<p>I am an entering freshman who is planning on pursuing a major in biology. The purpose of my coursework will primarily be to fulfill pre-medical requirements, and should prepare me to take the MCAT early in my Junior year. </p>
<p>I recently had the chance to talk with an Admissions Analyst at my local in-state College of Medicine, and I was informed that the requirements for medical school are virtually identical to those of dental school (other than the DAT is substituted for the MCAT). </p>
<p>I plan to study primarily for the MCAT, but from preliminary research I see no reason why I would not be able to take the DAT and apply to a few dental schools at the same time as medical school.</p>
<p>Does anyone have experiences/advice pertaining to applying to medical/dental school at the same time?</p>
<p>Never heard of it. Runs the risk of implying a lack of commitment. Dilemma won't come up for another four years. Deal with it then.</p>
<p>That is what I was afraid of. When the time comes, would you recommend that I focus all of my energies on one of the two paths?</p>
<p>reign over me =D, good movie =D, anyhow...it's usually md and do at the same time if ur gpa isn;t well =( idk...dental and med seems pretty different interests</p>
<p>Dental school isn't a fallback for aspiring MDs these days - admissions for dental school is getting more and more competive. Do you really think you've have time to "show dedication" to both fields, study for both the MCAT and DAT, go to class and graduate, and apply to both sets of schools (assuming you apply at the same time)? I personally find it unlikely.</p>
<p>I know of only one person who's done the combo med/dental...know a few others who have done med/law. The guy who did med/dent, only applied to dental school b/c his dad is a dentist. Oddly enough the only place he got accepted was his in-state dental school, the only dental school he applied to. The med/law people also applied to their "other" choice because of parental pressure.</p>
<p>While it's a possibility, I really think you are far better off choosing a path and going all out in your efforts. Besides, as many dental and medical students will tell you, there are some big differences between the two fields, and many medical students could never handle being a dentist and vice versa. Not to say they couldn't handle the work, just that their interests don't match up. Lots of similarities, but certainly enough differences to be significant. You'll likely find your calling in one or the other.</p>
<p>Another consideration why you shouldn't include doubling of cost for test taking and application fees...</p>
<p>
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When the time comes, would you recommend that I focus all of my energies on one of the two paths?
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I recommend that you wait until the time comes before worrying about it at all.</p>