Got a Question?

If you have a question not addressed below, see my email address on the right hand side of the page and shoot me an email!  A ton of topics are covered below so check here first.

Page Contents:
Pre-Dental
DAT
NBDE (Part 1)
NBDE (Part 2)
Air Force HPSP 
Air Force COT



Pre-Dental

What should I major in?

• It really doesn't matter.  Dental schools typically want 3 basic things, a good GPA, a good DAT, and a well-balanced student.  If you can major in math and still do well in your science classes and the DAT, then go for it!  Many students find it easier to major in Biology or Chemistry because so much biology and chemistry is typically required to go to dental school that they will go for a degree that fits within the classes they need anyway.  So if you pick a major like music, art, engineering, etc., you'll likely be taking some more classes to cover your major AND get the prerequisite courses you need for the DAT and the dental school you apply to.

When should I take the DAT?

• Not everyone is the same, and the DAT is no exception.  Many take it early in the summer that they are applying and filling out their AADSAS application.  For example, if you were applying to attend dental school in 2011, you would typically take it in the summer of 2010, roughly a year before dental school would begin.  Others, like myself, have taken different approaches.  I studied over my December break and took it in January rather than taking it 6 months later in the summer.  Not everyone will feel comfortable doing this, but it just depends on how many classes you have under your belt and how much time you can set aside to study.

What if my state doesn't have a dental school?

• To many people's surprise, not all states have a dental school.  In this case, you would be applying EVERYWHERE as an out-of-state applicant, making your chances much lower.  Two things to think about, however. If you want to get into dental school, then work hard!  The better your GPA and DAT, the better your chances.  Also, some states have agreements with out-of-state dental schools to accept a set number of students from that state.  For example, Utah has no dental school (as of early 2010) and several schools around the nation have agreed to take a few Utah students every year so that Utah students are left in the cold.

I go to a small college and we don't have a pre-dental club or pre-dental advisor. Where do I go for help?

• One of the best resources in undergrad are the dental forums at www.studentdoctor.net.  Here you can find answers to all kinds of questions and meet people in your same situation.  If you feel out of the loop, don't give up.  You can always contact a dental school near you (preferably one you intend to apply to) and speak to an advisor on the phone or set up a face-to-face meeting.

I just switched to dentistry and I'm already a Sophomore/Junior/Senior so I'm behind on my prerequisites... what should I do?

• The first thing you'll want to do is look into schools you are thinking of applying to.  Check their prerequisite courses and get enrolled in some of them ASAP.  Also, think about taking some intersession or summer courses.  I did this a couple of times to catch up (and get ahead) and it worked perfectly.  You may not be able to fully 'catch up', but don't forget that the average entering dental student is around 24 years old.  While most students graduate college at age 22, you are not behind the national average... don't get discouraged!

My GPA is really bad and I've taken so many classes that it will take several extra semesters to raise it... how can I improve my chances without staying in undergraduate for extra time?

• The best way to hide a bad GPA is to score high on the DAT.  Every undergraduate program is different, but the DAT is meant to be a standardized way to compare all applicants.  If you can prove you know the material by scoring high in the DAT, this may be enough to convince a certain school that you really do have the brains you need to do well in dental school.  Some schools will even weigh more heavily your most recent credit hours, so get good grades from here on out!  I know Oklahoma has a component to their academic evaluation called the L60 which is the GPA you have obtained in your most recent 60 credit hours and I imagine other schools prefer a trending improvement in GPA.  Also, some schools simply don't weigh GPA as highly as others.  Purchase the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools (www.adea.org/dental_education_pathways/educational_resources/Pages/ADEAOfficialGuidetoDentalSchools.aspx) and see which schools have lower average GPA acceptances.  Some schools really could care less about GPA and just want to see a diverse student with a good DAT.  

I used to be pre-med and I'm thinking about pre-dental.  Can I just do both and see where I get accepted and then decide?

• That is certainly a good idea, but most profession schools want to see that you are committed to one path.  Applying to both may work, but it shows a lack of decision making ability.  It is certainly not recommended, as some dental schools will not like it that you are applying to their school without knowing if you actually want to be a dentist.  Take some time and decide what you want to do, and hit it full steam.

I go to a community college... can I get into dental school?

• Of course!  You may be required to take some upper division classes at a different institution that are not offered at your community college, but if you score high on your DAT, there is no reason that a community college student can not be a competitive applicant.  However, some dental schools will not accept prerequisite courses from a community college so keep this in mind and transfer to a 4-year institution if the schools you are considering will not take community college hours.

I go to a 4-year college but I want to take some classes at a community college... can I do this?

• Like I said above, some dental schools won't take community college classes as prerequisites.  Others will take social/humanities classes but NOT science courses.  Typically, it is recommended to take your sciences at a 4-year school but courses like history and english are usually safe to take elsewhere.  Always check with the schools you are interested in before making this decision as each dental school has its own guidelines.

How competitive is my GPA and DAT?

• It depends on the schools you are applying to.  Generally, you should aim for at least a 3.65 overall and science GPA to be competitive with the national average.  For the DAT, about an 18 or 19 is a solid score nationally.  The national average for the DAT is 17 but this is of all test takers, not all who are accepted.  Obviously a strong GPA can offset a poor DAT, and the other way around.  Your best chance is to do well with both.  Also, keep in mind that not every school is looking for the same thing.  Many schools looking highly upon your GPA, while others favor a good DAT.  

DAT

Since I have 3 chances to take the DAT, should I use one of my shots for 'practice'?

• I would say no.  There are several free practice DATs offered through Kaplan year-round and this is really the best way to gauge whether or not you are ready to start studying.  Although you have three chances, don't go into you first test already knowing your 2nd and 3rd are there waiting for you.  Go in with the mindset that your first test is your one chance because if you don't give it your all, you're likely to fall short of the score you really want.  Go in full steam and act like your first shot is your only shot.

I did very poorly on my first DAT... should I retake?

• People's definition of a bad DAT score can vary quite a bit.  My advice would be to check out the schools you want to apply to and see what their average acceptance is.  Some will have an average DAT of 17 while others may have an average DAT as high as 23.  Remember, you must wait 3 months before scheduling a new DAT time so plan out your test dates wisely so that you will have ample time to study before each chance you take.  

I am scoring very poorly on the reading section when I practice and feel overwhelmed... am I doing something wrong?

• Possibly.  Some people just struggle with this section but remember, you are not required to test using a specific method.  Some like to skim the reading and then answer the questions where as others (like myself) like the 'search and destroy' method.  This is where you simply ignore the reading and go straight to the questions, looking them each up 1 by 1.  This saves you the time because you are not reading the whole passage.  Also, many people have some level of testing anxiety which makes it fairly difficult to concentrate and remember a passage in a short amount of time.

I haven't had a Biology class in a long time... should I wait to take more Bio classes before I try the DAT?

• While every person is different, I see no reason that someone can't study for the DAT without a strong Biology background.  While it certainly helps, it is not outrageous to think that anyone can learn the biology needed for the DAT in a matter of weeks with diligent study.  When I took the DAT, I only had 1 biology class under my belt.  I managed to score a 21 on Bio from just studying using the Kaplan Blue Book and Barron's AP Biology book in about 2 weeks time.  If you put in the hours, you can do very well in any section.

I was planning on taking the DAT in a couple of weeks but my practice test scores are lower than I'd like... what should I do?

• If you're studying during the school year, you may be stuck.  It is probably hard for you to create more DAT study time but do your best.  If you buckle down and commit 8 hours/day to DAT study, you'll be stunned with how quickly you can learn.  If you are studying in the summer or over a break, consider rescheduling your DAT a week or so later to give yourself a bit more time.  I did this (rescheduled) and it was probably the difference-maker for me.  Also, make sure you are studying what you get wrong.  I know it sounds silly, but many people will take a practice test, get a score, and keep doing what they did before.  Study what you are doing poorly on!  Don't keep studying plants if you are nailing those questions every time, move on to things you are doing poorly on each time.  

I have heard great things about all sorts of different study materials... should I get them all?

• It depends on how much time you have to study and what things you need work on.  For me, the Kaplan Blue Book was enough for GChem and OChem, but I needed an extra book for Biology.  In my opinion, if you get lots of different study books, you may unintentionally overwhelm yourself.  Most of what you need to know for the DAT can be found in a couple of places, and adding more study material will likely just overlap what the other books already cover.  So I would say no, don't get everything, get what you need.  However, more practice tests are always good because they help you gauge your studies.  You can't have too many practice questions but don't go out and buy 3 biology textbooks or anything.

I'm on a tight budget, how can I maximize my studying with a small amount of money?

• First of all, don't overbuy.  Just buy what you need work on.  I highly recommend the Kaplan Blue Book as an overview for everything, but if you are good at OChem, don't buy an OChem study guide!  Same goes for any other subject.  Also, don't forget that the DAT is meant to test what you've learned in undergrad.  While the DAT questions are often more basic that your undergrad science courses, your undergrad notes/tests/quizzes/etc. are great resources that cost you no money at all.  The ADA provides a practice DAT for free and some other organizations may have some as well.  Try to buy books used but in good condition on Amazon.  Don't get a book that is already highlighted because you'll want to be able to take your own notes to synthesize the material in you mind on your own.  One thing I would not miss out on is TopScore.  If you have to spend money on something, get TopScore.  It offers 3 full-length practice exams that are very similar to the types of questions on the DAT.  If your school has a Pre-Dental Club, see if some members have taken the DAT and would be willing to let you 'borrow' their books while you study.

I'm getting pretty nervous about my DAT coming up... what are some last second things I should do to make my experience stress-free?

• There are several small things you can do to ensure that your test goes smoothly.
• Bring a snack to the test.  Don't bring anything rough like candy, but bring crackers and water (or gatorade).  You'll get a short break in the middle of your test and you'll want to have something to snack on.
• Bring your ID.  If you don't drive yourself, don't forget your ID!  You'll need this to verify who you are.
• Go to the bathroom during your break even if you don't have to.  It will give you the chance to walk around and get your blood flowing a little.
• Have someone drive you to the test.  If you are very nervous, you'll have the tendency to speed and the last thing you want the morning of your test is a ticket.  Also, you don't want you car battery to die the morning of the test.  Yes, that does happen... because it happened to me...
• Get sleep the night before the test.  It's going to be hard, but you're going to have to force yourself to forget the test.  Set 5 alarms if it will make you feel better about waking up on time.
• Don't eat anything weird the morning of the test.  Have a normal breakfast, preferably the same thing you eat every day.  Trying to eat something different could have an adverse effect on your digestion and this could make your testing experience a nightmare.
• Bring a coat!  You will be sitting for several hours and there is no guarantee that you will be in a warm place.  I would bring something that buttons or zips (no pull-overs!) so that you can adjust it during the test because the testing center will likely not let you remove clothing once you are inside and this will let you regulate your temperature.
• Turn your cell phone OFF.  Don't put it on silent.  In fact, I would suggest leaving it in the locker (they'll keep your snack in a place up front for you) so you have no reason whatsoever to get penalized for your cell phone.
• Leave your wallet up front, too.  Sitting on a wallet for several hours can cause muscle cramps and you'll want to be as comfortable as possible.
• For the test, wear something comfortable, but not TOO comfortable.  You want to feel relaxed, not lazy.  Sweatpants are probably not a good idea because you'll get in a lazy mindset.  Wear something you typically wear (like jeans and comfortable shoes).
• If you don't normally have caffeine, don't have any the morning of the test.  If you are not accustomed to it, it can make you feel jittery and hungry.
• Be confident.  Go into the DAT with the notion that you are about to dominate the test.  If you go in apprehensive and scared, you'll answer the questions that way and second guess yourself.  This will slow you down and make you even more nervous as you do.
• As you finish each section, forget about it.  You can't go to the next section and expect to do well if you are still mentally analyzing what section you just completed.  You have to move on and erase what just happened from your mind.
• Don't panic.  If you are taking the test and start to feel overwhelmed, just skip the questions that are giving you trouble.  Don't freak out on a question for 5 minutes because it will fluster you and make you more susceptible to rush through the remainder of the test.  Move on, and come back to the question later.
• Accept guesses.  If you have to guess, don't alarm yourself with the notion that you have an 80% chance of guessing a question wrong (4 wrong choices out of 5).  There are hundreds of questions on the DAT and some of your guesses are going to be right.  When in doubt, knock out the answers that cannot be right and increase your chances of guessing.  Most of the time you can bring the question to two answers, giving yourself a 50/50 guess.

NBDE (Part 1)

When should I start preparing?

• In reality, you should do as best you possibly can in your basic science classes so that when you do study, you make your life easier because you already know it!  They idea of this test is make sure you know your sciences, so learn them early!  When it gets closer to the exam, you'll have to gauge how comfortable you feel and decide for yourself how much time you'll need.  You should plan to have at least 1 week of total boards study to be successful, though some may need more or less.  

What is the best way to study?

• You should study just like you'd study for a normal dental school test with one exception.  You should absolutely get through every old exam you can find.  It gives you a great idea of your progress and you will find many repeats on your actual exam!  I would estimate that approximately 10-15% were virtually direct repeats and as much as 30% covered nearly identical concepts from old exams.

I don't have a lot of money, can I get study material cheap somehow?

• First off, this test is a big deal and in the big scheme of things, saving a few pennies is meaningless compared to passing Part 1.  Secondly, if you are looking for cheap stuff, ask upperclassmen for their old materials or wait until some of your classmates have taken it and "borrow" their materials for your exam.  Just give them back when they're done so they can make the money back if they sell them to a younger dental student.  Thirdly, you can often resell your material to a younger dental student the next year so it basically evens out anyway!

What is the hardest section?

• It depends on what you are good at, but based on the national averages, probably Bio/Phys.  The Biochemistry section is tough to memorize if you're not good at Biochem anyway, and Physiology can be quite a hurdle with some of its more conceptual questions.  It was my worst section as well.

What is the easiest section?

• Since you'll soon be a dentist, it should be the Dental Anatomy section!  It's the easiest section to learn quickly but don't take it for granted.  The questions can be a bit tricky but you should be able to master it by taking old tests and understanding the types of questions they like to ask.  And know the "picket fence" diagram for occlusion!  You can find it right below.

"Picket Fence" Occlusion Diagram

NBDE (Part 2)

I'm having a hard time getting motivated to study and I feel like I should know this stuff.  How did you get started?

• I had a difficult time getting motivated to get going so I took a practice test right away.  This gave me a bit of a shock and helped jumpstart my studying.  I also thought about how much I'd be picking myself if I failed this thing!  

Was it harder or easier than Part 1?

• I thought it was easier, and I did study a little less, but it's hard to compare because I didn't get a score.  All it said was "Pass" so that's not much to go off of!  I felt good when I left the exam but who knows, I could have barely scraped by.  

Oral Pathology and Pharmacology are overwhelming, how do I study these?

• For Pharmacology, I only used the Tuft's Pharmacology review (do a Google search).  When I say only, I mean ONLY!  No pharmacology decks, no review book, no old class notes, nothing.  For Oral Pathology, dental decks is where it's at.  That's all I used for Oral Pathology.  Make sure you have the picture booklet that goes with it.

Air Force HPSP

Why did you decide to take a military scholarship instead of just loans like everyone else?

• I chose this route for a few reasons.  First of all, I liked the idea of serving in the military as a dentist.  If you don't like the idea of 'being in the military', don't consider this scholarship just to remove your debt burden because chances are, you won't be happy.  The other reason I did it was because it made financial sense.  Although a private practice dentist typically makes more than an Air Force dentist, I will be an Air Force dentist with no loans to repay.  The other nice thing is that once you step into the Air Force, you get to become part of a practice that is already established and you have no malpractice insurance, no employee payments to worry about, no office management, etc.  I liked the idea of being able to go practice dentistry without worry about business right away, be debt free, and serve my country.

Why did you choose the Air Force over other branches?

• Honestly this was a matter of preference.  I had always been interested in the Air Force as a kid and considered applying to the AF Academy out of high school.  When the opportunity arose, I looked into it more and got in touch with a recruiter about halfway through my college career.  My stats were very good so he knew I was serious and had a good chance to be accepted so we started working on my application.  I spoke with several dentists that had done the HPSP in all 3 branches and they all had good things to say so I don't think you can go wrong.  I had heard a lot about a superior quality of life in the Air Force but obviously I don't have any first hand experience with this and will never be able to compare the branches adequately.  With the Navy, it's my understanding that you'll be on a boat for at least part of your payback so that wasn't very appealing to me and the Army just overall wasn't something I was interested in.  

Do you have to go to boot camp? 

• No.  On the HPSP scholarship, you are commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant (an officer rank) and so instead you will go to Commissioned Officer Training which is a 4-5 week officer training camp in Alabama.  Check out the COT tab at the top for more details

How do I get reimbursed by the Air Force for things I pay for? 

• It's actually very easy.  When you get the scholarship, you'll receive several contacts at AFIT that will help you along.  One of them will be in charge of reimbursements.  Within 60 days of the start of your scholarship, you can begin to buy required items.  You'll e-mail AFIT 4 things: proof of requirement, proof of purchase, AIFT form 31, and an EFT form.  For health insurance, you don't need proof of requirement but you do need proof that the AF is only paying you back for a plan that covers only you.  It is quite easy to do, much easier than I thought it would be

When do I apply for the Air Force scholarship?

• For me, I began giving my recruiter my transcripts, DAT scores, etc. in mid-2009.  I was accepted to dental school later that year, in December 2009, and awarded the scholarship in February 2010.  I was basically applying to dental school and the AF scholarship at the same time.  This is because the AF scholarship takes a long time to assemble so my recruiter got everything very early.  If you are interested in the scholarship, don't wait around!  It takes a while for the recruiter to get everything ready so make sure you contact one as soon as possible.  

What kind of Air Force responsibilities do you have during dental school?

• During dental school, you will have nothing you have to do for the Air Force.  The two things you'll hear about are Commissioned Officer Training and Active Duty Tours (aka Campus Tours).  COT is a 1 time training course that lasts 4 weeks that you'll complete at some point either before, during, or after school when you have time.  You will not be taken out of school for this.  Typically those on a 4-year will go before dental school, and those on a 3-year will go after dental school is over.  The Active Duty Tours are a random stretch of 45 days where you are given full 2nd Lt. pay as though you were actually on active duty (Base Pay + BAS + BAH [based on zip code]).  However, your orders will officially be a "campus tour", meaning that nothing is different except that you cannot travel outside of the United States. Other than that, you go to school like normal.  Thus there are virtually no Air Force responsibilities during school.

I'm considering the scholarship, when should I talk to a recruiter?

• Unfortunately, the word "recruiter" can scare a lot of people away.  Unfortunately again, you cannot apply for the scholarship without one.  Your recruiter will be responsible for getting everything turned in for you and getting you on the right track.  The application process can be lengthy and there are several things that need to be done in a certain order.  For example:  you must qualify academically before you can get a physical, you must get a physical before you can be interviewed by a current AF dentist, etc.  There is no such thing as too early, but if you are applying to dental school, you need to be applying for this at the same time at the very latest.  This is not something you can do overnight, it can take several weeks.  Get with a recruiter ASAP because often times a single recruiter will work a large area and you will NOT be their only applicant.  Some recruiters even work programs other than dental so be aware that if you want this, you need to go after it.  I entered dental school in fall of 2010 and was in talks with my recruiter back in 2008.  This was earlier than most, but if I would have waited until late 2009, I would have been too late.

Do I need an acceptance letter to apply for the scholarship?

• This is probably the most common misunderstanding. You do NOT need an acceptance letter to apply for the 4-year scholarship.  The 3-year scholarship covers your 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years of dental school so obviously you'll already be in dental school when you apply.  As for the 4-year scholarship, the application process takes weeks, if not months, and applying after an acceptance will be too late.  The Air Force considers their applicants independently of whether or not they are accepted.  If selected on the Air Force scholarship, it is a conditional acceptance meaning if you for whatever reason do NOT get into dental school, they'll just give the scholarship to someone else.  The AF HPSP scholarship has become very competitive, however, so it is highly unlikely you'll be selected for the scholarship and not be admitted to a dental school. 

Does the Air Force select based on the cost of the school I want to attend?

• No.  In fact, after you're awarded the AF scholarship, you may still be hearing back from different schools.  You can change your school and just let the Air Force know and they'll cover you there.  It does not matter how much the school costs, it will all be covered.  The exception, obviously, is room and board.  You'll get a stipend for this but just because you live in LA and go to USC doesn't mean you'll get a penny more than someone living in Kentucky or Oklahoma.  Everyone's stipend is the same.

I want the scholarship, but I'm afraid to commit too early.  When am I officially committed?

• You are not "officially" committed until you take your oath.  You will schedule your oath after you are accepted on the scholarship.  You'll even have a small window after you're accepted to decide you don't want it.  However, keep in mind that if you're having reservations about it all the way up to the point you're accepted, it may not be right for you.  Just know that you will not be locked in at all during the application process so it is to your benefit to get with a recruiter as soon as you can.  You can back out at any time before your acceptance during the application process.

Do I have to pass a physical to be considered for the HPSP?

• In a way, yes.  Before you're accepted, you'll have to go through MEPS (Military Entrance Processing Station).  You don't run and do pushups, it's more like a doctor's physical.  They'll test your range of motion in your arms and legs, have you take a vision and hearing test, draw some blood, etc.  It takes several hours and it's not the most exciting thing in the world, but it's nothing to stress about.  If you have any prior medical issues you'll speak with a military doctor there.  I had knee surgery in high school and when I went to MEPS I had to speak personally with a doctor and demonstrate my range of motion and what I was capable of doing after my ACL surgery.

What will my rank be?

• During dental school you will be an O-1 (2nd Lieutenant).  Once you graduate, you will be promoted to O-3 (Captain).

Will the stipend amount change based on where I go to school?

• No.  Unfortunately, you will get the same stipend (currently $2088/month - taxes) as everyone else.  It does not change based on your location.  One thing to consider is how much of this you'll be using.  I live in Oklahoma where the cost of living is very low so I keep a good amount of this each month.  Even though my free tuition at Oklahoma is not worth as much as free tuition at USC, for example, I would certainly be giving up most, if not all, of my stipend just to live in LA whereas I keep quite a bit of it in OKC.  So don't necessarily go to the most expensive school you can for the "best deal".  Go to a place you WANT to go; or, go to the place with a cheap cost of living so you can pocket more of your stipend.

What will you get paid in the Air Force?

• As of right now, Air Force dentists on HPSP scholarship go straight to Captain (O-3) once they graduate dental school.  So I would get base O-3 pay, plus a $20,000/year bonus just for being a dentist.  On top of that, you are given BAS and BAH pay. 

• Here is the breakdown as it stands now:
• Base Pay, varies by rank and time served (O-3 under 2 years of experience) = $3,835.50/month
• Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH), varies by rank, location and number of dependents = $891-$3480/month
• $891 based on rate in Alpena Co., MI with no dependents
• $3,480 based on rate in NYC, NY with dependents
• Note: You may opt to live on base in which case your housing is free but you receive no BAH
• Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS), set amount for officers, does not vary = $242.60/month
• Incentive Special Pay (IP), new special pay for all dentists = $20,000/year
• NOTE: IP has replaced VSP and ASP
• So, you'll be paid anywhere in this range:
• Lowest possible amount in 2013: $68,937.20 (living on base, not taking BAH)
• Highest possible amount in 2013: $110,697.20 (living in NYC, taking BAH, with dependents)
• Average pay:
• Calculation: 
• [Base pay] + [BAS] + [IP] + [BAH ($1,800/month as an average)] 
• [$3,835.50/m] + [$242.60/m] + [$1,666.67/m] + [$1,800/m] = $7544.77/month
• $7544.77 x 12 months = $90,537.24/year
• A note on taxes
• BAH and BAS are not taxed.  So assuming you live in NYC like the scenario above, you are taxed on $66,026.  In fact, every new dental officer would be taxed at this amount because the only things considered taxable are the base pay ($3,835.50/month) and your $20,000/year bonus.  So a dental officer starting out, regardless of where you are stationed, is taxed the same since BAH is not taxed!  As an added bonus, BAS is not taxed, though this does not vary by location and is a set amount.  Also, many states do not tax military income, so you may be stationed in a state where you would only be responsible for federal taxes, further increasing your actual take home pay.

Air Force COT

Check out the COT Survival Guide under the "HPSP, COT, and Beyond" tab at the top!



updated 28 May 2017