Thinking Dentistry

[krazydesi]

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Hey guys,

So past two months I have been keen on thinking about dental school as what I want to do. I went and sat in for the day at my local dentist to see how it is like and I enjoyed it. I really see myself as a dentist and coming into it this late wanted to see where I stand. I have taken all the pre-reqs because at first I was all about medicine and realized I was going in it for the money (which is bad). I know as a dentist you don't make as much money as adoctor but it is very rewarding career. I will be applying next spring for the 2011 year of dental school.

Here are my stats
I have much volunteer(hospital, 120 hours), doctor shadowing (50 hours), research (2 semesters), leaderships roles (vice president, president, 3 orgs for 2 years)

Major: Industrial Engineering
CUM GPA: 3.5
Science GPA: 3.2

These are the stats that I will have when I apply (hoping to do well my final year here).

Also I haev been studying mcats couple months ago and was getting on average about a 33 on the MCATs not sure how that compares to DATs

I will take my DATs more likely sometime january or february.



I wanted to know how I stand in comparison to dental school admissions. I mean do you think I need one year of SMP or a one year masters program? I mean I am taking a year off next year but I thought that I would get a job as an engineer for a year and work to help pay for dental school

I am a NY resident.

Thank you

 

[uncbestyet]

It depends on who you ask, but GP dentists are on par with general phyicians as far as salary goes.

Your GPA is competitive, maybe .1 or .2 lower than most schools. I think you will have a shot, just finish strong with classes.

If you do well on the DAT you will probably have a good shot to get in somewhere. (apply early, research schools (which dat/gpa favored), and apply wisely)

I suggest also doing more shadowing (possibly specialties)

 

[armorshell]

If you can manage a 20 on the DAT you will be in a good place. You'll want to spend some more time shadowing dentists as well, most people seem to do at least 50 hours, usually in various specialties of dentistry.

Oh, and I'd rethink the "making less than doctors" thing as well 😉

 

[krazydesi]

Thank you for your responses.

Yes I want to become a dentist and also do business on the side for more income ... I realized that social life and family life in the future means a lot to me. I don't want to slave away in residency until I am 33 or 34 in medical school. Im not saying its not a great field but finally realized it just might not be me.

So you guys think that doing SMP is not really in it for me right? I mean I think I was pretty good with mcats and I heard DATs are easier so im hoping I get above a 20.

I really want to go to Stony Brook because its in state for me or even buffalo (both cheaper options for me)

 

[uncbestyet]

I suggest shooting an email to someone on the admissions committee at the school you wish to attend. Include GPA, and situation, but their response will be limited until they have your DAT scores.

 

[Palmetto914]

Getting an engineering job is a great idea (as opposed to sitting around during that year off), as life-experiences are important to getting that "total package" application.

 

[krazydesi]

though is it good to do an SMP program and put in $25K for that ? I mean I know i will do well in SMP but with my current stats and saying I work my ass of and get a 23 on the DATs ... then would I have a chance at dental?

 

[youknowthedrill]

If you choose to work for a year, consider taking at least one science class each semester to keep your study skills up.