how does a nurse become a dentist?

[lyanne]

hey,

I'm a 20 years old nursing student and I'm currently still doing my nursing diploma. after I've done my diploma, I'm planning on taking a degree in nursing(BSN). is there a way for me to move on to dentistry(DDS) from BSN?

I like nursing but I really wanna become a dentist. the reason why I'm studying nursing is because my grades weren't good enough. I thought since nurses and dentists are all health care people it would be easy to switch from one career to the other. I should have done my research then.

anyways, is there a faster way to becoming a dentist once I'm a RN? I know I don't meet the prerequisites of DDS so is there any other way for me to become a dentist without re-taking my diploma. should I take BSN to move on to DDS? what should I do? can anyone please give me info on how I can become a dentist with my nursing degree/diploma? it would be great if you could tell me which school I should go to and what steps I should take without spending too much time on becoming a dentist.

thank you so much! your help would be much appreciated.

[0311]

Getting into dental school is very much like getting into med school. They both require a suite of science classes, most of which you probably didn't get on the way to getting your RN. You could go back and take the prereq courses. Med school, pharmacy school, dental school...none of these care what your undergraduate degree is. Only how well you did in the prereqs and your overall gpa.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

You'd do it the same way any other person in the world would do it--you apply to dental school. Being a nurse doesn't make a difference nor gives you any advantage in the application process, except that you may have taken some of the prereq courses as part of your BSN degree. But otherwise, they're two very different disciplines.

Best of luck!

[mtsteelhorse]

Why not complete your diploma in nursing and then start the process of preparing for application to several schools of dentistry? Many schools have pre-dentistry programs that fulfill the necessary requirements. If you decide dental school isn't a viable option you may want to consider dental hygiene. They are in demand, make good money and have great schedules. Anyhow, you're young...go on to become that dentist...you can do it! Your nursing degree will not be a waste.

[emergenceRN17, ASN, BSN, RN]

First you need to get your Bachelors degree. Preferably in the science field. (chem, biochem, bio, etc...) One you have that, you need to take the DAT. The DAT is to dental as the TEAS is to nursing. Once you have that, you can then apply to dental schools.

I work at an area dental school. I have been here for ten years now and have been in the field for the past 17yrs. Feel free to ask any questions.

Good Luck!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

I know this is an old thread, but had to share . . .

I have an absolutely amazing colleague who began her working career as an RN - then became a dentist - and finally, an attorney. She heads up clinical claims litigation management for a major health care system. Her background has provided her with a level of insight that makes her absolutely excellent in her job.