Dental School

tlory in Roseville, Michigan said: comments

Im sorry I justed wanted to read the comments, but the website indicated that I needed to type a response. Anyhow- I am looking into Loma Linda University in Calf., does anyone know anything about that school for there dentistry programs?

Hi everyone im 24 years old and im currently a dental hygiene student and will be graduating in 5 months with an associate's degree.I wanted to know if it is easier for a dental hygienist to get in to dental school? Also I wanted to know if i need a bachelor degree to be able to apply to dental school? and is it even worth it to go to dental school since from what Ive heard they don't make that much anyways.
I would really appreciate an advice!

sandy in San Juan Capistrano, California said: Hi everyone im 24 years old and im currently a dental hygiene student and will be graduating in 5 months with an associate's degree.I wanted to know if it is easier for a dental hygienist to get in to dental school? Also I wanted to know if i need a bachelor degree to be able to apply to dental school? and is it even worth it to go to dental school since from what Ive heard they don't make that much anyways.
I would really appreciate an advice!

Hi, Contact the Dental schools you are interested in: Admissions office would give you the most accurate info. I feel. I believe you do need a Bachelors degree for acceptance and probably a gradepoint avg. and the Dental entrance exam...the school can tell you further on this of what it entails, costs, info. on that test....I don't understand "they (Dr.'s) don't make that much anyways..." Maybe not in the beginning, but investing and knowing how and what to set up in a practice , this I believe is in courses once you are in a dental program....GL in obtaining info for dental school and finding work as an RDH ...is very competitive and the pay is not as it should be, etc...too many going into the field now.

wilsoj35 said: I have a few questions myself. I am a freshman in college studing dental hyginestry and was wondering if the work is worht getting into thousands of dollars of debt for. Am I making the right choice?

Hi, Where are you from and where are you in a Dental Hygiene program? First off, the field of DH is oversaturated; is there any other major you are interested in or is it only DH for you? Are you interested in the dental field in general? If you are not sure of what you want to do for the next 30yrs, might I suggest training as a DA (dental assistant), this would cost alot less and you could see if you want to go further in the dental field. DH school cost, thousands of dollars, is very stressful, and is a full-time commitment....you want to have everything in place as far as a place to live, daycare if you have children, money aside for bills, etc....first. DA training is ALOT less and many in comparison to DH's in today's market more readibly obtain work that is set days/hours/pay and receive benefits....many RDH's are on their own for most of this....hope you find the answers to your questions....talk to the schools to find out the cost and commitment, and Part-time RDH's and DA's they may give you the insight and answers you are looking for ...GL

I am a RDH and I am only 22 years old. I got my Bachelors of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and now I am considering going back to school to become a Dentist eventually. I however would need to go back and take prerequisite courses prior to doing so. As of right now I love my job and I love being a Dental Hygienist but I would love to consider all options with being so young and already in a professional career. Anyone that has been in my shoes and has some information or comments, all would be helpful.

leah.underhill in Humble, Texas said: I am a RDH and I am only 22 years old. I got my Bachelors of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and now I am considering going back to school to become a Dentist eventually. I however would need to go back and take prerequisite courses prior to doing so. As of right now I love my job and I love being a Dental Hygienist but I would love to consider all options with being so young and already in a professional career. Anyone that has been in my shoes and has some information or comments, all would be helpful.

If you have the marks for Dental School, DO IT. Accept it may cost you for a few years...but you will recoup that money in a relatively short period of time.

could i start going to college to be a dental assistant while i'm still in high school? cause thats what i wanna be right now, then once i get my degree in that i want to go back to school to be a hygienist, then maybe a dentist. but could i start my college courses while im still in high school?

Leah:
Do it. Go to dental school. It may seem daunting at first, but dental school will go by very quickly. You're at the perfect age, and with your hygiene background, you'll be a wonderful employer. Go for it!

rdh4 in Victoria, British Columbia said: Leah:
Do it. Go to dental school. It may seem daunting at first, but dental school will go by very quickly. You're at the perfect age, and with your hygiene background, you'll be a wonderful employer. Go for it!

thanks! and okay. i work at a dentist offoce now thats what enspired me to become this :) but could i start now while im in high school? im a senior.

kk in Warner Robins, Georgia said: could i start going to college to be a dental assistant while i'm still in high school? cause thats what i wanna be right now, then once i get my degree in that i want to go back to school to be a hygienist, then maybe a dentist. but could i start my college courses while im still in high school?

I don't think so. You have to graduate H.S., have your diploma...then apply to a school. When you graduate H.S.: you can look into a program for DA to see what pre-req's may be needed: ie-Chemistry w/lab, Biology w/lab, Engish comp. (? for DA program)...to start. DA's tend to find work and benefits/retirement pkgs more readibly....RDH field is oversaturated and very costly...even though you are in H.S., think forward now, because if you go the route of RDH degree....it will be hard to make a living....24yr VET.

KK,
Depending on the school and their specific requirements you can start taking the pre-reqs for the dental assisting program while you're in high school. I'm from GA originally so I know middle georgia tech in warner robins and central georgia tech in macon both offer dual enrollment programs for high school students but only MGTC has both dental assisting and dental hygiene. I am currently in school and I was going to go into dental hygiene but after reading through some of the post and my own concerns I have chosen to go straight to dental school. If you read through the posts there are current DHs who are going back to dental school bc of the repition involved in DH work and also some like myself some were probably thinking all along "I could be the dentist". I originally went to school for psychology and after some family money trouble I had to stop and work. I worked as a dental assistant(on the job training no school involved)and that is where I realized that this was my passion. So another route is to find an office that will give on the job training that would work in your best interest too so you can just jump into dental achool pre reqs. There are dentist out there that will train you with no background. If that doesnt work out get a dental assisting certificate work part time and go to school for dentistry, your dental background will come in handy for dental school. One last thing, many of the pre-reqs for dental assisting will not transfer over into a pre-dental track. So get online, do some research and compare betweens tech school and 4 year school tracks. Sorry for the LOONNNNGGG post but I wanted to share as much as possible to help you out.

DanieB in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: KK,
Depending on the school and their specific requirements you can start taking the pre-reqs for the dental assisting program while you're in high school. I'm from GA originally so I know middle georgia tech in warner robins and central georgia tech in macon both offer dual enrollment programs for high school students but only MGTC has both dental assisting and dental hygiene. I am currently in school and I was going to go into dental hygiene but after reading through some of the post and my own concerns I have chosen to go straight to dental school. If you read through the posts there are current DHs who are going back to dental school bc of the repition involved in DH work and also some like myself some were probably thinking all along "I could be the dentist". I originally went to school for psychology and after some family money trouble I had to stop and work. I worked as a dental assistant(on the job training no school involved)and that is where I realized that this was my passion. So another route is to find an office that will give on the job training that would work in your best interest too so you can just jump into dental achool pre reqs. There are dentist out there that will train you with no background. If that doesnt work out get a dental assisting certificate work part time and go to school for dentistry, your dental background will come in handy for dental school. One last thing, many of the pre-reqs for dental assisting will not transfer over into a pre-dental track. So get online, do some research and compare betweens tech school and 4 year school tracks. Sorry for the LOONNNNGGG post but I wanted to share as much as possible to help you out.

How can you take pre-req's when you haven't graduated from H.S.? That does not make sense. To be accepted into any college or tech training, usually you need the diploma or GED equivilant but I do agree to go for training for DA on the job or prg

DanieB in Colorado Springs, Colorado said: KK,
Depending on the school and their specific requirements you can start taking the pre-reqs for the dental assisting program while you're in high school. I'm from GA originally so I know middle georgia tech in warner robins and central georgia tech in macon both offer dual enrollment programs for high school students but only MGTC has both dental assisting and dental hygiene. I am currently in school and I was going to go into dental hygiene but after reading through some of the post and my own concerns I have chosen to go straight to dental school. If you read through the posts there are current DHs who are going back to dental school bc of the repition involved in DH work and also some like myself some were probably thinking all along "I could be the dentist". I originally went to school for psychology and after some family money trouble I had to stop and work. I worked as a dental assistant(on the job training no school involved)and that is where I realized that this was my passion. So another route is to find an office that will give on the job training that would work in your best interest too so you can just jump into dental achool pre reqs. There are dentist out there that will train you with no background. If that doesnt work out get a dental assisting certificate work part time and go to school for dentistry, your dental background will come in handy for dental school. One last thing, many of the pre-reqs for dental assisting will not transfer over into a pre-dental track. So get online, do some research and compare betweens tech school and 4 year school tracks. Sorry for the LOONNNNGGG post but I wanted to share as much as possible to help you out.

How can you take pre-req's when you haven't graduated from H.S.? That does not make sense. To be accepted into any college or tech training, usually you need the diploma or GED equivilant but I do agree to go for training for DA on the job or prg

Exp:

Many tech schools today are offering dual enrollment programs for high school students who are very ambitious! I know it's been a while since you had to look into things like this but they do exist! Also I know you are here to offer a realistic prospective on the field but I feel a lot of your comments are just plain negative! It's one thing to offer a REAL prospective but it seems that you are just trying to talk people out of entering the hygienist field. I know jobs aren't readily available in all areas but there are still some areas that have great opportunities and I don't think you should respond to everyone with the same speech of oversaturation! I think that this discussion board is the place people come to the hear from newbies and experienced DHs alike and possibly find a mentor but the REAL has turned real negative and it's almost discouraging! I think these are things to concern before giving the oversaturation reply, think if where these people are located and that maybe they've done research just need a word or push of encouragement! There are things that INDEED embellishes so that's why they need your intake on salary,etc., but a speech on how they should go another route!

DanieB, So, you know of states that are telling possibly "future RDH's" the real situation of the job market? If you know of what states, etc. that DO need RDH's then...offer them up. As far as taking pre-req's, if this is true (what states do you know of ?), I'm sure that IMO is in regard to those who are "AP placement" in their senior year..., not just anyone , esp. without a H.S. diploma... So do you have reg/set/work/hours/days? that YOU can count on? How many jobs that are listed (in many places), do you think don't receive an overabundance of resumes? How about pay? Do you really think this field will offer those thinking of dental as a career at this point in time, ??? and benefits? Please note there are many newbies that wish they had known what info. we here are able to give them, from experiencing the market now. If you are all set in your job...good for you. I recom. the DA rte. as oppossed to DH because of yrs. of exp, seeing what many say on here and because I've been in both places. What are states you actually know of looking? etc. Please give us leads if you can. If you are new to the field, you never really know in this economy and with the vast number of RDH's in the market, what will actually happen to your position...Dr.'s and OM's are not going to let you know about all the resumes's and interviews they may be conducting. Some other exp'd RDH's on here who do have a good position and reg. work are even saying that this is a tough road for us now. You have a different "perspective" than others...everyone has their own exp, and info. as to what's happening; unfortunately more have unemployment after spending hard earned money or large loans with no job prospects available. P.S. The "real" is not always roses and sunshine...it's reality. I am not the only one with my view either...newbies to older exp'd RDH's are on here alot, stating the fact that they are doing everything possible to obtain reg/set work...not work here and there

Exp,
My opinion is not meant as an attack on you for giving the reality of the field bc when I first became a member of this forum debating between a DH or dental program I believe you responded and I took what you had to say as valuable incite on the field. I think that some people are coming here to get reality and encouragement. I'm here in CO and there are lots of listing for hygienists but you are right, who knows how many apps and interviews OMs have lined up. I was a working DA in GA and when my husband and I relocated here I went on 5 interviews as was told that I had a great attitude and did good work but no callbacks. I even went to a short program as a refresher just in case I had gotten rusty and still multiple interviews with no callbacks. I met a DH here who told me that her office is hiring even straight out of school at $30/hr, 3 days a week and they have the production to keep everyone on board. My husbands cousin in MI makes the same. I think the dental industry on a whole is going downhill for us DAs, DHs and theres no one at the tech schools telling people the reality of the job market. It's also going down because of the economy and companies cutting certain healthcare programs such as dental in order to save jobs. I do feel that with the economy making a turn for the better the field will also be on an upswing and that's what many people entering the field are counting on. I'm not trying to challenge your experience at all I guess I just would rather have my reality with a dash of encouragement. Due to my unsuccessful DA job search I was debating on a DH program and dental school so now I'm completing pre-reqs for dental school. Also the college dual enrollment is not to actually take the DA courses just the englishs and maths, that's what I meant by pre-reqs. Many schools are doing it(GA,AL,CO,etc.) and not just for AP kids, there are reqs but if meet them you can sign up and take entry level courses. It's for the ambitious!

okay for aLL THAT DO NOT KNOW when you go to school and get a bachealors .i probaly didnt spell that right. but my doctor said she went to school for bilogy and took a specialty in med school for gyn ;s so maybe u dont have to start all over or transfer credits.

thanks everyone. && i already have a job at a dentist office thats what has inspired me to become an DA. and i know that she would be more than willing to help me with all that stuff!

I am a registered nurse and have taken most of my science classes 6 - 7 years ago.I am planning to go to Dental School 2012 but have to take Organic 1 &2 and also Physics 1 & 2. I am currently pursuing an MPH and should be done by Spring 2012. Do I have to take my science classes that are over five years old? What are my chances of getting in at the age of 34

Ashley in Fayetteville, North Carolina said: I know of many people who attended medical/dental school while being a single parent and not working. I know many dental/medical schools will give you a stipend of like 25g a year so that you dont have to work. I am also considering dental hygiene because I am not sure I have 7 years of school in me (I would want to be a orthodontist). Even though I am only 24, I still wish I would have pursued dental hygiene right after finishing my BS degree. I wish you luck and you can do it :)

I am a single parent living in Dallas, TX. When I started out in dentistry I had no clue about it other than getting a cleaning every 6 months. Couple of years later I became an assistant, now I am an instructor. I am not in school although I have been accepted at a junior college and I am ready to begin the process in the Spring. I truly want to get my BS in Dental Hygiene although I am reconsidering due to the fact that I NEED TO WORK TO SURVIVE! I am interested in the Stipend that the colleges offer. Is it available when you get to your Hygiene courses? Where do you get the information? Reevaluating my situation, would it be better if I just go through 2 year DH program versus the 4 year? My reason for the BS is to be able to have options later on in life, maybe if I get bored as a Hygienist, I can teach. I hear many stories that hygienist have a high burn-out rate and that they go back and forth doing assisting and then back to hygiene or maybe going back to school. In fact, many prefer being an assistant altogether, but in know that is not where the money is. I still have much to consider. Any and all advise will be helpful and will be greatly appreciated. Pls reply.

Thanks,

Faith

Ben RDH, in Baltimore, Maryland said: Hygiene school $30,000
Dental school $130,000
Otherwise, dentistry has more variety. Hygienists pretty much repeat the same procedures every 45-60 min., day in and day out.
If i already had a BS and were under the age of 30, i would go for dentistry.

hi..im lost can someone please help me...im about to graduate from HS and im doing a project on a career im interested in.. chose "dental assisting" my plan is to go to a dental assistant school and get a certificate or diploma and work my way up..hoping later on i can become a dental hygienist but im confused i thought dental hygienist was way more expensive since they have to go to school longer... and according to someone dental hygienists only go to college for 2 years and get their associate's degree im lost i thought dental assistants are the ones that go to college for 2 years to get their associates degree if they want to and hygienist 4 years..am i missing something??
thx..

MiNNi0 in Oak Harbor, Washington said: hi..im lost can someone please help me...im about to graduate from HS and im doing a project on a career im interested in.. chose "dental assisting" my plan is to go to a dental assistant school and get a certificate or diploma and work my way up..hoping later on i can become a dental hygienist but im confused i thought dental hygienist was way more expensive since they have to go to school longer... and according to someone dental hygienists only go to college for 2 years and get their associate's degree im lost i thought dental assistants are the ones that go to college for 2 years to get their associates degree if they want to and hygienist 4 years..am i missing something??
thx..

Dental assisting program ranges from 6 months to one full academic year. Hygiene program ranges from 2-4yrs depending if you want a diploma or a degree.

In 2006, after practicing hygiene for 3 years, I decided to take the plunge and apply to dental school. I thought because I have an RDH, BS degree and years of assisting/hygiene experience I would have no problem getting in. My father is also a dentist.

I had to re-take many of my core science classes, along with physics, bio and chemistry. I put work/hygiene on hold for 3 years while I completed all the necessary classes. I took out student loans, lots of $$.

I scored a 17 on the DAT, 18 total science and 17 PAT. My cum GPA was a 3.5 and science a 3.4 Above all that I had over 100 hours of community service- most was directly dental related. I even cleaned the homeless's teeth for hours.

Well, it wasn't good enough. I applied to 5 DDS schools and didnt even get an interview. The next cycle, I applied to only 1 school and only 1 b/c I had 9 recommendation letters from dentists whom I worked with directly who graduated from the DDS program. No dice

I really thought I had a good shot at being accepted and would not have tried getting in had I not thought I had a chance. Once all my loans are paid off, it will be a grand total of just over $24,000 at my failed dental school attempt.

Most schools do not take having dental experience into consideration. It's not fair, but that is life. I hope everyone here who goes for it has better luck than I did.

BH:
Apply to the University of Saskatchewan.

staci in Los Angeles, California said: Hi everyone,

Iam 24 years old and i want to apply to dental hygiene program but it's so hard to get in. Any recommend or tip that i should do and what kind of questions do they asks in the interview. Any one that go through the process already and you kindly help me. thanks

Go to a vocational college they offer much easier enrollment and usually no waiting. I am
going to Carrington and will be done in about three years from when I started. I am happy with it.

If I were u, I would think about other fields. I have friends who graduated 1 year ago and still dont have jobs. I know that hygienists are struggling these days. specially in california the dental field is over saturated. Its a long , painful process to get ur license. once your done with the whole thing you'll be dissapointed. I know that's how I and most of my friends feel.If we knew what the reality of hygiene is we wouldnt go through all that trouble.

will in Elberfeld, Indiana said: Right now i'm in school to become a dental hygienist i'm only 19 and i decided to be a dental hygienist, because I only need a 2 year college degree for it, but after i get my degree in dental hygiene if im not happy with my choice, i'll go back to school to be a general dentist...I'm also not the best in MATH and it takes alot of math/chemistry corses to get a degree in science....most general dentist do 4 years of college and 4 years of dental school thats 8 years, dental hygienist only need a 2 year college degree. But the pay difference is crazy dental hygienst make about $29.15 an hour thats like 60,000 a year, but general dentist make, about $64.27 dollers a hour thats well over 100,000 a year.

I am 18 and considering doing the same thing. Aswell as you, i am horrible at math and decided to be a hygienist and mayb move up later if i dislike it. So i have a question, I'm still a senior in high school so what would my major be for this? There are several options regarding mecial (medical assisting, medical transcription, etc). There isn't anything on dental, so i'm assuming its biological sciences? If you can help me with that I would highly appreciate it. Thank you

If you're thinking about going to dental school, you may want to check out www.bls.gov/oco/ocos072.htm to find out the job outlook, average salary, etc. You should make sure you are as informed as possible before deciding to go to school.
I'm currently a dental student and I found my school at dentaldegree.org/ . There's tons of information about different schools and programs you may be considering.

it was no very help full.