PharmD to DDS

[Amy72]

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Hello Everyone!

Background info:
My ultimate dream is to attend dental school (specifically in Texas). Most of my student life/volunteering has been focused on making myself a better applicant. I had a low undergrad GPA so I pursued a post bac then a masters in which I received above a 3.5 gpa in both. My DAT was very low so I am currently working on studying for DAT and hoping to take it early July (did not get to study as well as I wanted to when I took it four years ago, so this will be my first time taking it/being committed to studying for it).

My dental experience ranges from president of pre-dental clubs, countless shadowing/volunteer hours, mission trips and workings in a pediatric dental office.

I have also had various research opportunities.

This upcoming cycle I am focusing on my weakest point (the DAT).

That being said, I am currently waiting to be a part of two interviews for Pharmacy school. Being 28 years old, my parents want to make sure I have a back up in case I do not get into dental school this cycle (my third time applying). I am doing it for them since they have helped me so much and support me in everyway possible way (I have no loans from school because of their financial support).


My question:
Putting aside stats, my question is if I get into Pharmacy school, will dental schools reject me solely because they see that I am enrolled with another profession? Dentistry is my passion, with pharmacy being a secondary interest. This is why I chose it as a back up (I did not just choose it at random).

----So dental school interviews would be during the first semester of pharmacy school.

Thank you for your help!

 

[JustFlossy]

This seems like a fairly unique situation, so take this with a grain of salt!

I don't think dental schools would blatantly reject you, but there is a portion of the AADSAS that asks about your enrollment in other professional schools. So depending on when you're admitted to pharmacy school and when you submit your dental school application, that part might say that you are or are not currently enrolled. I think it would be best, though, to be open about your potential enrollment. And just be prepared to answer questions about why you're more interested in pursuing dentistry vs. pharmacy. But like @onlyonestudent said, I think it would be better to commit yourself completely to dentistry if you know that's 100% where you want to be rather than waste both your time and the pharmacy school's time when you know don't want to be there.

 

[doc toothache]

To ease your conscience, you could give your parents a promissory note for what they shelled out for your education to this point. Unless you have contacted ds(s) and asked what you can do to improve your application, you may be on your way to experiencing the 4th deja vu.

 

[Lemillion]

I knew of one student the class behind me who left dental school halfway through their first year to apply to med school. Spent her spring semester focusing on MCAT and med school apps. I think everything turned out fine for her! Not sure what your finances will be moving forward but spending the money on pharmacy school for the first year only to transition to dental school is a factor to consider.

Good luck with the process!

 

[GoToHolmes]

my question is if I get into Pharmacy school, will dental schools reject me solely because they see that I am enrolled with another profession?

It will definitely raise eyebrows as to why you decided to enter Pharm school instead of fighting to get into dental school. You have to report whether or not you've accepted offers to enter into other health professions on the application. It can raise issues of whether the student is really committed to the profession vs skipping around, hoping to get into anywhere and everywhere. It won't sink your application automatically but I would advise against applying for any other profession while you are applying to dental school and I would absolutely not enroll into a pharm program when your dream is dental

 

[9ss]

My friend completed PharmD worked for a couple of years and then decided to change path and pursue dentistry because he was feeling the pressure from his family to get into PharmD instead of Dentistry. At the end of the day, it worked out for him and he is now D2 at a very high prestigious school. Everyone finds their own way to make it happen. Don't think your age is a barrier ever, continue to pursue what will make you happy for the rest of your life. Believe in your choices..... show your confidence and passion. KILL THAT DAT! Keep us update with your journey and best of luck.

DAT tip: High yield questions only... over prepare better than under preparing.... do DAT destroyer, and lots of questions.