hi everyone! i'm currently looking into dental schools to apply to so i can complete the pre reqs before applying (cuz each school has different). pls help me solidify a list. i'm from dc and i'm open to school literally anywhere as long as i become a dentist lol. i also don't have the best stats so if any of you have gotten into these schools pls lmk ur dat and other stats! i appreciate any advice!!!
hey everyone! long post but I'd really appreciate any advice from people who've been in a similar spot.
I'm a freshman public health major at the largest R1 university in Virginia with my sights set on dental school (dream schools are USC Herman Ostrow, VCU, and Pacific). This year was genuinely one of the hardest transitions of my life, and my science grades took a hit because of it.
One thing worth mentioning, I came in with a lot of credits from high school (AP/dual enrollment), so I'm actually considered a sophomore by credits, even though this is technically my first year. So I was thrown into higher-level coursework earlier than most freshmen, which made this year even more of an adjustment.
Here's where I stand grade-wise:
- Anatomy 1: B-
- Anatomy 2: C+
- Stats:B- (currently finishing)
- All other major/core/gen-ed courses (public health):As and A+s
Despite the rough science grades, I've made the Dean's List both semesters (3.5+ GPA), so I know I'm capable, anatomy and stats just really got me this year. How do I make up for these grades and show dental schools I can handle the science rigor?
What I have going for me:
- Dean's List both semesters freshman year
- Sophomore standing by credits
- Radiology certification through DANB
- ~48 hours of shadowing (40 pediatric, 8 general) — actively trying to get more
- Planning to get involved in research (love that I'm at an R1 for this)
- Considering a gap year to really strengthen my application
A frustrating side note: I've been applying to dental assisting jobs with my DANB radiology cert, but haven't been able to land anything yet, only have shadowing experience and no paid DA experience. Some of the offices I've reached out to have been really rude and inconsiderate about it, honestly. Any tips on breaking into that would also be super appreciated.
My questions:
Study tips for anatomy-style courses? i clearly need a better strategy for heavy memorization + application-based material. What worked for you?
How can I make up for my bad grades? Should I retake anatomy? Is an upward trend enough (my gpa went down .2 from the fall sem..), or do dental schools expect retakes for anything below a B?
Should I pick up a biology minor to demonstrate I can handle the science coursework and potentially boost my science GPA?
Would Biostatistics be a smarter move than just retaking stats to show quantitative ability?
For those who got into schools like Ostrow, VCU, or Pacific with a rough start, what made the difference in your application?
Any advice on landing a DA job with a DANB cert but only shadowing hours and no paid experience?
I know I'm only a freshman and have time to turn this around, but I want to be strategic from the start. Any advice is appreciated! 🙏
