Preparing for Dental School - Majors and Classes

[DoomSoulcalibar]

Right now I'm planning for 10/11/12 but I'm not sure what to do. For grade 10 I'm doing English 10 Math 10 FPC(Foundation and Pre calculus) Social studies 10 and Pe 10(I'm probably gonna do it online.) And PLanning 10(Gonna do that online too.)My two electives are French11 and business education.)Just to say I need french because I'm in IB.) Just tell me if these courses are good for now or not. Thank you.

[linhphandds]

@DoomSoulcalibar You're still in high school so you have a long way to go. Take the courses you need, get into a university, take all the required and recommended courses.

[DoomSoulcalibar]

@linhphandds Thank you for replying. Ill ask you when I'm in University.

[jhongz100]

@linhphandds would it be alright if I took ochem, physics, bio, and history in one semester?

I have a 3.9gpa.

[linhphandds]

@jhongz100 If you can handle it, by all means.

[MegaBobbygreen]

@jhongz100 you a beast wow I'm going to try that lol

[jhongz100]

@MegaBobbygreen Anyone could do it. The key is time management.

[Jyimiao]

Do you need a 4.0 to apply for dental school?

I mean would you withdraw(W) a class if the grade's going to be a B; is W worse?

[linhphandds]

@Jyimiao You don't need a 4.0 to apply. But the higher your GPA, the better. Don't just withdraw from a class because you're going to get a B. Average GPA to apply/get accepted to dental school is >3.5-3.6.

[blankable1]

Ah, okay, thank you for replying! I'm still having a hard time figuring out if I really want to follow in the footsteps of my sisters and stepdad and enter dentistry. Your videos really help a lot though, bc it's cool to see a glimpse into what dental school will be like. :)

[blankable1]

Would it be okay if I major in English, just as long as I finish all the pre-dental reqs? Both my sisters majored in Biology, got into dental school, but I know that I will have a hard time getting As in my science classes. However, I am really good and interested in English also (Yes, I know it's a useless major), so would dental schools look down on me for having nonscience major?

[linhphandds]

@blankable1 You need to get good grades either way. The thing is, if you're having a hard time getting As in your science classes now, you might struggle in dental school. So that's why dental schools recommend taking heavy science classes so you can strengthen yourself. But if you want to major in anything else that's fine too. I have music majors, engineering majors, epidemiology majors, math majors in my class. So it doesn't hurt you. Just make sure you have a strong science background.

[blankable1]

@linhphandds Yeah, right now, I'm at a solid B in 2 out of 3 science classes. :/ I love learning about science, it's just that it takes me awhile to fully understand the concepts. Just curious, do you know anyone in your school who majored in any liberal arts? (English, history, psychology., ect...)

[IRANisPERSIA1]

my advisor just told me that just get good grades and do good on the big test then youre in. ha

[MegaBobbygreen]

Im in college now and I want to go to dentistry school too. Uconn , NYU as well as alot of other schools require experience. Could you do a video on how to get experience cause its hard. Ive walked into dental offices and they gave me the boot! I love dentistry .

[linhphandds]

@MegaBobbygreen Sure I'll try to make a video about that some time. Thanks for watching :)

[MegaBobbygreen]

@linhphandds Thanks so much I've been feeling down lately regarding undergrad. Why is calculus required for dentistry ?? Your video has really inspired me '_'

[admoonhermiz1]

what about mark?? Ithink it should be above 85% right??

[linhphandds]

@admoonhermiz1 Let's shoot for A's because the average applicant GPA that gets accepted is more or less 3.5

[ColinMeloy91]

@linhphandds Cool I have As :)

[cmgeary1892]

Awesome! Helps me alot! BUT, I have a goal to in the end become a dentist but what if Im not extremely good at science?

[linhphandds]

@cmgeary1892 If you're not naturally good at science, you're just going to have to work harder than everyone else. If you want something bad enough, you'll work for it and make it happen. :)

[linhphandds]

@cmgeary1892 I put in a couple of hours each day after school and more if I was struggling with a subject. And a few more hours on the weekend as well. Study as much as you need to, enough so you understand the material well.

[123larz]

what did u major in and what was ur highschool average and ur uni gpa and did u take physics

[guessonetheory]

did you take these classes in your universtiy before applying to dental school? I'm at a community college do you think I can take those classes here before going into dental school or should I go to the university and take the classes are there and then apply to dental school? lol.

[linhphandds]

@guessonetheory Yes I took these classes at my university before applying. If the classes are offered at your community college, go for it. But just keep in mind, some dental school require a 4 year degree from a university.

[guessonetheory]

@linhphandds Okay. Now I am keeping in mind that you are a student lol. but do you have any info or advice for the DAT or what your profile looked like for a good dental student canidiate? if that makes any sense. lol also what they ask you in the interview?

[jarvisthebox]

i think i love you , in a thanks for your advice kind of way lol , also your hot 

[cutefilly21]

so does that mean you applied to nyu for your first 4 years of undergrad, then you continued on with their grad dental program?

[linhphandds]

@cutefilly21 From high school, I applied to 4 year undergraduate colleges. I went to San Diego State University. Then from there, you apply to dental schools. At NYU, I know that if you go to their undergrad, there's a 7 year program you can link into. I think you do required courses and such for 3 years and the program continues into 4 years of dental school. I'm not sure if other schools do similar things.

[TheGervon]

@linhphandds i'm sorry one more question, how much amount of studying did you put in? thank you!! :)

[pspabiel9]

how many years in college do i have to take?do i need a bachelors deggre or an associates?please help

[AnchorageDentist]

Good luck.

[EXXKAIN1]

I'm andental hygienist adult student going to school parttime and trying to get into dental school hopefully nyu also! I was wondering if I could get in even though I don't go to school full-time? can I volunteer at yr school?

[EXXKAIN1]

Hey Lin I'm a fan yr great thanks for the info! Hope it's not rude to say but u didn't say what yr stats are? Dat gpa, just wondering what a good candidate like u looked like on paper?

[ashz0319]

hi...i really liked your videos, they are very informative.. i had a few concerns...how many semester hours are required for the pre requisites...and is it fine to complete the pre requisite in a community college rather than goin to a univeristy...??? i plan on doin 60 semester hours for my pre requisites from a community college.....do you think with these semester hours I would qualify to apply for a dental school...???

[NIKE213326]

I am going to college and I want to be a dentist is it hard in college to become a dentist are the class hard if so what class is the hardest and how much do I have to study.

[Nebula501713]

Hello, I am a high school student deciding on which major I should take and well I am mostly interested in this career. I was wondering a few things. I know this question may seem unusual but it does concern me. If you make it to dental school, do they offer financial aid? Or would you have to pay out of your own pocket. And if they do, does the aid also cover living expentures?

[linhphandds]

@Nebula501713 There are some scholarships out there but you have to find them and it depends on the school. There are also scholarships out there -- ex. military scholarship, community clinics, etc. But if you don't have a scholarship, you'll have to take out loans. You can take out enough loans to cover tuition and living expenses. You don't have to pay anything back until after you graduate, but interest starts to accumulate the second you take out the loan. Hope that helps, good luck.

[mulan2012]

How, how did you decide to go into dentistry? I want to be a dentistry but i am really scare of having some really bad teeth....and i don't know how to handle it because of disgust. what prepared you for it?

[linhphandds]

@mulan2012 If you want it bad enough, you'll find a way to get over it.  Everything is possible if you believe so, at least that's what I think.

[nkaohmong]

How did you study for your dat? And how do you like nyu?

[linhphandds]

@nkaohmong @nkaohmong Check out the video where I talk about the DAT towards the end. As for NYU, I don't have anything else to compare it to. I'm not going to lie, it's tough -- but I think all dental schools are hard -- but I'm learning a lot so it's worth the effort.

[odj2020]

thanks for the video!!! very useful information :) . I'm almost done with my bachelor's in business and to be honest with you its kind of scary switching from business to dental school, i still have to take most of the classes you talked about such as biology and chemistry so we will see what happenssss

[linhphandds]

@odj2020 Thank you and good luck!

[mdaniels84]

Dumb question. But when do you learn what size latex glove one wears haha? Do you have to learn sterile gloving techniques?

[linhphandds]

@mdaniels84 You just try the sizes on and she which one fits snuggly but isn't too tight. I sometimes wear a xsmall latex when I need my gloves to be a little tighter and not have so much excess at the tips, but most of the time I wear a small.  As for sterile gloving... every time you leave the operatory you're supposed to remove your gloves, and when you come back put new gloves on. I hope that answers your questions.

[TheGervon]

@linhphandds hey! thanks a lot for providing your insights on dental school, i live in nyc and im aspiring to attend a dental school, can you please tell me other dental schools which you had applied to? and what was your gpa in college? can you tell me the score that you would have to get on a DAT test? and because its nyu and its known to be expensive, do you think its easier to get into than a cheaper dental school such as stony brook??

[kundibeater352]

I am in high school and I've decided I really love dentistry. I love how it has a surgeon kind of role, deals with hygeine, and helping people look their best while dealing with health issues at the same time. I am an average student who has to study hard for the grades I get. Can I get into dental school with a major in something that I could excel in like Health Science and then do really well?

[linhphandds]

@kundibeater352 I honestly believe that you want something bad enough you'll make it happen. So if you want to go to dental school, you'll find a way to get there. Work hard and you'll be where you want to be. Sorry if that's cliche, but that's all there is to it.

[dillonb91]

Holy crap did you go to sdsu because I'm pretty sure our advisor is Barb something... I'm also considering applying for dental school and that is why I know.

[linhphandds]

@dillonb91 Yup! I went to SDSU! Represent!  :)

[cibolahighschool]

Do you have to major in something + the requirements in order to be admitted to dental school. Or can you just do the requirements (without a major) to enter dental school.?

[linhphandds]

@cibolahighschool It depends on the school. For example, USC even though it's not listed as a requirement, has not taken anyone without a undergraduate degree. So check with certain schools that you want to apply to. Some require a degree, some strongly recommend.

[cubanaestrella]

do you know what the DAT requirement is for NYUCD? if you take the DAT a year before applying, will there still be an opportunity to retake for a better grade?

[linhphandds]

@cubanaestrella You should check with the NYUCD website or contact the admissions office for exact requirements. As for taking the DAT early, yes you can take it early. You get your scores right after you finish the exam, right when you hit submit. And if you're not happy with your scores, you can take the DAT again in 3 months.

[batmanpronz]

23AA and 3.7+ GPA. 6 Rejections so far and only one interview. Dental school has officially become disgustingly competitive to get into.

[linhphandds]

@batmanpronz Aww... Is there more to your package than great scores and grades? :( And hey, you never know that one interview can be it. :)

[batmanpronz]

@linhphandds Thanks for the kind words :) Sorry, didn't mean to rant. To answer your question, yeah. I worked in undergrad, shadowed 2 different specialties, did a bunch of volunteering and was involved in several extracurriculars and clubs. I guess I'll just have to wait till Dec 1. Awesome video and best of luck in dental school!

[linhphandds]

@batmanpronz It's okay, when I was applying, I felt like I wasn't going to get in anywhere. I didn't get my NYUCD interview until February. And that was after almost all of the other schools rejected me. Keep your head up and stay positive. :)

[jeffrey71028]

Hi, when should i take the DAT? Right after i graduate from college or towards the end of my junior year in college? (undergraduate)

[linhphandds]

@jeffrey71028 Take the DAT when or before you apply. And you apply a year before the year you plan to matriculate. IE, don't apply the summer right before you want to enter, apply the year before that. If you want to go to dental school right after undergrad, apply and take the DAT the summer before your senior year.

[SunnyAZ92]

Your video was filled with amazing info!! I am also wanting to pursue dentistry. I just graduated high school last year. Looking into doing microbiology or biochemistry for my major. How do you like microbiology?? Do you have friend that are biochemistry majors?? Which would you say is hardest??

[chavezsrh]

Hello, I was just wondering at what point does one need to take the DAT. What is the content of the DAT? Please reply back! Love your video!

[linhphandds]

@chavezsrh Try googling DAT, I think that will give you more specific information that I can. And you should try to take your DATs before you apply. And you apply a year earlier than the year you plan to matriculate.

[bballfool24]

Thanks so much!!

[movhel21]

Thank you so much Linh, the two videos were really helpful...