Change from BSN to DDS

tntrn, ASN, RN · Feb 9, 2011

I don't know anything about the dentistry educational process or their requirements, but I am guessing that completing your BSN will do only one thing for you: show them you have the will and the desire to complete a process. I can't imagine how having a BSN would in any way fast track you to becoming a dentist.

But good luck.

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Feb 12, 2011

Hi there. Dental program requirements are very similar to med school requirements. You will need to take biology for science (not health science) majors, two semesters of inorganic chemistry, 2 semesters of organic chemistry (or 1 semester of organic with 1 semester of biochemistry), 2 semesters of physics, microbiology (if I remember correctly), and at at the very minimum, calculus.

All classes above also include taking labs, with the exception of calculus.

If you took science courses for health sciences majors prior to entering your diploma program, you will need to retake most if not all of those classes because you will not be adequately prepared to take the DAT.

menowhat2do · Mar 20, 2011

hi. you have your associates in nursing , correct?

well that's good!!. what I suggest now is if you really want to be a dentist . you go for your bachelors in biology (it'll help prepare you for dental school) and really try your best. talk with a community college adviser. skip the bsn program---it'll cost you loads and take up a lot of time and only hold you back from becoming a DDS. what state are you in? :up: think long and hard if you really want to do this because dental school is extremely costly. I'm in community college right now getting my pre-requisites for the bsn program but highly considering medical , dental or pharmacy school.

SNB1014, RN · Mar 21, 2011

im in an RN program and have nothing to bash about nursing, but if you aren't truly passionate about nursing, why bother with this path?

my advise to you is to enroll in your local community college ( many of whom may or may not have direct entry to local/state 4 yr colleges) and get your pre reqs completed...or as many bio/math/chem/anatomy classes as they offer. i then suggest you earn your BS in either biology, kinesiology, human nutrition, etc...many of these naturally fulfill higher level sci courses in their degree plan.

make sure to speak with your academic advisor what your end goal is for your career plan. they can help you take appropriate courses, find internships, volunteer opps, etc.

best of luck :-)

Music in My Heart · Mar 21, 2011

Becoming a dentist is, in most respects, about the same as becoming a physician.

A competitive candidate needs a baccalaureate degree (the major is not so important), completion of a range of science and math prerequisites, a competitive score on the DAT, and very good grades.

Candidates commonly pursue biology degrees since most of the prerequisites are contained in the bio course of study though one can certainly still take the classes while enrolled in any baccalaureate program.

Personally, if my ambition were to become a dentist, I would pursue a hard-science degree (chem, bio, physics, or engineering) and then take the needed prereqs along the way.

However, there's nothing to prevent you from taking the prereqs while completing a BSN program (though many universities are struggling to offer sufficient class sections and priority is often given to major students).

menowhat2do · Mar 21, 2011

However, there's nothing to prevent you from taking the prereqs while completing a BSN program (though many universities are struggling to offer sufficient class sections and priority is often given to major students).

wow, that will be one expensive undergraduate degree and I reckon getting general chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology, physics, calculus (the prerequisites of dental school ) will be hard to fit into the nursing program , which is already time consuming. , . :eek:

to the original poster. since you have bad grades, I suggest you speak to an adviser and let them know your plans ans ask them how you can bring up your gpa for dental school . good luck

Music in My Heart · Mar 21, 2011

wow, that will be one expensive undergraduate degree and I reckon getting general chemistry, organic chemistry, general biology, physics, calculus (the prerequisites of dental school ) will be hard to fit into the nursing program , which is already time consuming...

No more expensive than any baccalaureate degree with a minor... and no more time consuming.

That said, I'm really at a loss as to why somebody would choose a nursing major if their goal weren't nursing related. As I earlier stated,

UVA Grad Nursing · Mar 21, 2011

You might want to consider enrolling in a post-bachelors science program. Many universities have set up 12-15 month intensive science-based programs to prepare people for medical or dental school.

Then again, if your interest truly is dentistry then I would encourage you to change your major and leave nursing.

lyanne · Mar 27, 2011

thanks guys! the things is, i'm already doing my diploma in nursing and i'm not sure what i should do next to pursue dentist. what degree should i take exactly and how long will it take?

Music in My Heart · Mar 27, 2011

thanks guys! the things is, i'm already doing my diploma in nursing and i'm not sure what i should do next to pursue dentist. what degree should i take exactly and how long will it take?

You should take a degree in any area in which you're really interested and in which you have the aptitude to do very, very well. Ideally, it should be a very rigorous one, too and, either as part of the degree or as electives, you must take all the prerequisites.

How long... it depends on what you mean by "doing my diploma in nursing." If it's not a degree from an accredited institution then you're looking at 4-5 years to get your degree. If it's an AA/AS then you're probably looking at 3 years. If it's a BS then you can probably get the prereqs done in 3-4 semesters, depending on what classes you've already taken.

Aly529 · Apr 20, 2011

Why not go the route of dental hygienist rather then nursing if your interest is in dentistry? You can get your associate's in that and then move on to bigger things then. My community college offers both.