Dental School Q&A! | My Application, Stats, DAT Tips, and More

Welcome to my dental school Q&A! There is a lot to cover in this video and I got a lot of questions, but for those always asking about preparing for dental school and the application process, I hope this helps! A part two may be needed at some point so feel free to leave comments down below. I covered which dental schools I applied to, how I selected a dental school to attend, my stats including GPA and DAT score, courses I'd find helpful to take before dental school, tips for D1, paying for dental school, loans, specializing, and more.
DAT Bootcamp: datbootcamp.com/
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:07 Why dentistry?
3:33 Am I specializing?
4:34 Do you have to do a residency?
5:05 Will you own a practice?
5:49 Admissions stats
6:12 How I studied for the DAT
8:26 Undergrad major, what classes to take
9:49 Extracurriculars
11:39 Where I applied, my top choice schools?
17:08 Interview tips
18:31 Dealing with rejection
18:49 Pets in dental school
19:03 Biggest tip for D1
19:35 Preparing in high school
19:41 Best classes to take to prepare for dental school
20:46 Paying for dental school
21:15 Hands on experience
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[@sierramiller5226]

*me, fully into my own career, not planning on ever becoming a dentist* : mmhmm yes, totally agree, excellent work Kathryn

[@KathrynMueller]

ily❤️😭

[@mariahhbott]

The fact that Kathryn can do dental school, and KZbin is pretty amazing!

[@KathrynMueller]

Thank you!!❤️

[@ahishajones9481]

I'm a PhD student in clinical psyc. Love how much you emphasize the importance of interpersonal skills, I think EVERY profession where you have to interact with humans should have psyc pre-reqs!

[@KathrynMueller]

couldnt agree more!!

[@Sharecare03]

This was probably one of the most helpful videos for pre-dental students. Thank you for this! Please never stop making dental related videos

[@KathrynMueller]

thank you!! its been a rough semester so i havent vlogged much but i will do another next week :)

[@briyee-sandoval1071]

Didn't go to dental school, I don't have any interest in ever doing that, I went to school for something not even remotely related to the dental or medical field, but I still found this fascinating. I was one of those students that absolutely loved school and seeing you talking about your studies just bring me back to those good old days lol

[@pamelag3879]

So basically you were a perfect applicant… got it!😭

[@83HURSTROCKET]

😅😂

[@lvnette]

I don't know why, but I came across your video at the most perfect timing. I have been extremely discouraged with school lately. I'm so happy to have watched your informative video! I found it super motivating.

[@nickkallas3077]

DAT Bootcamp is the only way to go! I followed the study schedule, took the practice tests, and felt more than prepared on test day.

[@KathrynMueller]

it is the best!!

[@jesusiskingofmyheart]

I’m currently a nursing student but I love Kathryn & all of her videos so I’m watching this too😭💕

[@vicky-sy8hx]

thank you for being honest and sharing your stats! i’m an incoming biology major at unlv, and your vids make me more excited for what’s to come as a pre-dental student :)

[@maggievanwinkle5722]

Thank you so much!! I learned a lot. You answered some things I never even thought about. I appreciate it!!

[@sydssaltysmiles]

Incoming D1 here, while shadowing I shadowed many physicians and not a single one was happy with their career or recommended it. Many of the dentists if not all of them were happy with their careers.

[@KathrynMueller]

Exactly!! Same experience here

[@SoyAleAlabarda]

I just love watching you videos, full doctor here! In my second year of internal medicine residency, but listening to extracurricular to get into dental school like ✍🏻✍🏻✍🏻 lol you are such a great inspiration 💖💖

[@123happysunflower]

Just submitted my apps! Thank you for sharing your advice, I absolutely love your dental school content. I love what you had to say about being practical and not caring about clout. I also applied to UNLV and you’re selling me on the school so maybe I’ll see you there!

[@abrahamlincoln7912]

Did you get in?

[@Hannah-do9jl]

This was SO helpful ! Thank you!!

[@DM-ez4em]

Wow what an awesome video!!! You were so thorough with all your answers!! I have a new appreciation for my dentist 🦷 😉 actually my dentist also teaches at NYU!! Good luck 🍀 with your future in dentistry 🥰🥰🥰🥰 ily and all your videos ☺️

[@novarattu6696]

Thank you for keeping it real! Im currently doing undergrad and changing my major to psychology. Can’t wait till dental school!!

[@KathrynMueller]

so exciting!! I felt like it was a great major for dentistry :) best of luck!

[@SydneyJFitness]

thank you for this!! I turned in my app last week and im on week #3 of DAT bootcamp!

[@SydneyJFitness]

I haven't taken anatomy. do you think the anatomy chapters on DAT bootcamp will prepare me enough for the DAT?

[@KathrynMueller]

Yay congrats!! You got this! And I didn’t take any anatomy before the DAT, bootcamp plus crash course taught me everything and it was definitely enough!

[@lina9544]

You are so inspiring girl !!!!!!🖤

[@sofiamontgomery1062]

I’m finishing up my masters in Trauma Counseling and need to start preparing to take the NCE! I hate standardized testing but this reminded me to start thinking of a study plan (and I somehow passed the Series 7 exam 😂). Love the video!!

[@abigailbarnes130]

I love that you said you’re over choosing schools based on their name

[@zoievilla2081]

Honestly have done so much research as far as my path into dentistry. I’m nervous because I wasn’t initially planning on applying to dental school until I began assisting. I initially planned to teach and after the pandemic and I had the opportunity to assist at a dentistry and I love it. Your video definitely helped to mentally prepare myself for the amount of studying for the DAT and I hope that you’re still killing it in dental school!

[@novarattu6696]

I’m on the same boat. I got a job assisting and immediately fell in love. Currently an undergrad

[@erikaerhardt8136]

Anyone else just like. Wow Kathryn is so smart and ambitious.

[@KathrynMueller]

youre too kind😭😭

[@j.wilkerson1905]

Funny, my "dream school" 30+ years ago was UCLA dental, and in the late 80's UCLA didn't even have an interview for admission. I ended up choosing to go the The Ohio Sate University, and ended up liking the school so much I became a member of the faculty at OSU for 3 years in the early 1990's . I know many, many UNLV dental grads (practicing in Reno for last 25 years), and all of them were very happy with their choice. Congratulations on choosing dentistry for a career, and your vlog is extremely informative. Keep putting out great content.

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

Nice job and have a wonderful day, Kathryn!❤️

[@KathrynMueller]

Thank you!!

[@ervinsmoviecorner8748]

@@KathrynMueller You’re welcome!

[@danamelgarejo1888]

Very good video!!! Can you do a video on how to manage your loan debt after graduation?

[@loganduncan501]

I'm starting dental school at UNLV in a few months (incoming D1). So much of what you said resonated with me. I benefit from having worked as a dental assistant the last two years after I transitioned from wanting to be a veterinarian/human physician. I HIGHLY agree that the choice you made to choose your school based upon the clinical experience it offers is one of the smartest things you can do. This was made so clear having worked for years as a dental assistant gaining experience with endo, implants, IV sedation,3rd molar extractions, etc. I was accepted to multiple schools myself and ended up choosing UNLV b/c of its notoriety for giving students one of the best clinical experiences in the country. Most students don't understand how important early clinical exposure is and then unfortunately graduate as dentists which feel underprepared. UNLV also has it where they let all out of state students apply for residency reclassification after paying one year out of state. I just wanted to back you on everything you talked about and this video has me even more excited to start school at UNLV. I'll be moving from Florida :( not looking forward to my 3-4 day drive but I'll see you soon!

[@KathrynMueller]

Congrats!! Good luck on the drive 😊

[@carolpeterson8947]

Hi Kathryn, my granddaughter is in the process of applying to dental school. This was very helpful. Good luck & God bless.

[@ashxo47]

LOVE THIS! 🤩

[@bigb00tyj00dy]

To anyone who is interested and dental school and worried about money I am a 4th year dental student and have had a waitressing job on the weekends all 4 years. It’s definitely doable if you prioritize your time wisely!

[@83HURSTROCKET]

Did you work all 4 years

[@erinminor7453]

Okay this has nothing to do with dental school but I do have a question for you! I recently made a purchase from Nepoagym (I got some joggers - LOVE - thank you for the suggestion) and I need to exchange one for a different size but I can not get them to reply to my emails to get a return label! Do you ever have issues with their customer service? I've literally emailed 5 times and can't get a response! Any suggestions? Thanks so much - love your videos!

[@shannonhickey478]

Anyone have any suggestions on how to pay for schooling? I have heard of certain practices paying partially or fully for tuition for people who either work for the company or will work for the company after receiving a degree. I am interested in becoming a dental hygienist. Thanks!

[@samskidaddle5699]

Please tell me we get in we a 3.4 gpa and 18 DAT? How did you study for DAT?

[@estherkim495]

i just graduated high school and my dream dental school is unc school of dentistry ! i'm moving to a new city so i have to find the right dentist to start shadowing. i've shadowed before but i live in a small town so i'm scared about the dentists in a bigger city

[@dj-Lo]

That Figs color looks amazing on you!

[@KathrynMueller]

thank you!! :)

[@dj-Lo]

@@KathrynMueller If you dont know this already, you can ALWAYS find promo codes on google for Figs. I saved $35 on 2 sets last week 😁

[@SriHarikaD]

How did you get in to research in neuro lab at duke , need to get some research done before applying . Sending lot of cold emails but not getting any reply from universities… Can you help on what’s the best way to get some research done

[@alexandra9097]

Very good video xx

[@lovesmilesing8037]

Wow you did so much stuff in college! I'm a med student and I just study, do sports and sing in the choir of my school 😅 How did you find the time to also tutor and stuff? I love your video's btw (:

[@KathrynMueller]

I only did ~4-6 hours a week! Nothing crazy and not every semester either 😊

[@powermed5033]

Is there is algebra and pre calculus question too can you plz tell I will be much better

[@imma_cat]

Interpersonal skills are so important for a dentist. My dental hygienist used to write notes about my life and ask me the same questions every six months. I decided to see a different dentist just because of her being awkward.

[@Salty_Siren07]

I was prenursing in college but quit before it was time to apply. I was burnt out and started to hate the medical field. Because of how competitive it is, all I did was study and had no life. It was very cut throat and it felt like a majority of the other students were rude and didn’t actually care… more like they were there since nursing is the popular field right now. Very few of my classmates actually made it through a program. A lot dropped out because they ended up hating the field.

[@vivekmynam186]

did UCLA consider you in state even though you were OOS for college?

[@alisiamontoya374]

i’m not sure how intense dental school is but i’m starting physical therapy school in two months! has it been hard for you to balance school and your personal life? everyone says i won’t have a life for the next three years lol

[@KathrynMueller]

people exaggerate! if I can balance dental school with youtube, the gym, my relationship, and my cats, you can have a life! :)

[@XtremeDirtRacing]

Your Amazon review video got a lot of views!

[@samskidaddle5699]

Please tell me we get in we a 3.4 gpa and 18 DAT?

[@jennakasper5922]

I’m going into my freshman year and dental is my top choice right now when do you recommend applying to the dental school and taking DAT?

[@KathrynMueller]

i took the DAT summer after sophomore year and applied in my junior year summer!

[@Greeneggsandham123]

Thank you so much! Really helpful! Our dental club actually recommended students taking a gap year to study for DAT, volunteering, and shadowing. Wasn’t it hard getting all those hours? Wish I would have known I wanted to become dentist sooner, so I could have opportunities to shadow more.

[@KathrynMueller]

No it was manageable! Spread volunteering out over a couple semesters (I truly don't think this is that critical of a part of your resume, and doesn't have to be dental focused). Shadowing I just did every Friday for a summer and that was plenty of hours, and DAT studying I did when I had a summer research job.

[@KathrynMueller]

also if you're only doing 1 gap year you have to have your application submitted at the beginning of your gap year, so it won't matter what you do afterwards because they won't see it

[@karnabz]

me halfway through law school: ah yes content for me 😂

[@VoyageravecClaraVanessa976]

Good video 👍👍👍👍👍👍 Love from France 😘😘😘😘😘😘

[@chloea5672]

I would love if you could do a review on some of the new CRZ Yoga stuff on Amazon (sports bras, shorts,...)! love your content!!

[@KathrynMueller]

just got some of their new stuff to try actually! thank you!!

[@kanonmata1100]

Hey, applying this June but in the low end on shadowing. I most likely won't be able to get to 80 or 100 by then, but if I get to around 50 will that work?

[@KathrynMueller]

Depends on the school requirements!

[@grantonrigney9208]

I'm a Senior who is a medical assistant (training for dental assistant), and this helped so much because it is my dream to become a dentist.

[@KathrynMueller]

So glad I can help!! Best of luck 😊

[@tamettelam5707]

Did you only use the practice test on DAT BootCamp or did you get practice tests from other places too?

[@KathrynMueller]

Just bootcamp!

[@tamettelam5707]

Also when using DAT BootCamp did you use the pro plan or the plus plan? I love your videos btw

[@KathrynMueller]

I’m not sure! I think the highest plan they had when I took it. It was 5 years ago at this point!😳

[@madeehashaikh9091]

do you think your research work helped you in your application?

[@KathrynMueller]

It probably did! I did have a first author publication which I feel like helps, but its hard to say how much that played a role

[@stridageorges2824]

I have a bachelor degree in business. So what prerequisites I should take. Do you have any clue ? I’m lost and I don’t have so much time

[@KathrynMueller]

Each school will list their requirements on their website! Generally 2 biology, 2 gen Chem, 2 organic Chem, 2 physics, anatomy, and potentially a few more. They are a lot to get through

[@stridageorges2824]

@@KathrynMueller thank you so much ❤️🙏

[@jahari8862]

I’m having a hard time deciding what I want to become lol I either want to be a Dentist or an Anestheologist

[@KathrynMueller]

Personally I think dentists have more autonomy and do more hands on work!

[@nawara8368]

Why did you switch from Neuro to psych?

[@KathrynMueller]

I felt like I was getting enough core sciences in my bio/chemistry courses, and I had to take a psych class for the neuro major and had so much fun! I also liked balancing my quantitative science courses with a social science and focused on writing papers more than tests. And if I’m being honest- it was a bonus not to take another math class!

[@EvolvingNow]

3.9 GPA OHHH MYYY uhh 22 on the dat, 3.8 overall and science 3.6 hopefully i get in

[@KathrynMueller]

You will!!

[@kelseymessner8717]

Jesus. You are impressive.

[@loolooalexander2300]

Did chemistry come easy for you or did you have study super hard for it? I feel like I could be decent if I studied really really well and watch a bunch of videos.

[@KathrynMueller]

I definitely had to study a lot, but it was easier than physics for me! The chemistry section of the DAT was my best, I feel like as soon as you learn all the types of questions, it’s just like a math problem

[@DrugFree001]

Did a patient ever bite your fingers?

[@KathrynMueller]

not yet!

[@222kristinn]

Lol isn't UOP in Stockton? No one will blame you for not wanting to go

[@KathrynMueller]

The dental school is actually in San Francisco itself! The undergrad is in Stockton

[@KathrynMueller]

But it’s not in the safest neighborhood 😂

[@222kristinn]

I learned something new! Thank you

[@kirstencovington2117]

I am a junior in high school and I am really interested in dentistry but I'm not sure if it's for me I'm not the smartest at chem I did pretty good in bio

[@pasta9836]

Don’t do it if you don’t want to be 500,000 dollars in debt

[@pasta9836]

Dental school is super expensive

[@jessecarlson9529]

U seem like u would b a g

[@ashxo47]

Omg I’m from the Bay Area too! 🤍