally paranoid of doing anything that may be considered inappropriate. I have much more to lose now and I feel that all eyes are on me watching my every move. I still feel like I have a lot to repay to society and I am currently doing my best to rectify the situation.

No my offense was not a felony, only misdemeanor (currently in Texas I am not allowed to erase my record, even though it is possible in other states). Trust is probably the biggest issue here as it is pretty hard to trust your dentist when he's committed a criminal offense. Will I be unable to get a license here in Texas or will they review situations like this on a case-by-case basis? Thank you, everyone, for the kind words of support.

 

[rocknightmare]

you should move out of texas anyways hehe

 

[Biogirl361]

I would not try to 'erase' your record as that is shady and untrustworthy right there in my opinion as you are hiding something from or even lying to the dental schools. If the applications or secondaries ask about your record I would admit the complete truth and then tell them in the interview or in your personal statement exactly what you have told us about being a better person and becoming religious and feeling guilty and all that, and really wanting a second chance. I doubt if a misdemeanor would keep you out of dental school anyway. I don't think aadsas asked about legal record. I did have one secondary application that asked if I was ever suspended or expelled from high school and if i had any record besides driving tickets, but that was one school out of four and there was of course a space under it for you to tell them what it was about and you could use that opportunity to explain it.

 

[Sprgrover]

No my offense was not a felony, only misdemeanor (currently in Texas I am not allowed to erase my record, even though it is possible in other states). Trust is probably the biggest issue here as it is pretty hard to trust your dentist when he's committed a criminal offense. Will I be unable to get a license here in Texas or will they review situations like this on a case-by-case basis? Thank you, everyone, for the kind words of support.

How far in the past did you commit the misdemeanor? If you were young then it should be less of an issue than say if you had committed 'X' last week. As others have stated, be transparent about this on your application and be sure to clarify the new direction your life has taken. I wish you the best, and congratulations on turning things around for yourself! 👍

 

[Geezer99]

Trust is probably the biggest issue here as it is pretty hard to trust your dentist when he's committed a criminal offense. Will I be unable to get a license here in Texas or will they review situations like this on a case-by-case basis? Thank you, everyone, for the kind words of support.

Just leave the whole theft thing out when you introduce yourself to your patients.

The situation certainly makes you stand out....probably the most important thing when applying to dental school. Just make it sound like you used the opportunity to make changes in your life, which it sounds like you did. As long as you learned from your mistake, and took something positive away from it, it's almost an advantage over someone with similar stats and no interesting story to tell.
Leave all accusations of cheating off the table as well. Unless legal action was taken against you, you shouldn't even address it. If it is brought up, hire an attorney...then go to dental school for free!!!

 

[bryan45876]

How many dental schools do background checks on their applicants anyway?

 

[grinningrice]

grinningrice,

just out of curiosity. how come you didnt apply to IUSD?

I did not apply to IUSD because they know the purdue curriculum too well. I did not take the traditional route, and also IUSD had some extra requirements I did not have a chance to fulfill. All in all, I didn't think I would have a chance in getting in.

 

[Literati81]

Just make sure you get excellent LOR that highlight your integrity and dedication. Your academic record can only validate you to a certain point.

Congrats on the turn-around. 👍 I know of a few people who have done much worse yet were never caught. And yes, they are now pursuing a health-related field with the same mindset.

 

[grinningrice]

hrm.

you guys think people don't deserve a 2nd chance? well lawyers are made to give people 2nd chances. but if you screw up your 2nd chance then you get burnt big time.

I do believe that people desearve second chances, I just do not believe people should cover up their past. It just shows how unethical they are still being. If one makes a mistake, they have to work that much harder to show everyone how much they have changed. I think tamster has done a phenomenal job, and I have no doubt that he/she will get into dental school. About the story of the guy who had his son's file taken care of, one day, the locked up file will come out and bite that person real hard in the ass.

 

[dexadental]

Wow grinningrice you're really cute!
And you heart mechanisms too!
My kinda gal!
Lets do lunch
::blows a kiss your way::
😍

 

[grinningrice]

Wow grinningrice you're really cute!
And you heart mechanisms too!
My kinda gal!
Lets do lunch
::blows a kiss your way::
😍

::blush:: thanks 🙂

 

[Thaxil]

The people who deserve second chances are the ones who can afford an attorney

 

[grinningrice]

The people who deserve second chances are the ones who can afford an attorney

That is really unfair of you to say...

 

[tamster]

Thank you so much for replying to my questions. I actually feel that there is SOME hope for myself after all. This all happened a little over two years ago, and that was when I made the decision to change my ways. As it currently stands, most states allow for the deletion of criminal records for misdemeanors, however, Texas is NOT one of them. So if that other guy who got the lawyer was fortunate enough, he may have had his record removed legally. OH and after looking over the dental school application, I couldn’t find where it asked for any criminal records or academic records (I may have been looking at the med school application, OOPS). I guess I’ll have to work twice as hard to get the same chance as most of you have gotten. Thank you again for all the friendly advice. I’ll be definitely sticking around these forums. Good luck to all of you in your endeavors. 🙂

 

[rocknightmare]

another reason why texas sucks hehe 🙂

 

[eric275]

OH and after looking over the dental school application, I couldn’t find where it asked for any criminal records or academic records

The only place I recall being asked about any kind of a criminal record was on secondary applications. If I recall correctly not all of the schools asked this in their secondary but most did.

 

[amartins02]

Not to burst your bubble but, I know a dentist who was asked by her boss to call up a school and say good things about his son. The deal was that he was accussed of plagerism in high school and it was gonna be a problem. Well, the guy pretty much told her that if he let him in he was giving up a spot for someone who had played the game fair and square and that wasn't fair. But, sounds odd of me to say this but, keep at it. As long as you believe in your self you will get in somewhere. Don't forget, you got to believe in yourself or no one else will.

 

[tamster]

Not to burst your bubble but, I know a dentist who was asked by her boss to call up a school and say good things about his son. The deal was that he was accussed of plagerism in high school and it was gonna be a problem. Well, the guy pretty much told her that if he let him in he was giving up a spot for someone who had played the game fair and square and that wasn't fair. But, sounds odd of me to say this but, keep at it. As long as you believe in your self you will get in somewhere. Don't forget, you got to believe in yourself or no one else will.

Wow I didn't even think that anything that happened in highschool would matter when applying to dental school. I figured my chances of getting in were a lot harder since there are plenty of people out there who are just as qualified, if not more, than I am and they have a clean record. I figure I'll just have to work a lot harder to one-up those applicants. 🙂

 

[msf41]

tamster...hey this is America...the blessed land of opportunity. I'm sure there is a way for you to get your dream. Good luck.

 

[kwpung]

I have been arrested 3 times. The first time was for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, both of which were reduced to disorderly conduct. The second time was a "misdemeanor involving underage". Lastly is what i just recently got charged with: i got possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, and alcohol. all at the same time. the ****ty thing about it though, is that it honestly was not my fault. I came back to my dorm room one night only to find the housing coordinator and police officers there. They found my roommates alcohol and rolling papers and the most miniscule amount of what could be pot. i know that i was already on the edge with the first two arrests but its the last one thats KILLING me. i feel as though my entire life is ruined for something i didnt do. what should i do? is there any possible chance of me being accepted into dental school? or on paper am i just too much of a **** for them to even consider it?

 

[wizi]

I have been arrested 3 times. The first time was for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, both of which were reduced to disorderly conduct. The second time was a "misdemeanor involving underage". Lastly is what i just recently got charged with: i got possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, and alcohol. all at the same time. the ****ty thing about it though, is that it honestly was not my fault. I came back to my dorm room one night only to find the housing coordinator and police officers there. They found my roommates alcohol and rolling papers and the most miniscule amount of what could be pot. i know that i was already on the edge with the first two arrests but its the last one thats KILLING me. i feel as though my entire life is ruined for something i didnt do. what should i do? is there any possible chance of me being accepted into dental school? or on paper am i just too much of a **** for them to even consider it?

I think you should write a good letter to the adcoms explaining your situation and ask them what you should do.

I remember Howard did accept a person who involved in some kind of drugs + jail before. you have a chance. Good luck.

 

[amalgamgrillz]

I have been arrested 3 times. The first time was for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, both of which were reduced to disorderly conduct. The second time was a "misdemeanor involving underage". Lastly is what i just recently got charged with: i got possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, and alcohol. all at the same time. the ****ty thing about it though, is that it honestly was not my fault. I came back to my dorm room one night only to find the housing coordinator and police officers there. They found my roommates alcohol and rolling papers and the most miniscule amount of what could be pot. i know that i was already on the edge with the first two arrests but its the last one thats KILLING me. i feel as though my entire life is ruined for something i didnt do. what should i do? is there any possible chance of me being accepted into dental school? or on paper am i just too much of a **** for them to even consider it?

Dannngg 3 times? What kind of "underage misdemeanor" warrants an arrest, just out of curiosity? I think it depends on how old you were at the time and how old you are now: if you were 14, and are now 40, surely you've been working your butt off to turn your life around and mature.

 

[deleted390966]

Much as I'd hate to admit, I have a spotty history (accused of theft and I now have a record) and also accused of cheating on an exam (my friend was looking at my exam and they assumed I was helping him).

I've managed to bring my GPA up to a 3.8 for the past two years and I've also worked at my dentists office in that period of time.

No matter how high your GPA & DAT are, academic dishonesty is a deal breaker.
Theft is not a felony so I don't know how dental schools view it.
First, if I was wrongly accused of academic dishonesty, I would try everything I could to get that 'black mark' off my record. You should try to talk to the Dean about that.

 

[euphaire]

I have been arrested 3 times. The first time was for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, both of which were reduced to disorderly conduct. The second time was a "misdemeanor involving underage". Lastly is what i just recently got charged with: i got possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, and alcohol. all at the same time. the ****ty thing about it though, is that it honestly was not my fault. I came back to my dorm room one night only to find the housing coordinator and police officers there. They found my roommates alcohol and rolling papers and the most miniscule amount of what could be pot. i know that i was already on the edge with the first two arrests but its the last one thats KILLING me. i feel as though my entire life is ruined for something i didnt do. what should i do? is there any possible chance of me being accepted into dental school? or on paper am i just too much of a **** for them to even consider it?

Try to get this thing cleared/erased from your record. Or at least have a proof letter from a police or something describing that your involvement was minimal. Otherwise, your chance does not look good because adcoms, or anyone in the real world, does not care about explanations if they weren't backed up by proof.
3 times? Okay. I wouldn't wish you to get into dental school because that's equivalent to wishing someone else not getting into dental school. But best of luck with clearing your record if you were truly innocent.

 

[AlbinoPolarBear]

I have been arrested 3 times. The first time was for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia, both of which were reduced to disorderly conduct. The second time was a "misdemeanor involving underage". Lastly is what i just recently got charged with: i got possession of marijuana, paraphernalia, and alcohol. all at the same time. the ****ty thing about it though, is that it honestly was not my fault. I came back to my dorm room one night only to find the housing coordinator and police officers there. They found my roommates alcohol and rolling papers and the most miniscule amount of what could be pot. i know that i was already on the edge with the first two arrests but its the last one thats KILLING me. i feel as though my entire life is ruined for something i didnt do. what should i do? is there any possible chance of me being accepted into dental school? or on paper am i just too much of a **** for them to even consider it?

Dental schools won't accept you because with a criminal record, you won't be able to get your license anyways. No point of studying for 4 years of dental medicine then find out you're not allowed to practice.

 

[YoHomey]

Did you get that 3.8 GPA from cheating?

This is what schools will think and perhaps assume. Perception is reality. And perception of stealing and cheating is not conducive for dental school and the profession.

It sucks but reality is perception in your case.

 

[sacapuntas]

No matter how high your GPA & DAT are, academic dishonesty is a deal breaker.
Theft is not a felony so I don't know how dental schools view it.
First, if I was wrongly accused of academic dishonesty, I would try everything I could to get that 'black mark' off my record. You should try to talk to the Dean about that.

7 years old

 

[YoHomey]

I was shooting the breeze about admissions with an Admissions officer a few weeks ago and he said that because there are so many qualified applicants, an Adcom's attitude toward red flags on an application is: "on to the next one..." It's a lot easier to find reasons to reject an applicant than to accept him/her and thus the approach, at least at his school, is to look for reasons for rejection.

 

[NRG]

Did the cheating get reported? Or was it a warning? If nothing was filed, then You're fine. If all you did was speak to someone and they didn't do anything then you dont have to bring it up.

 

[budda10000]

I have a question that I'm sure isn't asked here on this forum often but I was hoping someone could help me. Much as I'd hate to admit, I have a spotty history (accused of theft and I now have a record) and also accused of cheating on an exam (my friend was looking at my exam and they assumed I was helping him). I don't want to make any excuses for conduct but I've made an effort to turn my life around which was probably the best change I could have done. I regularly attend church, I've managed to bring my GPA up to a 3.8 for the past two years and I've also worked at my dentists office in that period of time. I'm about to graduate soon with honors and my next step would be applying to dental schools. My question is do I have a legitimate chance of getting into a dental school or does my history preclude me from admission?

Accused or convicted of theft? If your just accused then they have no way of knowing that. Also depends on if it was petty theft, grand larceny ect. Im thinking a misdemeanor probably wouldn't mean much but a felony might raise and eyebrow. You could try hiring a lawyer to get your record expunged if its been a number of years since your conviction.

 

[DentalGunner]

Accused or convicted of theft? If your just accused then they have no way of knowing that. Also depends on if it was petty theft, grand larceny ect. Im thinking a misdemeanor probably wouldn't mean much but a felony might raise and eyebrow. You could try hiring a lawyer to get your record expunged if its been a number of years since your conviction.

I'm pretty sure AADSAS asks if you've been accused, arrested, charged and/or convicted of anything.