So my stats are pretty average and I'm concerned about getting into dental school. It's too late for this current academic year to enroll in a masters program (didn't think ahead). So what should I do the rest of the year to improve my chances for the next application cycle besides retaking the DAT? Should I just enroll in some science classes as a non-matriculated student next semester? Please help.
Figure out what part of your application is your biggest concern-- GPA, DAT, extra curriculars, dental experience? Your plan will vary depending on which part of your app you want to fix the most.
If your GPA stats are average and could use some help, I'd advise you to just take more science courses. Hopefully there's a 4 year university that's near your house, so you can take your credits there instead of at a CC. It's good that you're thinking ahead because it takes awhile to get all the paperwork in order to enroll even as a non-degree student.
If you're planning on retaking your DAT, make sure you don't make the same mistakes as you did the first time. I made the mistake of underestimating the time frame necessary to properly study for the DAT-- I thought I would need 3 weeks, and I ended up needing 2 months. Do it right so you don't have to do it again.
Other than that, I think the best BEST thing for you to do right now would be to get a job as a dental assistant. I just started my job about a month ago, and I cannot tell you how much it has helped-- it'll definitely let you know if you're right for dentistry, and it'll impress adcoms that you were able to hold a dental job for a year +. There are places that will hire you without any training whatsoever (some even prefer it that way, to train you from scratch). If you really can't find a paying job, ask dental offices if they'll train you as an assistant if you work for them for free for a period of time. I'd rather do that than shadow, because shadowing taught me nothing except that I was always in everyone's way.
