Is the DAT hard? Also, is dental school very hard or is it the work load?
821091
I was the president of my high school honor society.  I got into the Univeristy of Pennsylvania for college.  I got into the Univeristy of Pennsylvania for dental school.  I am only telling you this so that you know I was a decent student.  Dental school was the first time I had to ACTUALLY study and work to keep up.  You have an 8 to 5 day, every day, and then you go home to study.\n\nDental school treats different students differently.  My experience was at least 98% positive, but some would tell you otherwise.  I found that the best way to survive the rite of passage through dental school, which is still sort of a "Good Old Boy" network, is to just study and know your stuff.  If you do NOT know your stuff, do not try to bluff your way through.  Just say that you don't know the answer or need some help with the technique and you will find most instructors are interested in helping.  Many instructors are part-time faculty with private practices in the real world.  Nobody is forcing them to teach and they like to work with students who do not have a bad attitude and are ready to learn.  There is more than one means to an end and students have to understand that they should not argue with an instructor who likes some different technique.\n\nIt's not as difficult as the life of a surgical resident or anything, but dental school was the hardest school I attended.  The class day was scheduled from 8 to 5 with an hour for lunch.  I needed to spend a few hours at home every night just to be sure that I was current.  That's the secret to getting through.  (As if you have not heard this, even in high school...)  Be sure that you know TODAY'S work before you move on.  Review every lecture and look up things that you don't understand.  If you get lost in the second week, you will be hopelessly lost in the third and spinning your wheels uselessly after that.\n\nIn the clinical years, it can be difficult to match up your availability with clinic time availability, let alone your patients' time, but it can be done.  In clinic, you have to do one step (or two) and wait to have it checked before you proceed.  This can be frustrating for both you and your patient, as your instructor might be busy with another student who is having trouble.  Some instructors like to hear their own voice and talk way too long, also.  You will soon learn who they are and just avoid working with them in the clinic.
21816
Well, as i'm almost done with 12th, i think the hardest time was definitely 11th grade. What with PSATs, college prep stuff, looking up the colleges, and AP classes. 11th grade was definitely the hardest
547196
Currently, the School of Life. This one is tough, more so than my other former schooling.
1184148
It is a good choice.  You won't be facing a whole lot of field time because you'll be working in a dental clinic, and you'll also be inside, out of the elements.  Use your Army time wisely, work hard, and you will get promoted.  I did 10 years.  Good luck.
1029556
yes , it is very hard
477272
i believe that dentistry takes the shortest time (5 yrs+ 1 practical training) but i guess it differs from one place to another. but i have to warn u that it's not easy. my fiance is a dentist and it's hard for both of us to handle it. if u want to literally help people, go for red cross. many of them require u to know first aid only and u can master that in a couple of short courses.\n\ngood luck:)
1156954
I just graduated med school and several of my classmates were over 40 (a couple over 50).  I'm sure dental schools will take a good look at you if your grades from your science classes and your DAT scores are OK.  Take a look at http://forums.studentdoctor.net and look at the Pre-Dental and DAT forums.
655101
yes, both tough and expensive. almost like med school. but good after u finish
1049975
Hi,Its not at all difficult. All you require is lots of hard work and give up on lots of other things for atleast an year.\nMy friend topped this exam 5 years back and he studied like crazy and forgot what else is going on in the world.\nIf you have the drive and passion, its not beyond your reach.\nHope this helps.\nGud luck.
602228
hmmmm! yes go to>>\nhttp://forums.studentdoctor.net/archive/index.php/f-155.html now try and be a good dentist! Good Luck!
339742
it's not hard if you do the work. \n\nthey do look at everything, though. They want to know that you're a wellrounded student who takes all the oppurtunities presented. Its great that you like one subject, but colleges are going to notice. \nVolunteer and involve yourself in extracurricular activities.\n\nAyou might want to reconsider your career.. that type of career is VERy specific and jobs are minimal...  that'd make one heck of a hobby, though!!\n\nGood Luck.. If you want it bad enough, you'll achieve anything. Someone has to, why not you?
676136
Well my dad always said "if you find a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life".  So I asked myself what can I picture myself reasonably doing, that I would enjoy?  At the time I was working for a dentist and loving it - I am now a pre-dental bio-chem major.  My best advice is to get into a field you love.  If you have a job that pays tons of money, but you hate it, you will be miserable.  Better to make less money and be truly happy.
597560
WVU!!!!!!! Its definitly the best if u want to be a dentist!!! My brother wanted to be a dentist and he went there. And guess what he is now....A DENIST!!! Hes 1 of the best in WV. He makes so much mony its not even funny...welll maybe a lil funny since i get really whatever i want now. But thats besides the point,cause me and my family belived in him the whole way. My parents even suggested that school for him. And noe look how succcesful he is!!!
560293
Medical School is definitely harder to get into and harder to fail out of.  You have to really try to fail at medical school.  I don't know much more about medical\n\nDental School is reletively easy to get into. the amount of debt you incur has double or trippled Since W took office.  So it's isincreasingly an elitest proffesion.   I think a dentist would have more debt after graduation.
452130
I'm taking my last final tomorrow and that will complete my 3rd semester. God willing, I will graduate in December. Nursing school is difficult, but not impossible. I am able to keep up while being a wife, mother of 2 and working part time. You have to be organized and disciplined. I just keep thinking of all the people I will be able to help in the future (and all the cute scrubs I get to wear).
142045
As a 4th year pharmacy student, let me give you a little advice. Pharmacy School is difficult, but it is a very rewarding career. You have the ability to provide care to patients in a way that no other healthcare professional can. If you are dedicated and have the intellegence, i would stick with it! Just remember that you will get no sleep and will be extremely stressed; we all are, but the rewards are great!!
1017430
Dental assistant's jobs are fairly easy once you get the hang of everything.  I wouldn't suggest this job for you if you don't like working with the public, because that will be your main job.  You'll get the room ready for the patients, bring them back, and assist the dentist.  You'll also develop x-rays, clean up the room, and do other duties that need done for the patient.  Basically, you do everything so that the dentist can come in, talk to the patient, and do his procedure.  Everything else will be up to you.