Physics pre-req= uncool and unfun... why?

[JonLee]

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Why do some dental schools require physics as a pre-req?

This question just popped in my head and I was just curious about what the SDN community thought about it.

Is anyone else annoyed by this requirement?

I was looking forward to having a somewhat relaxed senior year class wise till I realized I still hadn't taken Physics, soo had to add on 4 more cred hours (lec+lab) X_X

Booo...👎thumbdown👎

I don't see the relevance of this subject in Dental School and.....
I will stop ranting about my dislike for physics hahaha sorry guys
Just frustrated this is a pre-req.

 

[Kahr]

As far as I'm aware, it is a pre-req at all dental schools, not just some. Not really in the mood to speculate as to the why of it, I myself hated physics bitterly. I do remember them using orthodontics as an example in some physics problems though.

Good luck with the uncool and the unfun of it. 🙁

 

[Dgeorg6]

I assume they consider physics important, b\c you have to know the physics of the mouth and force of the jaw and things of that nature.. but im purely speculating

 

[asdfray]

I was thinking of this last year when I took physics as well.. but at the end, I thought of it as a GPA booster and after everything was over, I actually thought it was a pretty good class.

Gl! 👍

 

[yellowishbluish]

we need to know the basis for a lot of equipment we use?

 

[jeffity]

At least it's not on the DAT.

 

[dantemac]

I found some physics topics loosely related to what we learned in chemistry, but that was the only connection I could make. But dentistry has a lot of physics behind it - types of light used in lasers, forces put on the teeth and on fillings, etc.

 

[MrLowKey]

You think physics sucks (which it most certainly does). Try finding out you have to take calc II your second semester senior year. I havent taken a math class in three years!

 

[wired202808]

My assumption is that physics is only there so dental schools have the same prereqs as med schools. Its not necessary and anything that is related to dentistry from physics like forces and vectors is simple enough to learn w/o taking a whole course. Basically I think its a big waste of time.

 

[omnipoDent]

At least it's not on the DAT.

I preferred the information on the DAT over Physics. Physics was definitely on of my least favorite subjects.

 

[Shazzam]

Its just another hoop to jump through.

 

[chrispyy]

i really dislike physics, im so glad its not on the DAT's i will definitely go crazy!

 

[433439]

Stop complaining.

 

[SoulPower]

Physics is important to knowing what force is and how it acts. Pretty much everything else is useless, light properties/sound properties/pulley systems.

But when considering dental materials and restorative properties, forces are a huge consideration when restoring function.

 

[Cello]

Because as a professional with a doctorate degree you are expected to have a breadth of knowledge which encompasses many aspects of life. Physics also requires a certain kind of thinking which, while not directly relevant to most dentistry, is still relevant to the way a practitioner must think.

 

[UltimateHombre]

Its just another hoop to jump through.

+1

In no way will physics help us be better practitioners or help us in the realm of dentistry. In fact most science classes outside the realm of biology are weed out classes. In my opinion, i think there is only 3 reasons for them:

1. They prevent people from entering dental school, who are not academically capable enough to be there
2. They lay a foundation for dental school curriculum
3. They keep dentistry "scientific"

But lets be honest... are we really going to bust out an equation and calculate the force applied by a drill on a back molar? Or are we going to need to draw a force body diagram for a tooth with applied pressure?

Same with Chemistry... are we ever going to need to know SN1 reactions when in private practice? Or will we need to configure the stoichometric ratios of an unbalanced equation? I mean really...

Also, physics didn't help me develop a different type of "thinking". It is basically a math class where you memorize equations and regurgitate them on a test.

 

[SoulPower]

+1
Or are we going to need to draw a force body diagram for a tooth with applied pressure?
.

For the most part I agree w/ you.

But this sentence you do do mentally for crown prepping. We just started and it was the foundation of prepping.

 

[433439]

+1

In no way will physics help us be better practitioners or help us in the realm of dentistry. In fact most science classes outside the realm of biology are weed out classes. In my opinion, i think there is only 3 reasons for them:

1. They prevent people from entering dental school, who are not academically capable enough to be there
2. They lay a foundation for dental school curriculum
3. They keep dentistry "scientific"

But lets be honest... are we really going to bust out an equation and calculate the force applied by a drill on a back molar? Or are we going to need to draw a force body diagram for a tooth with applied pressure?

Same with Chemistry... are we ever going to need to know SN1 reactions when in private practice? Or will we need to configure the stoichometric ratios of an unbalanced equation? I mean really...

Also, physics didn't help me develop a different type of "thinking". It is basically a math class where you memorize equations and regurgitate them on a test.

I wanted to point out a few of these earlier, but I figured that it's pretty much common sense. Dental School is where we're gonna learn all the juicy stuff. I'm really all for adding More Pre-requisites since that means a smaller applicant pool. Look at it this way, if physics wasn't a pre-requisite; then 500+ more applicants would be applying to dental school making admissions even more competitive.

Plus, I don't know about you guys but Physics is awesome.

 

[iralex801]

+1

In no way will physics help us be better practitioners or help us in the realm of dentistry. In fact most science classes outside the realm of biology are weed out classes. In my opinion, i think there is only 3 reasons for them:

1. They prevent people from entering dental school, who are not academically capable enough to be there
2. They lay a foundation for dental school curriculum
3. They keep dentistry "scientific"

But lets be honest... are we really going to bust out an equation and calculate the force applied by a drill on a back molar? Or are we going to need to draw a force body diagram for a tooth with applied pressure?

Same with Chemistry... are we ever going to need to know SN1 reactions when in private practice? Or will we need to configure the stoichometric ratios of an unbalanced equation? I mean really...

Also, physics didn't help me develop a different type of "thinking". It is basically a math class where you memorize equations and regurgitate them on a test.

👍. Yeah, it's just a way to weed people out. Science/Math courses are the toughest and require the most cognitive ability. In my senior year, I'm taking these psychology/economics classes and it's so easy in comparison lol. You'll start learning real dentistry in the labs of 1st and 2nd years and clinic 3rd and 4th years.

 

[hardline]

It builds character.

And GPA booster? Not in my opinion...

 

[wired202808]

I wanted to point out a few of these earlier, but I figured that it's pretty much common sense. Dental School is where we're gonna learn all the juicy stuff. I'm really all for adding More Pre-requisites since that means a smaller applicant pool. Look at it this way, if physics wasn't a pre-requisite; then 500+ more applicants would be applying to dental school making admissions even more competitive.

Plus, I don't know about you guys but Physics is awesome.

i dont agree that students would avoid dental school just because of physics, you can easily take physics at an easier school or even CC and still get into dental school. I truly believe that its simply a requirement because med schools and dental schools want to have the same prereqs and therefore maintain that "professional image." Its really a program design, when you think of PA school most schools dont even require Orgo so therefore yes I can imagine a lot more applicants to PA schools, but I dont see Physics as a weed out class at all. Like I previously mentuoned enough students can pull of B's in Physics and get into dental school.

 

[wwuviking]

Physics is far more exciting than Ochem...and far easier

my .02

 

[433439]

i dont agree that students would avoid dental school just because of physics, you can easily take physics at an easier school or even CC and still get into dental school. I truly believe that its simply a requirement because med schools and dental schools want to have the same prereqs and therefore maintain that "professional image." Its really a program design, when you think of PA school most schools dont even require Orgo so therefore yes I can imagine a lot more applicants to PA schools, but I dont see Physics as a weed out class at all. Like I previously mentuoned enough students can pull of B's in Physics and get into dental school.

Never did I say people are avoiding dental school BECAUSE of Physics. I was implying the physics requirements enables less people to apply "just because they can." And of course physics will help to weed applicants out. Pulling a B or C in physics would impact your BCP. For people struggling with physics, for say it could drop someone to a < 3.0 gpa if they do poorly, how is that not weeding out?

 

[wired202808]

Never did I say people are avoiding dental school BECAUSE of Physics. I was implying the physics requirements enables less people to apply "just because they can." And of course physics will help to weed applicants out. Pulling a B or C in physics would impact your BCP. For people struggling with physics, for say it could drop someone to a < 3.0 gpa if they do poorly, how is that not weeding out?

Actually Orgo is probably the subject that allows less people to apply to dental school, not physics. If you think about it Physics is the reason why a lot of pre-meds apply to dental school as a backup, there are numerous examples on this site and at various state schools I've attended. Meanwhile Orgo is a tough enough class that most people wont just take it for shi* and giggles. Again Physics itself even all 8 credits of it is not enough of merit to "weed out" anyone. One or two B's/C's wont lower your sGPA to such poor levels think about it yourself. If most science classes are at least 4 credits and you take Bio 1/2 GC 1/2 Orgo 1/2 A&P 1/2 Biochem and Micro and Physics 1/2 thats around 48 credits, again will it hurt to get a B or C? Yes. But will it TRULY prevent or weed out anyone? Hardly.

Also, PA programs dont require Orgo (most of the time) so hence those people are effectively prevented from applying to d-school. I'm sure if PA's had to take Orgo then I can see a small percentage taking Physics and applying to med and dental schools as backups.

 

[433439]

Actually Orgo is probably the subject that allows less people to apply to dental school, not physics. If you think about it Physics is the reason why a lot of pre-meds apply to dental school as a backup, there are numerous examples on this site and at various state schools I've attended. Meanwhile Orgo is a tough enough class that most people wont just take it for shi* and giggles. Again Physics itself even all 8 credits of it is not enough of merit to "weed out" anyone. One or two B's/C's wont lower your sGPA to such poor levels think about it yourself. If most science classes are at least 4 credits and you take Bio 1/2 GC 1/2 Orgo 1/2 A&P 1/2 Biochem and Micro and Physics 1/2 thats around 48 credits, again will it hurt to get a B or C? Yes. But will it TRULY prevent or weed out anyone? Hardly.

Also, PA programs dont require Orgo (most of the time) so hence those people are effectively prevented from applying to d-school. I'm sure if PA's had to take Orgo then I can see a small percentage taking Physics and applying to med and dental schools as backups.

You're not even half addressing the point. And sure, Physician Assistants will certainly apply to Medical Schools to become physicians as a "back-up."

 

[UltimateHombre]

Again Physics itself even all 8 credits of it is not enough of merit to "weed out" anyone. One or two B's/C's wont lower your sGPA to such poor levels think about it yourself. If most science classes are at least 4 credits and you take Bio 1/2 GC 1/2 Orgo 1/2 A&P 1/2 Biochem and Micro and Physics 1/2 thats around 48 credits, again will it hurt to get a B or C? Yes. But will it TRULY prevent or weed out anyone? Hardly.

When we say "weed out" we are not talking about the students who get B's and C's... we are talking about students who get D's and F's. The whole premed curriculum is all weed out courses. We are talking about the 90% of freshman who go to college wanting to be a doctor of sorts and then take their first bio, chem, or physics class and decide to change majors... lol!

Case in point... my first gen bio class had about 400 students in it. First day of class my professor asked how many people wanted to be some type of doctor... 75% of the class raised their hand... the professor laughed and snidely said "ok". At the end of the semester he asked the same question... but this time only maybe 20% raised their hands. The other 55% of freshman saw how difficult sciences classes were and said eff it (many also dropped the class)... Sure this is an isolated incident, but i am pretty sure it is a similar case at most Uni's.

 

[Bereno]

Physics is far more exciting than Ochem...and far easier

my .02

+1!

I actually like physics. It was really hard, but still not as hard as OChem lol

 

[wired202808]

You're not even half addressing the point. And sure, Physician Assistants will certainly apply to Medical Schools to become physicians as a "back-up."

I fully addressed your point and no PAs dont apply to med schools because they didnt take Orgo and Physics.

 

[wired202808]

When we say "weed out" we are not talking about the students who get B's and C's... we are talking about students who get D's and F's. The whole premed curriculum is all weed out courses. We are talking about the 90% of freshman who go to college wanting to be a doctor of sorts and then take their first bio, chem, or physics class and decide to change majors... lol!

Case in point... my first gen bio class had about 400 students in it. First day of class my professor asked how many people wanted to be some type of doctor... 75% of the class raised their hand... the professor laughed and snidely said "ok". At the end of the semester he asked the same question... but this time only maybe 20% raised their hands. The other 55% of freshman saw how difficult sciences classes were and said eff it (many also dropped the class)... Sure this is an isolated incident, but i am pretty sure it is a similar case at most Uni's.

It varies by university, I agree. I have friends that went to predominantly science based schools and they all got screwed over with Bs and C's esp in classes like Biochem and Orgo. But I personally believe its foolish to go to a school that is known for a hard science curriculum. You might learn more but you pay for it with low grades and crappy GPAs. Meanwhile my other friends went to easier state universities that weren't known for their science courses and they rocked out with a ton of A's. They went on to better and bigger med schools than the students from hard universities. I see no point in trying to be a hero when the GPA and DAT/MCAT scores are really the only things that matter. School prestige and difficulty fades away as soon as you apply to OOS schools.

 

[iralex801]

It varies by university, I agree. I have friends that went to predominantly science based schools and they all got screwed over with Bs and C's esp in classes like Biochem and Orgo. But I personally believe its foolish to go to a school that is known for a hard science curriculum. You might learn more but you pay for it with low grades and crappy GPAs. Meanwhile my other friends went to easier state universities that weren't known for their science courses and they rocked out with a ton of A's. They went on to better and bigger med schools than the students from hard universities. I see no point in trying to be a hero when the GPA and DAT/MCAT scores are really the only things that matter. School prestige and difficulty fades away as soon as you apply to OOS schools.

LMAO! You are really going on a tangent and you're not even close to addressing the point that UltimateHombre and SocietysDentist are talking about. I wonder about you sometimes lol. I feel like I'm in class and some student asks a basic question. Then the professor goes on a tangent on something different lol.

 

[wired202808]

LMAO! You are really going on a tangent and you're not even close to addressing the point that UltimateHombre and SocietysDentist are talking about. I wonder about you sometimes lol. I feel like I'm in class and some student asks a basic question. Then the professor goes on a tangent on something different lol.

I addressed there concerns if you dont like what you see you can move on. Enough of this hostility for no reason. I voiced my opinion above in the other posts and if your ever so curious go and read them. Badger someone else please.

 

[JonLee]

You think physics sucks (which it most certainly does). Try finding out you have to take calc II your second semester senior year. I havent taken a math class in three years!

Oh boy, I could totally feel your pain on that one if the schools I'm looking at required it... haven't taken a math class since high school
Good luck man!

 

[iralex801]

I addressed there concerns if you dont like what you see you can move on. Enough of this hostility for no reason. I voiced my opinion above in the other posts and if your ever so curious go and read them. Badger someone else please.

Your famous defense of, "it's my opinion, so leave me alone," doesn't work in this case. This is because I am not questioning your opinions. I am questioning your ability to comprehend their posts and then form an argument that actually pertains to their main point lol. I'll stop bullying you though haha.

Oh BTW, it's suppose to be "their" not there in context of your post. I'm usually not a grammar nazi and give people the benefit of the doubt that it was a typo. But for you, I'm not too sure lol.

 

[433439]

I addressed there concerns if you dont like what you see you can move on. Enough of this hostility for no reason. I voiced my opinion above in the other posts and if your ever so curious go and read them. Badger someone else please.