To be or not to be? That is the question.

[smuwillobrien]

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Hey everyone. I've been finished my first year of university for about a month now, and I've been having some doubts as to what I want to do. I did good during my first year [here is the list]:

English 201.1 [Writing Composition] (A-)
English 205.2 [Introduction to Literature] (A-)
Biology 201.1 [General Biology I] (A+)
Biology 202.2 [General Biology II] (A+)
Chemistry 210.1 [General Chemistry I] (A+)
Chemistry 212.2 [General Chemistry II] (A+)
Physics 235.1 [Physics I] (A+)
Physics 236.1 [Physics II] (A+)
Mathematics 210.1 [Calculus I] (A+)
Mathematics 211.1 [Calculus II] (A+)

I was originally planning on doing medicine, but I found that I had no time for the critical research or volunteer work I needed. So, I checked out Dalhousie Dental School and kind of got interested in dentistry. I realize that it requires a lot of the same courses (actually harder requirements like Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Vertebrate Physiology), but it didn't mention the requirements of research or volunteering.

So, my question is: Is volunteering necessary for dental school? I'm a stupid person, literally, and I've got to study very, very hard to get good, competitive grades. I feel that if I focused on getting into dentistry I would have greater chances because if I keep up my academic work and do well on the DAT I would have everything needed for admission.

Any advice would be recommended, etc. I'm not sure why I feel volunteering is such a problem, but I don't think I will be able to continue taking hard courses and doing well in them if I have to manage other priorities like volunteering and research.

Thanks again,
Will

 

[aphistis]

Some schools require a given number of hours spent shadowing in a dentist's office, to ensure that you have some minimal idea of what you're getting into. They don't want to give away a competitive seat only to have you disappear halfway through first year. Generally speaking, the shadowing requirements aren't too onerous (if they exist at all), and it's a good idea to spend at least some time in a dentist's office even if it's not absolutely mandated, just for your own peace of mind. Good luck!

 

[smuwillobrien]

aphistis: That doesn't sound to bad. It sounds like something I could do during the summers, and yes, I agree that it sounds like a good reality check. Thanks. 😉