From Electrical Engineering to Dentistry

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stelecoms

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Hi I am an Electrical Engineer from an international university and currently working in US as telecom engineer. I completed my engineering 13 years ago and there was no gpa at that time however my percentage was low as I was not very serious towards getting numbers/grades at that time. My percentage was 62.8% overall. I have 12+ years of experience and I make around 120k.

I am planning to switch my field. I know I have to complete Pre-requisite + DAT + Shadowing hours.

I just want to know is it still doable. Since my numbers were very low. My university was a very tough university in giving out numbers to anyone.

I dont know how much my gpa was on 62.8. overall percentage. Is there any chance for me to try Dental College in US ?
 
It's doable, but it goes without saying that you'd have to do well in the prerequisite courses and on the DAT.
 
Of course! First thing you should do is meet with an advisor to discuss your previous degrees impact on your future. Since your grading system is a little unconventional to the US you would need to sort that out. Even if it hurts your GPA, since it has been so long since you’ve been out of school it shouldn’t have a huge impact. You should then really consider the lost income. 1.5 years minimum of prerequisites + 4 years of dental school is 660k in opportunity cost. Then you’re looking at anywhere from 350-550k in tuition. So you’re looking at a million dollar investment minimum. If you decide it’s right for you then kill the prerequisites and the DAT and you’re golden. If this is what you want you can definitely make it happen. Good luck!
 
Is there any dental school in US that we can do on weekends or some days of week? Any such options?
 
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predent2151 said:
Of course! First thing you should do is meet with an advisor to discuss your previous degrees impact on your future. Since your grading system is a little unconventional to the US you would need to sort that out. Even if it hurts your GPA, since it has been so long since you’ve been out of school it shouldn’t have a huge impact. You should then really consider the lost income. 1.5 years minimum of prerequisites + 4 years of dental school is 660k in opportunity cost. Then you’re looking at anywhere from 350-550k in tuition. So you’re looking at a million dollar investment minimum. If you decide it’s right for you then kill the prerequisites and the DAT and you’re golden. If this is what you want you can definitely make it happen. Good luck!
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Advisor of Community College where I am planning to take Pre-requisites or Dental College where I want to get in?
 
stelecoms said:
Advisor of Community College where I am planning to take Pre-requisites or Dental College where I want to get in?
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Dental school is a full-time job. 5 days of class and clinical work you will not have time for a real job. Also, community colleges will not offer all of the prerequisites and most schools prefer prerequisites are taken at a 4 year university. You should apply to a college as a non degree seeking student and speak to their pre health advisor.
 
Thanks for your feedback.

I checked with UT Texas and they mentioned that the courses which I took earlier like chemistry and physics in Engineering from international university credit hours won't count. Is it the same case with all dental colleges or UT texas is a special case? Please advise.

Besides, my GPA is equal to 3.35 in Engineering which is based on transcript translation. Not sure if this is low or okay to move forward. The big question is, will Dental college accept it or not?
 
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stelecoms said:
Thanks for your feedback.

I checked with UT Texas and they mentioned that the courses which I took earlier like chemistry and physics in Engineering from international university credit hours won't count. Is it the same case with all dental colleges or UT texas is a special case? Please advise.

Besides, my GPA is equal to 3.35 in Engineering which is based on transcript translation. Not sure if this is low or okay to move forward. The big question is, will Dental college accept it or not?
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The prerequisite courses you took before have probably expired sense it has been so long. Your GPA isn’t bad especially since it’s from engineeringing. Some schools will overlook expired prerequisites if you have a really good DAT score, I think. Don’t quote me on that. I would call more schools and ask. You would still have to take all of the prerequisites and the DAT.
 
predent2151 said:
The prerequisite courses you took before have probably expired sense it has been so long. Your GPA isn’t bad especially since it’s from engineeringing. Some schools will overlook expired prerequisites if you have a really good DAT score, I think. Don’t quote me on that. I would call more schools and ask. You would still have to take all of the prerequisites and the DAT.
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Thanks a lot, I think end of the day it all depends on school. Do you know the best way to prepare for DAT?
 
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