What else can I do?/What are my chances?

[BaylorDDS]

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DAT = 22TS / 22AA / 22PAT; GPA=3.62; sGPA=3.61

I have been shadowing a dentist for the past few months (~40 hours). I was pre-med though, and graduated in 2008. I decided I definantely liked dentistry more, and am applying to dental school now. I have volunteer experience in hospitals over a few years.

I'm from Texas, and was wondering what my chances are of getting into the three texas schools, and, more generally, other places in the US.

But mainly, what else can I do to strengthen my application?

Thanks!!

 

[Carolina06]

Your stats are strong. Perhaps consider some public health volunteer work, rather than shadowing private practice.

 

[BaylorDDS]

thanks, what is public health volunteer work though?

 

[Carolina06]

thanks, what is public health volunteer work though?

See if there's a local charity run dental clinic. Often these places only do exodontia, but some also do prophys and restorations. Here they rely on the donated time of dentists, oral surgeons, and other specialists. You're likely to get experience doing everything, as they are often short-handed with assistants.

In my 40+ hours shadowing GP, I only watched. At the local clinic, I assist with procedures, sterilize instruments, check BP, take out the trash, do patient intake, give discharge instructions. I get to work with different dentists and surgeons each week and learn how everyone has their own style. I can tell you most all of the instrument names and what they're generally used for (at least for extractions). Plus its rewarding knowing you're helping out the community. And 99% of the patients are the most gracious people you could ever meet.

 

[somethinpositiv]

DAT = 22TS / 22AA / 22PAT; GPA=3.62; sGPA=3.61

I have been shadowing a dentist for the past few months (~40 hours). I was pre-med though, and graduated in 2008. I decided I definantely liked dentistry more, and am applying to dental school now. I have volunteer experience in hospitals over a few years.

I'm from Texas, and was wondering what my chances are of getting into the three texas schools, and, more generally, other places in the US.

But mainly, what else can I do to strengthen my application?

Thanks!!

Your application is strong. You don't need to do much else to improve it. Perhaps you can get another ~60 hours shadowing a couple different dentists though, perhaps one GP and one specialist.

You have a really good chance at getting into a Texas school. Apply to other schools as well though, the first two that come to mind are UPenn (you'll prob get the $100K Dean's Scholarship) and Buffalo (cheap tuition). Other schools you could add are UoP and Columbia because of your high DAT score, and perhaps a couple of "safety schools" as well. Good luck.

 

[aggie-master]

You don't need to do anything else. You're DAT scores are great and your GPA is fine. Just get your application in on time. You will most likely be accepted by all three schools as long as you do fine in your interviews.

If it will make you feel better, check out this link of the DAT scores of A&M students that got into the 3 Texas schools in 2008. A 3.62 at Baylor is no different than a 3.62 at A&M as far as admissions committees are concerned.
http://honors.tamu.edu/opsa/pdf_files/dentchart.pdf

You'll notice that only one person on that list had a higher DAT score than you and they got into all 3 schools. I had a 22 also and got into all 3 schools. Also, around half of those people that got in had a lower GPA than you in addition to much lower DAT scores.

 

[SoonDent]

Your stats are strong. The most effective thing you can do to improve your chances is to apply very early (within the first week), and have a few people look over your application for errors and rewording.

Other than that, they might just want to see that you're continuing your pursuit by volunteering / shadowing / even interviewing dentists before the next cycle.

 

[WilsonJing]

Strong app bro. Just enjoy the ride. And please when u get accepted jump up and down like the rest of us.

 

[Meas]

Carolina06, I am just wondering how to locate these charity run dental clinic. I shadowed a dentist for a day, but all I did was standing beside him & asking questions. I think that I can learn more if I actually can help out in the clinic (like the things you mentioned about autoclaving, etc). I live in Canada and can only find private dental clinics.

Does anyone know any charity run dental clinic in Canada?

Thanks in advance!

Meas

 

[Doctor McLovin]

Your stats are strong. Perhaps consider some public health volunteer work, rather than shadowing private practice.

You're an idiot. OP, the only thing you have to do is get up 100 hour shadowing. You can do this by actually spending 60 more hours shadowing, spending 30 more hours shadowing and putting it down as 60, or lying straight up about 60 more hours of shadowing. You'll get into every single school except maybe the top 3 or 4.

 

[BaylorDDS]

You're an idiot. OP, the only thing you have to do is get up 100 hour shadowing. You can do this by actually spending 60 more hours shadowing, spending 30 more hours shadowing and putting it down as 60, or lying straight up about 60 more hours of shadowing. You'll get into every single school except maybe the top 3 or 4.

oops... haha, I misread that... my bad. Thanks for the info though.