Hello,I am currently twenty four years of age. I've been out of highschool of course for awhile now. In my early twenties I joined up with the United States Military. I've been working within the field of Dentistry with the Military as my primary responsibility. And I am currently Reserve service obligation within the Dental field to this day. I will soon be starting Community College in order to get into the mix of educational study once more since I have been out of school for a few years. And plan to transfer over to a four year university. While doing Dental within the military I have found that it's actually an enjoyable job. It is truly something I appreciate and enjoy doing. Some of the Doctors of Dental Surgery within my Unit have told me to progress toward Medical School. But others have told me that I am starting off late. Even an Advisor at the college I plan to transfer to have made a remark that I am starting too late. I really want this. Is this really a proper choice?
2007-04-28 13:36:16 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Education & Reference ➔ Higher Education (University +)
They tell me time is no longer my own if accepted to medical school. And that I rarely have time to do anything. I am already used to this due to the Military. The thing I am worried of is Mathematical studies as I have not dealt with advanced Mathematics for a few years. All of the negative comments about my age,starting too late,and it's possibly not a good career path for me/waste of years stated by advisors and few others makes me wonder though.
2007-04-28 14:06:28 · update #1
What I do within the Military is not work pertaining to earned DDS studies. Basic dental field practice. We call it Dental. Military Dentistry field. Different than how it's viewed in the Civilian aspect. Assistant(s) to an actual Registered Dentist(s) upon the Base.
http://www.goarmy.com/JobDetail.do?id=145
Would give you better detail.
2007-04-28 14:58:54 · update #2
Yes! and Yes!
FYI, you need to go DENTAL School, and not medical school if you're interested in dentistry.
No, It's not too late at all! You're only 24...you made it sound like you were 60! Seriously, you'll find lots of dental students older than 25! And even if you happened to be the oldest in the class, it doesn't matter. You'll still have more than half your life to practice denstistry.
Yes, it's hard and time-consuming. But think about it, anything worth in this life require hard-work and time. It will take around 8 years to finish up...but you'll be glad that you'd done it in the end.
Don't worry, you'll have to take math classes in college so are fine.
Check out these blogs of dental students to see what their life's like as students: http://www.studentdoctor.net/diary/
Hope this helps :)
2007-04-28 17:40:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry that you have been receiving so many negative comments. It is true that in dental school, you will have no personal time. And that by the time you are done with all your schooling, you will be well into your 30s.
What you have to decide is if this path is right for you. If you really badly want to be a dentist, then go for it. While you will have little free time as you are studying very hard through undergrad, and attending dental school, it will pay off in the end when you are a dentist.
If you are not willing to spend so much time in school, there are other options. For instance, you could study to become a dental hygienist. My aunt is one, and from what she tells me, if you like dentistry you will love the job. Programs probably vary from state to state, but the one she went to in CA was 2 years of general ed and prerequisite classes, and 2 years of technical training, all at a community college.
I think both would be great options for you. And only you can decide what the right path is.
2007-04-28 14:40:16 · answer #2 · answered by jellybeanchick 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
First of all, I hope that you are aware that to become a licensed dentist, you need to attend DENTAL school, NOT medical school. To answer your question though, no I do not think it's too late for you to start. I currently attend a highly competitive public university in California and there are several people who are older than the typical college student but are still going to professional schools. I have several former military friends who are going on to law, medical, business school, etc. Age has nothing to do with it, but your determination and willingness to work hard do. Don't worry about what some arrogant counselor told you, I remember when I was applying to my current school (also as a transfer from a community college), the counselor from the university looked at my transcripts, extra-cirriculars, etc. and basically said that I had a really long shot at getting in...and now I'm graduating with honors in two months. So I honestly believe what you want can be done. Question for you too though because I'm curious, how did you work as a dentist in the military if you had no college degree and no dental training?
2007-04-28 14:07:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
You can do this, but it isnt going to be easy. I think it is a good plan to start at a community college taking some refresher courses in English, Math and possibly chemistry or biology. Then transfer over to a four year school after a year and work hard on chemistry and biology. You will have to take organic chemistry, physics and calculus which are killer courses. That will be a year of absolute total dedication to the books.
If you do well in those courses then I think your chances of going on to medical or dental school are reasonably good. The schools will appreciate your extra maturity and dedication.
But, you must take those tough courses and do well. Otherwise you cannot go on. If you do not get top grades, there are still options in health care. THe US is really short of nurses! Nurses get good pay and job security. You will see a lot more guys going into nursing in the next few years.
Good luck!
2007-04-28 13:48:58 · answer #4 · answered by matt 7 · 3⤊ 0⤋
well im 18 and your only four years older then me so no you are not old!! I think you should follow your heart and do what you wanna do, you may have a lot of school in your future but also you will be very well needed! We will never not need a doctor, I honestly would rather have an older doctor simply because they are more knowledgeable. Do whats gunna make you happy!
2016-05-21 02:53:20 · answer #5 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was in the military between high school and college, and again after college. I entered law school in my mid thirties.
I see nothing wrong with you going to Medical School in your mid-twenties. In fact, I'd bet your odds of success are higher because of your military experience.
It's not going to happen if you don't go for it. They can't shoot you.
2007-04-28 13:41:05 · answer #6 · answered by open4one 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Technical colleges offer a variety of medical-field ourses for ppl fresh out of High School. Or you could take it online. My mom did that, and now she's got her LPNS degree.
2007-04-28 13:42:32 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Are you out of college? If you are, yes, of course!!!! You can go to med school! The best of the best is Johns Hopkins Medical School in Pennsylvania. Good luck on achieving your goals!!!!
2007-04-28 13:41:17 · answer #8 · answered by Questionsssss 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
its never too late. go for it!
2007-04-28 13:40:10 · answer #9 · answered by SJK 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋