Should I Consider Going Dental Hygiene before Dental School?

[Braden11]

Hello,

I am about to enter senior year of my microbiology degree, and I am very worried that I will not be accepted into dental school. I have a 3.1 overall gpa with a 3.2 sgpa. I am currently studying for my DAT and am going to take it next month. My biggest fear is not being accepted into a dental program and struggling to find a job with a BS in micro. If I am not accepted, should I consider applying to a DH program since it will give me hands on experience? Also Im not to familiar with the prereqs for DH. Are they the same as pre-dental? I have heard many people talk about post-bac or a masters programs as well. Which option do you think is best?

Thanks

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[cknnguyen]

hi
I am a dental hygienist and going to apply this cycle. My GPA is low as well just like your range. Just letting you know I am doing a lot post bac courses. It's good to go to dental hygiene program but it's easier to do post bac than enter hygiene program. However, hygiene is help for you a good clinical skill when you enter dental school. But once again, it's on your call. If you really get into dental school. I would rec to do post bac or master science degree because it's should be easier than dental hygiene program and do really good on your DAT. Good luck

 

[ModifiedBass]

No real point in delaying by doing a DH program. Just do a masters or post-bac since your issue is your below average GPA.

 

[stomatology]

Do you want to be a dentist or a dental hygienist?

I don't think you should do a dental hygiene program in lieu of a post-bac or master's program in terms of raising your GPA.

 

[doc toothache]

Wait. You went 4 years to get a bachelor degree so that you can go get a dh, which one can do with just a high school diploma?
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...age-predental-education-of-enrollees.1070379/
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/threads/dental-hygiene-to-ds.952937/