It just dawned on me that I got my x-ray license after highschool and they may want a transcript(if one exists) from there. I will call but I wonder if that is even necessary?
-
Scholarship Access: Becoming a Student Doctor course
Free access to comprehensive medical school prep. Eligible students include AAMC FAP recipients and HS graduates from underserved areas. Apply today.
Tech school for x-ray license, transcript?
- Thread starter Msmouth
- Start date
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2008
- Messages
- 4,032
- Reaction score
- 62
- Points
- 4,691
- Location
- Bethesda, MD
- Resident [Any Field]
It wouldn't hurt. I provided transcripts from the Air Force even though the courses had no impact on anything. Besides, it's just one more thing to beef up your application with, and provides the proof of having done it.
- Joined
- Jan 17, 2006
- Messages
- 8,521
- Reaction score
- 2,797
- Points
- 5,461
- Dentist
And we all know there's a lot of "beef" in them certificates.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 1
- Dental Student
unless you received college credit for this, its not necessary and will not boost your application. Just like an RDH license doesn't add to an application, neither will a certificate. Sorry just letting you know.
I'm only doing this because they want everything from after high school. I'm afraid if I omit it, it will look dishonest. I'm not doing as a "boost" as you call it.
Why is RDH not a boost? Where did you hear this? That's like saying shadowing isn't a "boost".
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 1
- Dental Student
It's a fact. Most dental students dont have an RDH degree therefore schools can't look at you more favorably because of your RDH degree, they need to have an even level playing field. They will compare RDH and non-RDH applicants based on GPAs, DAT score(s) and LORs. Shadowing isn't a boost, last time I checked it was a requirement by most dental schools. Shadowing does not trump GPA, DAT and LORs. Therefore an applicant with higher stats than you will have a higher chance of admission, even without an RDH degree. Sorry but that's how the admission process works.
I can't find any 'facts' to really back that up, however, I think my personal statement says it all. The love of dentistry spans 15 years. I have a high sGPA, less than 50 hrs volunteering and taking DAT Aug 31. Hopefully I score high. I know I have a ton of competition but I hope when it comes down to it, being a hygienist will give me a boost over a non-experienced applicant.
Keep in mind I had to take a boards exam, that I passed with a 92. I also took a boards exam for my anesthesia permit and passed with the same score.
While I know what you're saying, in the end they decide after your interview. I think it's not as cut and dry as you state it to be and I do believe being an RDH and former dental assistant will give me a leg up. I agree that just being an RDH will not get you in, you need to be have the whole package. Let's just agree to disagree unless you get info straight from the horses mouth.
Keep in mind I had to take a boards exam, that I passed with a 92. I also took a boards exam for my anesthesia permit and passed with the same score.
While I know what you're saying, in the end they decide after your interview. I think it's not as cut and dry as you state it to be and I do believe being an RDH and former dental assistant will give me a leg up. I agree that just being an RDH will not get you in, you need to be have the whole package. Let's just agree to disagree unless you get info straight from the horses mouth.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 1
- Dental Student
There are no facts to back it up just opinions on SDN of what happened. What are your stats? If you have a 3.5 sGPA and 3.5 oGPA and a 20+ on the DAT then your shot is pretty good. But there's actually a mod on here, SeattleRDH, here is her predents profile: http://www.predents.com/?page=user&user_id=9689 She's and RDH and didn't get into a single school, meanwhile her stats were pretty good. When you think about her impact in dentistry, the countless hours of volunteering and working as an RDH it just goes to show you that she wasn't looked with any favoritism for her past deeds.
Facts are that students get into dental school by having high GPAs (esp sGPAs) and high DAT scores and by applying broadly. RDH, Research, Volunteering and other type of "soft" factors might distinguish you, but not enough to gain an acceptance. I believe your RDH degree will shine in dental school since you know how to handle the equipment, deal with patients, maintain a proper posture and everything will seem second nature. However, until that day happens expect to knock the DAT out and apply to a lot of schools to maximize your shot you'll need every acceptance you can get just like anyone else with or without an RDH degree, since there is no objective way to measure the utility of your RDH degree.
- Joined
- Feb 1, 2008
- Messages
- 4,032
- Reaction score
- 62
- Points
- 4,691
- Location
- Bethesda, MD
- Resident [Any Field]
You have the right of it in why you're making sure it is included. While I doubt you'd need to add it for proof, it doesn't hurt to do give something claimed credence. Personally I think having xray experience is directly relevant to dental practice and is something that would be favorable in an applicant.
I have no idea why GPA and DAT is being compared to having an RDH or shadowing, they're apples to oranges. Everyone has a GPA and a DAT, having extra-curricular activities and achievements to show on your application is indeed beneficial. It's these things that show effort in life outside strict academia that make a difference when it comes down to two+ applicants with very similar 'stats', not only when the application is being viewed pre-interview, but also during and after the interview.
Unless an applicant such as yourself is going to add something to their application that might have a negative impact, there's no reason to suggest against it. You never know who might find that addition to go beyond a neutral bullet and be considered positively.
Finally I would ask you this OP, does your 'transcript' fall under this at all, if so you're required to submit it regardless of any arguments:
Kahr: yes, that's what my concern was. My x-ray license was done a long time ago and I had all but forgotten about it, but when I read that (all non-degree programs) all need to be included I was more afraid of omitting it and looking dishonest than not. It isn't going to make me look better since I'm an RDH and RDH includes x-rays, but I got that as an assistant before hygiene school.
Hopefully they can track down my old records.
Space: I know what I'm up against, I am not resting on my RDH status one bit. My stats are all over the place and I haven't put all my course work in as of yet. I'm a special case. I'm much older than nearly everyone that is applying and a mother of 2. I am also only applying to 2 schools that are driving distance. We have a home we can't sell, my husband has a steady job and it's just not fair to uproot everyone for my dream.
I made a decision 2 years ago to go back to school to become a dentist. I was tired of the regret of not having gone to dental school years ago.
Stats: I can't give you a straight answer because I've been to 4 different schools....so I'll break it down...
First year college (right after highschool): 1.64 (disgusting)
Hygiene school 3 years later: 3.28
Attempt at bachelor's online: 4 classes =3.3
Decision to go to dental school:
Community College= 3 courses (all science) 3.636
Current University= Nearly all science Full time for over a year = 3.912
DAT-hoping to kill it.
Hopefully they can track down my old records.
Space: I know what I'm up against, I am not resting on my RDH status one bit. My stats are all over the place and I haven't put all my course work in as of yet. I'm a special case. I'm much older than nearly everyone that is applying and a mother of 2. I am also only applying to 2 schools that are driving distance. We have a home we can't sell, my husband has a steady job and it's just not fair to uproot everyone for my dream.
I made a decision 2 years ago to go back to school to become a dentist. I was tired of the regret of not having gone to dental school years ago.
Stats: I can't give you a straight answer because I've been to 4 different schools....so I'll break it down...
First year college (right after highschool): 1.64 (disgusting)
Hygiene school 3 years later: 3.28
Attempt at bachelor's online: 4 classes =3.3
Decision to go to dental school:
Community College= 3 courses (all science) 3.636
Current University= Nearly all science Full time for over a year = 3.912
DAT-hoping to kill it.
I looked an Seattle's profile. I know not every RDH is going to get in, nor is every non-RDH, even with great stats, it's not guaranteed.
Right now, I'm banking on getting in. If I don't, you can use me as another statistic to prove your case. That won't deter me from trying yet again.
Right now, I'm banking on getting in. If I don't, you can use me as another statistic to prove your case. That won't deter me from trying yet again.
- Joined
- Jun 28, 2012
- Messages
- 66
- Reaction score
- 0
- Points
- 1
- Dental Student
No one wants you to fail, this board is meant to encourage people. I hope you get into your top choice! And if I made myself unclear, then I'm sorry. I was just saying focus on killing the DAT and getting AADSAS to calculate your GPA to see where you objectively stand. The RDH license will help you in so many ways once you're in d-school, for now it's an added bonus on the application, but not one that will make you a better candidate versus a 3.5 GPA / 21 AA type of student.
