Some Input on my situation

[bwtucker83]

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I'm applying to dental schools this spring, but I seem to have a different situation than most and I would like some input on how it will affect my application.

Brief synopsis. I graduated with a BA in economics, moved to Detroit to start my own business as a real estate investor(2 years), subprime market crash destroyed my niche and left me looking for a new career. Decided dentistry last in august 2007 - 3 weeks before classes started.

This is what I'm stressing over: Low shadowing and service hours. Because I only decided to pursue this less than 9 months ago I have not been able to accrue many hours. I have like 20 Shadowing and I have quite a bit of service from detroit but none healthcare related. Between watches my kid during the morning while my wife works and evening classes I just haven't been able to get into many dental offices. Although this summer will get that number up to 50 but this will be after my application is submitted.

I know DAT and GPA are the most important but how do you think my low hours will affect my application? Will they take into consideration my situation or will they not care - meaning situation or not they expect high hours?

My GPA and Science GPA are above average. Haven't taken DAT yet but hope I will score competitivly

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

B

 

[alanan84]

The whole point of shadowing is for us to get to know the real side of dentistry and make sure it's what we want to do. Dental schools want to see that we've had enough exposure to dentistry so we kind of know what we're getting into. I personally think 50 shadowing hours is enough to prove that. 20 probably is, when you think about it. Just make sure you prove to them that you know enough about dentistry and that it is what you want to do.

 

[dr bojangles]

agree with above, don't worry, 20-50 hrs is fine. some people are dental assistants, or some have 1000 hours shadowing 5 different specialists.....maybe good for them, excessive for others. just learn all you can and be confident in what you gained from the experience.

 

[doc3232]

Once you have about 50 hours, you have enough.
No, you don't even need 100 IMO.
95% decision based on GPA and DAT. The rest is to make sure you know what your doing.

 

[mantraman1010]

Once you have about 50 hours, you have enough.
No, you don't even need 100 IMO.
95% decision based on GPA and DAT. The rest is to make sure you know what your doing.

RIGHT ON 👍

 

[jigabodo]

Have you started on your prereqs yet?