Get your daily Dose of Dentistry here!
Tooth Be Told:
A Non-Traditional Guide to Dentistry
advice from a non-traditional applicant
Being a Non-Traditional Applicant: Anna's Story
At a young age, dental imperfection manifested in the ability to slide my tongue between the pronounced gap in my front teeth. The transformative journey through orthodontics not only aligned my smile and sparked the confidence of a young woman, but it also ignited an insatiable curiosity for the dental profession. During school breaks, I honed my skills in instrument sterilization at a dental clinic and gained invaluable exposure to my first patient interactions. Dreaming of a future in orthodontics, I applied to college and declared myself a pre-dental student.
College, however, took me on an unexpected detour. My career aspirations underwent a fundamental shift in the wake of profound personal losses punctuated with my father’s passing. My ambitions of becoming the first female doctor in my family dimmed and were replaced by a pragmatic focus on securing employment after college and navigating survival in a changing world without the help of one of my parents.
After graduating from UT Dallas in 2021, I began working as a Business Operations Coordinator in the Texas Medical Center here in Houston. I was proficient in my role supporting faculty physicians while overseeing the duties of two assistant coordinators. Despite my capabilities, it quickly became clear that the work I performed failed to inspire the passion I sought out. Although I was operating in the realm of healthcare leadership, supporting professionals leading change in the medical community, I yearned to make a more personal impact. By March 2023, I was studying for the DAT and enrolling in prerequisite courses at The University of Houston.
Returning to the pre-dental path as a non-traditional student came with challenges, but also valuable lessons. Preparing for the DAT was a test of discipline and mental fortitude as I committed to relearning subjects I hadn’t studied in years. I experimented with different study methods and immersed myself in practice questions. Some days were filled with confidence, but (honestly) most were clouded by frustration and self-doubt. By following a study schedule, giving myself grace, and reminding myself why I started this journey, studying for the DAT as a post-bacc student was an educational experience beyond the scope of the test itself. Every hour of studying, every practice test, and every obstacle had been worth it once I received my score.
Self-doubt has been a constant companion on this journey. I’ve questioned whether my previous academic performance would hold me back or if there’s anything special about me to help me stand out as an applicant. With every challenge I face and every milestone I reach, I realize that my past experiences have equipped me with valuable skills needed to succeed in dentistry. From restaurants to hospitals, I’ve learned that great patient care isn’t just about technical skill, but also about listening, empathy, and trust. These qualities gained from previous, unrelated experiences as a non-traditional student will help me provide compassionate, patient-centered dental care.
Taking a non-traditional path to dentistry highlights the value of transferable skills, allowing applicants to draw from past experiences to succeed in new challenges and cultivate a unique approach to patient care. Whether it’s explaining a procedure to an anxious patient, creating a calming environment, or providing reassurance after a difficult diagnosis, interpersonal skills gained from seemingly unrelated experiences are invaluable in shaping the way one cares for their patients.
Forging Your Own Path to Dentistry & Getting Started:
For those who are considering a non-traditional path to dental school, know that your journey is just as valuable as anyone else's. Whether you've worked in a different field, faced personal hardships, or taken time to explore other career options, these encounters will only strengthen your ability to connect with patients. Dentistry requires resilience, adaptability, and empathy—all of which are honed through life's challenges. Don’t let an unconventional path deter you; instead, use it as an advantage. Leverage your unique background to bring fresh perspectives to the field and never underestimate the power of perseverance.
What is a Non-Traditional applicant? Those who do not follow the typical path of applying or matriculating to dental school immediately after college, potentially taking gap years, changing careers, or having diverse backgrounds such as military service or caregiving responsibilities.
What is a Post-Baccalaureate student? Someone who has already earned a bachelor’s degree but needs to complete prerequisite courses and improve their academic record to become competitive for dental school applications.
As a Non-Traditional applicant, I completed a “DIY” Post-Bacc curriculum at The University of Houston and enrolled only in the prerequisite courses I needed to apply to dental school. However, Post-bacc programs are designed to help individuals transition from undergraduate to professional schools, especially if you have a non-science background or need to improve your GPA. Some Post-Bacc program options are:
What Do I Need to Apply to Dental School?
Beyond academic qualifications, schools seek well-rounded applicants with diverse experiences and a clear passion for dentistry. Each step plays a vital role in strengthening your application. Set yourself up for success early!
How To Study for the DAT:
The road to dentistry as a non-traditional applicant is filled with opportunities for growth. You might face unique challenges that others will not, such as working full-time or even caring for children while preparing for the DAT. It may feel overwhelming, but let’s break it down into more manageable steps.
What to Include in my Dental School Application as a Non-Traditional Applicant?
Your non-traditional background is your biggest strength. Schools want well-rounded students with real-world experience. Weave your past experiences into your application effectively to stand out as a resilient, adaptable, driven future dentist–make your journey work for YOU.
So... What Now?
Taking the non-traditional path to dentistry may come with its own set of challenges, but it also provides unique opportunities for growth, resilience, and self-discovery.
Your past experiences equip you with invaluable skills that will make you a compassionate and adaptable dentist. Remember, dentistry is not just about technical expertise, it’s about understanding and connecting with patients on a deeper level. Embrace your journey, leverage your unique strengths, and take pride in the path that has led you here.
Your experiences set you apart, so use them to forge your own way in dentistry with confidence and purpose.
This Article was written by Anna Denkeler:
Hello! My name is Anna Denkeler, and I graduated from The University of Texas at Dallas in Spring 2021. I attended the University of Houston for the 2023-2024 academic year as a post-baccalaureate student and was recently accepted to a Texas dental school! I am forever grateful to the UH ASDA organization for their support, providing exciting volunteer opportunities and meaningful ways to connect with others in the pre-dental community. Thank you, UH ASDA, for everything!
Thank you for sharing your thought!
Oops, there was an error sending your message.
Please try again later!
CONTACT US
Email us at asda.uh@gmail.com, and connect with us on social media!
ON CAMPUS OFFICE
Lamar Fleming Jr. Building, Room 158
MAILING ADDRESS
4465 University Drive
Commons Desk Mailbox #217
Never miss an update.
Join our mailing list now.
Thank you for subscribing! For any further questions, email us at asda.uh@gmail.com