RN to DMD/DSD???

[MiMiRN]

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Hi Everyone!
I hope you can help me. I have a question that has been plaguing me for some time and would like some opinions on the following:

I am a nurse - an RN with a BSN. I have worked on and off as such since 1998, because my husband has had to move around for his training.

I was in dental school in 1995 and withdrew after 6 months. There were many reasons for my leaving - from having an unsupportive spouse (since remarried) to suffering from lack of confidence. I thought nursing would be more "wholistic" and would better match my personality, but not a day has gone by where I haven't regretted my decision. I hate not being in the decision making driver's seat! I keep wondering what could have been. I fantasize about completing my education, being in practice and treating patients for dental issues.

I am now married with 2 young children (2 and 4) and my husband is a physician. I am so envious of his education, autonomy and how he has built his "own thing" so beautifully. I feel like I missed my opportunity, yet I can't let go of the possibility of going back to finish what I started. I am motivated by the need for advanced education, the need to be in a profession that helps people, and to support myself (although I don't need to). Am I crazy or what?

I have taken some classes toward my Master's in Nursing, and I have thought about being a Nurse Practitioner, but I still wouldn't have my "own thing". I will likely always work under someone else as a nurse. I want to be in charge, run the show, and have my own practice.

I think about it constantly. Whenever I hear about a person - especially a woman -who has gone to med or dental school I get jealous!! I wish it were me. I have a friend who is a chiropractor and one who is a clinical psychologist and I'm jealous. I hate that I didn't fulfill my potential.

What are your thoughts on my trying to go back? Should I build on what I have achieved as a nurse or change my course yet again? Nursing has a doctorate of clinical practice (DNP), but I wonder if I will truly be autonomous even then.
Please help.
MiMi, RN

 

[starfishbear]

I think you should attempt to go back if that is what your heart desires, but you have to think practically about taking care of your children and being at home for them. Ultimately, if you can find time and energy to go back to school full time, then do it and fulfill your dreams.

 

[Sbosu]

If you think you can do it without jeopardizing too much (like your family) definitly do it, i wouldnt wanna walk around the rest of my life with that big of a regret on my mind all the time

 

[diane07]

Think long and hard about this decision. Getting into dental school is not easy, and you'd have to work hard.

Have you taken the science pre-requisites? Can you handle being in school with a family? Is your spouse supportive? Are you prepared for the loss of income while you are in school? Can you handle 4 years of rigorous academic training?

Only you can decide after weighing the pros and cons.

 

[johntara04]

Whats a DSD? Is that one of those off-shore internet schools? 😉

 

[MiMiRN]

sorry, I meant DDS.
Thanks for your input. I will continue to think about it, but I have been mulling it over for a long time. I feel like I have paralysis by analysis.
MiMi

 

[wizziefiend]

I'd say do it.

Almost every RN i have met has been so sharp that I doubt you'll have any issues getting into dental school.

Maybe your husband can set aside lots of extra money prior to you beginning school so you can have some cash reserves since you will be at one income.

 

[1992Corolla]

shadow a dentist for a good 50 hours and see if it is what you want to do. Shadow more than one dentist to see how they run their offices. Find out if you can handle the four years of abuse it will take to get that degree!

good luck

 

[daylily1985]

Hi MiMiRN!
From one RN to another...I am applying for dental school in two years, after retaking some science coursework from undergrad. Some key things to think about before making a decision like this (or any major decision)
The MISSION question: Does this decision support my life mission?

The VISION question: Will this decision move me toward a life goal or toward solving a problem?

The INTEGRITY question: Will this decision affect any commitment or vow I have made?

The COMMON SENSE question: Do the results of this decision make sense?

OTHERS FIRST question: How will others be effected by this decision?

The LEGAL question: Is it legal?

The COST question: What will this decision cost me?

The MOTIVE question: What do I get out of this decision?

The TIMING question: Is this the best time to make this decision?

The KNOWLEDGE question: Do I have enough information to make this decision?

The COMMITMENT question: Do I plan to commit to my decision?

I will be applying for the 2010 cycle...my oldest will be a freshman in college and on her own and my two youngest will be in elementary school. I have a small four year window to go through dental school before my children reach middle school age. In my experience (and keep in mind I have daughters)...ages 0-6 and 11-17 have been the most demanding either physically or mentally, respectively. I think using the above questions can help you and your spouse make the best decision for you and your family. This may seem cliche', but your job as a professional manager of your home is very, very important, too. It may not seem that gratifying now, when they are so young, but there will be rewards, great rewards for your faithfulness in whatever you do🙂 !

 

[Doogie Howser]

with kids who are 2 and 4, do you really want to be away from them as much as your going to have to be if you were in dental school. Your kids will only be young once, and while I support you in chasing your dreams, do remember that you have kids and your first responsibility is now to them.

 

[1992Corolla]

with kids who are 2 and 4, do you really want to be away from them as much as your going to have to be if you were in dental school. Your kids will only be young once, and while I support you in chasing your dreams, do remember that you have kids and your first responsibility is now to them.

🙄

When she is a dentist she can work 2x a week and pay for their college without going into debt. There is still plenty of time to hang out with kids in dschool. I have two kids myself. The CheerioKing IS one of them.👍

 

[penasco man]

I'm also an RN and am planning on going throught the '08 cycle. I am also a non-traditional student who feels like it's time to set my own pace not the one set by a hospital system or some others private office dream come true. GO FOR IT DON'T LOOK back.