Wildest Question

[Firik]

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Being a dentist is a great privilege which comes with great responsibilities. I would think most people have a mental image of how the dentist "should look like". This includes, for guys being tall and handsome with the "cool" voice and for girls is being beautiful (this sentence I made up). The point I am trying to ask, if admission committee "concern" about their body size of their students fitting "image of dentistry". As you might guess I am not fitting those descriptions and I was curious if adcoms do score us on that. This thought came to me because of two reasons: a) people that I was surrounded by saying how dental students are ... as I described above and b) some schools require your photo. I am interested what you think. I am expecting most would say no, but could you please back up your reason. Thank you!

 

[MavsFanForLife]

Would an adcom base their decision off physical appearance alone, or would physical appearance prevent you from acceptance? No. But Adcoms are human beings, and it is human nature to be drawn somewhat to physically attractive people. So I would say that an applicant that is interviewed that "fits the image of dentistry" may have a very small advantage. With that being said..... I would not worry much about it. Being comfortable and confident with who you are is a characteristic that will also be noticed in interviews. Dental schools want students who can succeed in dental school, fit into the culture of the school, and become successful dentist (none of which requires physical characteristics).

 

[Jlm50]

Just make sure your suit fits you well and you feel like a million bucks and you'll be fine. I think if it did influence someone itd be because the applicant was visibly uncomfortable.

I do not fit the above stereotype either, and I was accepted to UNE and BU.

 

[Glb708]

We’re all humans, including adcom members. We are all predisposed to be judgmental in some ways. They will not base a decision off of physical appearance alone, however, if you’re talking about body size in particular, dentists are doctors and do benefit from setting an example to their patients. Being in the healthcare field, it is expected that professionals, including dentists, take care of themselves as they know the effects of not doing so.

 

[lwergod]

I think adcomes try to be unbiased as possible when it comes to interviews/reviewing your app.. But, like everyone said above, they're humans and are still subject to being subconsciously judgemental.

However, don't go thinking that if you did not do well in interviews because you're not tall/attractive enough.

 

[Life of Pablo]

Yes appearance can help you during your interviews, but so can your personality/charisma. Even if you don’t think you’re an attractive person, you can definitely make up for it with your personality.

 

[Big Time Hoosier]

you can definitely make up for it with your personality.

Or with your ability to answer this nagging question my coworkers and I have had: Pound for pound, who would win a fight between a lobster and a house cat? I’m personally torn, but my money might be on the lobster.

Big Hoss

 

[MrBoneless]

My roommates wife always jokes that only beautiful women are in her husbands class. She’s mostly right. On average there are a lot more good-looking people in dental school than in the general population. However, it’s not a requirement by any means. For every good-looking person there’s an average one. Your personality matters so much more to ad-coms and patients. Focus on what you can change and look your best and you’ll be fine.

 

[Firik]

Thank you for your input! Great points!
For others, feel free to add