Predental route

[Mk100]

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Hi everyone!

I am trying to determine the best possible educational route to become a competitive dental school applicant.

So far, I have taken around 90 credits of undergrad courses before switching my major to dental hygiene (an associates degree I just completed at the University of Pittsburgh). I am stuck on what to do next.

Should I finish a bachelors in dental hygiene (2 years to finish) or should I only focus on my prerequisite course (about 2 years to complete all prerequisites) for my ultimate goal of dental school? Are there any schools that would consider me without having a bachelors degree, but having education in the dental field and experience as a working dental hygienist?

I’d really appreciate anyone’s thoughts or suggestions.

Thank you!

Note: I want to get to dental school using the quickest, but most strategic route, being I’ve already had 5 years of undergrad now.

 

[AppalachianDentalBoy]

You need the bachelors. What is your GPA? If it's quite low I'd consider hygiene first and dent maybe later but optimally you'd switch back.

 

[jag25]

Are there any schools that would consider me without having a bachelors degree, but having education in the dental field and experience as a working dental hygienist?

There are definitely some schools that will take people who haven't finished undergrad. I know someone who applied this cycle after only three years of undergrad and had several interviews (I haven't talked to them since Monday though so idk about acceptances). One of my family members also attended dental school without completing undergrad. I don't know how schools would feel about your situation, so it might be helpful depending on your grades, but its not 100% necessary at some schools. I would look at the specific requirements of schools to see which ones require a bachelor's degree.

 

[coldicecream]

there might be a handful of schools that don't require undergrad degree.
i think UoP is one

 

[pma96]

there might be a handful of schools that don't require undergrad degree.
i think UoP is one

Nova also. I know someone who got in after only 3 years