questions on pre-dental coursework

[geneb]

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Hello, there

I intended to change my career to be a dentist. But I don't have coursework on biology and chemistry. I am wondering if 2-year relevant courses of community college could be available to save time and meet the minimum academic requiremtents of most dental school?

I appreciated any assistance of you guys in advance.

gene
Philly,PA

 

[jam21]

To be safe, I think you should take most science courses at the four yr university. Most schools require 1 yr of inorganic chemistry, 1 yr of core biology, and 1 yr of organic chemsitry. Some schools even require biochemistry. I don't know waht year you are in , but you will have a higher chance of getting in if you take more science classes at higher level.

 

[s.mutans]

It depends on your situation. Have you already received your B.S. or B.A from a University and think about taking classes at a community college?

I would take them at the C.C. These classes are not necessarily easier but are accomodate working class students. (i.e. night classes and smaller professor to student ratio.) I am sure you need to work if you are planning to change your carreer. The cost will probably be less expensive also.

My particular C.C. closely ties in to the UNiversity and I was able to take most of my pre requisites at the COmmunity College.

I would recommend going to the University if you have the money and time.

 

[geneb]

Thanks for your helpful info. I do have another question: As a post-bac, most of the prerequisites could be taken at CC. But how do I get the rest of prerequisites that CC does not provide? any hints would be highly grateful!

Gene
Philly

 

[tinker bell]

If u are a post-bac, u should consider taking serious science classes. It improves your chance greatly. Not only so, classes like bio-chem, physio and anatomy will help u a great deal when u take the DAT.
Some people may say that all u need is 2 prerequisite bio-classes. But how many people take only 2 bio classes get above 20 on their DAT? And how many of those get accepted to top notch schools? At every dental schools that I went to, all they look at was my science classes. I even remember at ucsf they compliment my science classes, at uop, at temple. Even at my BU interview. They talked to me a great deal about my pharmacology class and my pathophysiology class.
Even my Recombinant DNA Techs class was brought in the discussion. They were seriously wanted to know what I learned in that class.
All of that told me how important hard core bio classes are, and the more u can take, the better. And don't apply in a rush bc it's a waste of money. There are plenty of old folks in school.
Just find a cheap state school, take a bunch of bio & chem classes for at least a year & 1 summer, then u'll be fine. Continue to take classes as you're applying, and u'll receive acceptances from left to right.
Best of luck to u
T

 

[geneb]

Hi, buddies

I very appreciated your serious advice. I currently need to stay at the local CC for one semester due to some reasons so that I could take some bio core courses like biology-1, Physics-1, chemstry-1 etc. I am wondering if those credits could be working for university post-bac pre-med program? I am looking forward to seeing any replies. Thanks again!

Gene
Philly

 

[EAK27]

alright, I take it that you are from Philly, as you sign your name as "gene, philly" I am also and WOULD NOT reccomend taking science classes at our community colleges, it will be lame (meaning that the courses would not be respected as much as a 4 year insitution )there are EXCELLANT schools in the area, including state universities which offer a discounted price take as opposed to private universities.
Perhaps taking a course at community to begin may not hurt as you have not taken science courses before, therefore you could check it out and see what you are getting into.
What school do you attend, or did attend, and what was your major.
Don't forget about Temple for classes, they also have a dental school if you are looking to stay in the area.
I am going to be attend Temple Dental next year and am also from the philly area.
If you have any questions feel free to PM me. ttyl, LIZ