Research, is it important?

[JRMDR]

Hey guys,
I was wondering if you needed to do research as an Undergrad, if it would be important to do to make you a strong applicant in Dental school. Thanks guys, I appreciate your input.
Raj

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[mammasan]

Research definitely helps. It not only gives you something to talk about during the interview but any publications surely make an application better.

 

[JRMDR]

Thanks so much for your input, it really helped aloot, now I need to get a topic to research
thanks again

 

[Beagle]

I think research is a great way to boost up your application! It shows that you liked the sciences...and also, if you end up working with the right professor at the right time, you may be a co-author to a journal article!!! THat is definatly impressive!!!

 

[lalo5]

research can definitely be a bonus, and it really isn't all that recondite, either. Search some of the popular journals for ideas. If you can come up with something novel, i.e, not done before, that would be very nice, but as well, there are those that choose to do other types of research, which I believe is being called meta-analysis. This type of research involves looking at what other investigators have done, and possibly finding another type of hypothesis to propose, or simply investigating further into what the original paper had proposed...
anyway good luck...

lalo5

 

[quantumhead]

I believe that the most important thing I did in my undergrad was research. I began it as a work study job then took a three credit undergrad research class for a summer. At the end of the summer I was hired to continue my research. Not only was I having fun, I was learning ALOT more than I did in my classes, I was boosting my app, and I was getting paied. I am still doing the research and getting paid a pritty penny, the only reason that I am hanging around for the summer instead of moving out to VCU right now. I would do it and stay with it as long as possiable.

 

[10040]

I am doing a research about toxicology. I got accpeted without difficulty. I think a research with any topic helps. In my opinion, something not related to dentistry is even better.

 

[EyeCandy]

Research not only can be enjoying, but can be a very good gpa booster. It also shows that you are actually interested in science and not just someone who is forced to take the required bio courses. I would have to say that without a doubt you should do research if you have the chance.

 

[JRMDR]

Thanks so much for your inout guys, Im only a freshman but I intend on doing research my junior year when I get some of these science classes out of the way. Again, thanks for your input guys.
Raj

 

[moe]

Research can definitely be a big plus depending on what school you want to go to. I will be attending Maryland next year, and the admissions committee is very big on research. It is their hope that during your career as a dentist, you will be involve in research. A lot of schools are now really pushing the research side of dentistry. Having research experience at these schools will certainly make you a stronger candidate because you have already shown an interest in research and the hope is that if they accept you and you attend their school, you will continue doing research both while attending and after graduation as well. I would definitely say get involvefd in research as much as you can.

 

[tinker bell]

For you guys think that research is a plus or a gpa booster in your application, please post your stats (gpa/dat) and schools applied, schools interview, and acceptances. So, I will know where to apply next year. As I have lots of research back ground but not much to write home about my dental experience. Thanks so much
T

 

[quantumhead]

Don't wait for your Junior year JRMDR, you will retain more if you start doing research now. Just get a part time student assistant or work study position. The professor will know that your studies come first and you will most likely find that you gain a better understanding of science and imporve your ability to reason and solve problems. It is the diffrence between getting a grade and true understanding.

Tinker Bell, GPA: 3.2 (however I had a 5 years of Navy between my first two years and last two so 3.6 for the last 2 years)
DAT: 19
Schools: HA HA alot of them, I spent a bundle, Shotgun plan.
VCU Interview, Accepted, Attending
CWR Interview, Accepted
UM Interview, Accepted
Temple Interview (I did not go, to big of a city)
Creighton Interview(I made the appointment, not them)
UNLV Secondary but though better of a first year school, also wet to LV on vacation and lot too much in the slots :wink:
Marquett NADA, Zilch
UN Lincoln NADA, Zilch (only in state need apply)
CU NADA, Zilch (only in state need apply)
OHSU NADA, Zilch
UW NADA, Zilch
OKL NADA, Zilch

My research was for the NASA Advanced Life Support Program, basicaly I studied how plants die in space. I am kidding, it is great research and has nothing to do with Health Care at all. However, it has everything to do with how to learn and how to conduct research. I can honestly say that I can do research on anything now that I have completed a research project and know how. Do what intrests you now, have fun. When else in my life will I ever get to work for NASA.

 

[vixen]

I hope it's not looked down upon if you don't have any research under your belt. I took one class that was required for my psych major which was basically a research lab. I'm not interested in research and hope that it doesn't hurt me...instead I'd rather do the clinical/volunteering part of it because I'm more interested in being around people. Hope that doesn't do harm for me... <img border="0" title="" alt="[Frown]" src="frown.gif" />

 

[Dentista]

im sure it doesnt hurt but contrary to popular belief its not "required." there are other ways to show dedication, like involvement with your dental organization(locally or at your campus), volunteering, etc. i didnt do it, no one brought it up and i got in. but i can say that if youre doing research try to do it at the school youre applying to if possible, good way to meet professors.

 

[ricegirl]

it probably depends on the type of school that you want to go to. there are definitely more clinically oriented vs. research oriented dental schools out there which may place different emphasis on research.

again, it can't hurt. i was asked about my research at every interview i went to, and it was nice to know that you were going to be asked info about that at every interview -- helps to offset any unexpected questions that they might ask.

ricegirl

 

[Spokeymon]

I am just one of the many out there, but in my experience research has proven to be an extremely favorable ally. I have had 3 interviews so far and my research has been the predominant topic of all the interviews. I had no idea this would happen but research is a great way to direct your interview into positive spin about yourself. I was accepted at two of the interviews and am waiting on the third. I think that research is not the end all- but if you have the opportunity to do this- TAKE IT. It will definitely strengthen your case.

 

[tinker bell]

Thanks quantumnhead!
Now I feel a little more confident about myself. I feel really much better so I can concentrate on studying DAT now.
Thanks for your encourage. You guys rock!
T