Does being certified as a dental hygienist hurt or help one's chances of getting into dental school?

I have virtually unusable degree, and lately I've been considering becoming a dentist. I don't have the classes required to get into dental school, so I'm taking a few basics. I am trying to decide whether or not to go for another whole B.S. or to get the basics out of the way and try to get into a dental hygiene program so I can work in the field a little. I have seen statistics showing that a degree in nursing actually hurts one's chances of getting into medical school, and I was wondering if things work the same way for dental school.

Does being certified as a dental hygienist hurt or help one's chances of getting into dental school?
I would look again at the nurse to doctor thing because most primary care based schools (versus Research) preffer someone with lots of patient care time and nurses fit that bill.





As for dental school, I haven't looked a lot into it but time in the field as tech would definitely be good. This way you do better at the interview because you've been in the field and you can tell if you really like it. Schools like to see that you were thinking about it for a while did the tech thing and fell even more in love with it after. Oh, and you can rub noses with some dentists that would be able to write you some good and personal recommendation letters.





Good luck!
Reply:I don't know if it's a disadvantage or an advantage, but I _can_ say that - as an employer - I'd consider it a disadvantage to know that someone was using my practice as a stepping-stone to get out of the dental hygiene profession. I would prefer to hire for the long haul. There might be someone who is near retirement andonly wants a hygienist for the duration of his professional life, though.
Reply:I can't see where it would hurt you other than using up valuable time (and college credits that wouldn't be transferable) that you could be spending towards obtaining a doctor's degree. Most of the dentist I know never worked in a dental office prior to the prusuit of their degree. Usually they worked in a dental lab during their college years to help further their training with the hands on experience. That would be more informative for a person wanting to become a dentist. If you're not 100% sure if dentistry is for you, maybe you should talk with your dentist. Stress your thoughts and concerns, perhaps you could ask to observe him/her a day or two thru various procedures. Sometimes people aren't really aware of the work we do on a day to day basis. You may find yourself running not walking towards any other degree. It's not something all people can or want to do. You have to really enjoy not only helping people, but working in all types of different mouths with different problems. I can assure you that not all are pretty, and some we are thankful for the mask and gloves. It's really something you have to love to succeed at doing. Hope I've been of some help. Good luck with whatever decision you make.
Reply:I don't think being a dental hygienist first will hurt your chances of getting into dental school. BUT, you have to consider the time and money put into both of these programs. Thought about this myself, and still might do dental school. Even if you are a dental hygienist first you must still complete the full 4 years of dental school. Not just another couple of years. Even if you have had combined dental/%26amp; hygiene seminar classes these would usually also need to be taken again but, as a dental student. Dental school usually needs a few prerequitsites than hygiene programs. You also need to take the DAT. (like the MCAT but, for dental school). Also don't wait until all of your prereq's are done before applying to dental school. If they will be completed before you are due to enter. As for being a hygienist first you will prob. be a little more familiar with some of the clinic work and used to being with patients. You will still need to learn clinical dentistry. Also more didactic classes (bookwork) that only dental students take, and more exposure to legal aspects and how to run your own business. For myself I already had a bachelor degree before hygiene school. Not needed, though many of us had one. Finished with another. My best friend in hygiene school was a dental student in the same year graduating class. (went to a dental school w/ a dental hygiene program, not a comm. college) Didn't know at first but, she had been a hygienist for 20 years before going back to dental school. What really helps is that you might be able to temp. on weekends to help pay the bills. (if you have time not doing lab work or studying) Still need a large loan for dental school. Would suggest talking to an admissions person from each program. (faculty) They would be able to answer your questions and point you in the right direction. Try going to a dental school and dental hygiene open house to see the school and check out the two programs. There will be current students and faculty avail. to speak with. Good Luck! any questions let me know. (agree with the above answer, you can ask to 'shadow' a dentist or hygienist to see if it's right for you.)
Reply:I guess I'm not completly sure but dental hygienists make really good money. I am a dental assistant and we dont make crap but an hygienist makes good money. I dont see how it would hurt you. Assistants are always going to school to be hygienists, all the knowledge you already have for teeth can only help you I dont see how it could hurt you.