Pursuing Dentistry as a Second Career ft. Jake || Brittany Goes to Dental School

Hi everyone! In this video, my friend Jake shares his experience about his decision to change his career and go to dental school! I hope his story will inspire those of you who are thinking about going through the same thing.
Jake's Instagram: / rjw3rd
INSTAGRAM:
/ brittanygoestodentalsc...
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[@johannachan9685]

I’m a nurse changing careers to dentistry. I was a paralegal prior to being a nurse, too. I am married with a kid lol. So I get the old thing. I’m 33 haha. It’s never too late. 💜 love the video! And thanks, Jake!!

[@jakewagner5473]

Hey Johanna ... Congrats on going back to chase your dream!!! How have you found the process thus far? I must say, I've been very lucky and spoiled with a supportive class of peers that have embraced my gray hairs, welcoming me into the fold. What has been your experience to this point???

[@Liya_Marie]

Johanna Chan me too! I’m 33& have been a Clinical Lab Scientist for the last 8yrs in the hospital Lab...balancing work/school/life is tough. Being a pre-Dent is definitely different as an older student but it’s going to be so worth it.

[@anthonymarquez6493]

I am a nurse too and considering changing careers to dentistry

[@Beautyishername7777]

Lol Ive been a hairstylist, dental assistant; was interested in Paralegal work. I’ve been in HR and now I’m considering nursing or dentistry 😂…oh, I’m 32.

[@Godfavorsmi]

Did you make it ?! 👀

[@sarakyong]

Amazing, this is the same scenario I'm facing. I'm turning 34 this year and working on my prereqs and applying for dental school this next cycle as a second career. Jake's story is encouraging for us non-traditional applicants and hope I can get accepted this year. I'm currently facing the issue of time management and hopefully can resolve this better before I start dental school. Good advice with working out, I couldn't agree more!

[@sarakyong]

Aw, thanks for the "heart" Brittany. May I ask a question you might be able to ask Jake in lab this week? When he retook his prereqs, did he take them through a university or did he take them at community college? I'm in CA and CC is all I can afford at the moment (saving up for the applications and hopefully interview travel(s) in the fall). Do you guys feel dental schools will look unfavorably at my application because my prereqs were done through CC, or would they understand seeing I'm non-traditional coming in as a career change? I feel these classes are just as challenging as they were at my 4-year university (but not retaking most of them, I only had a BA so many science courses I'm taking the first time, but making A's!).

[@KC-ti4hr]

Same here!

[@springsh6678]

It was super cool to watch this video to see others like me made a similar move as I did. I start Dental school as my second career at the age 37. Now on last year ( we’ll somehow delayed thanks to Covid-19) looking forward to finish it. I really enjoyed my time being at school with younger students and honestly spending time with them made me feel younger. I got my BSc in clinical psychology did not really like it I got my diploma in dental hygiene worked 10 years enjoyed it and fell in love with actual dentistry. So you guys out there it’s never too late to fallow your dreams and do what you really like. This is a life.

[@YeseniaDLM]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm in my late 20s and decided to go back to school for Dental Hygiene. I've been working so hard for the last year doing prerequisites and meeting other requirements but even then I feel like being a college student is for younger people and I'm going to be an old grandma in comparison to other students. His drive to push through and be in dental school is awesome. Do what makes you happy regardless of age. Never too late to work towards it. ❤

[@AnykindsMatthew2]

YeseniaDLM you're 20, and you feel old? Relax you're way too young

[@YeseniaDLM]

Anykinds Matthew haha! I only feel old when most of my classmates are 9 or 10 years younger. 😜

[@lalalozer]

I'm in my late 20s, and have decided to pursue a Master's degree to start a new career. Although my classmates and I are in the same age range/bracket, being back in the University where you're surrounded by undergrads who are in their late teens and early 20s can be quite intimidating. Haha.

[@jakewagner5473]

GO FOR IT! I can say that I had the same reservations about being older and going back to school. Brittany and all my classmates have accepted me as a peer and I can honestly say I have never been amongst other individuals who are so supportive of each other. We all understand that the information is hard enough as it is, and the support and acceptance has been unbelievable. In patient facing scenarios your real world experience will be invaluable and if this is what you really wantt to do, you will be a rockstar!

[@elloism1025]

I am in late 20s and doing my prerequisites to get into dental school.!! I felt the same like.. I am the oldest one in my class. But age is just number and if I did not challenge, and... what if I regret it when I am in 40’s? We can make it !!! 💪🏻

[@ammoula2974]

I’m older than Jake, yet I felt so inspired and encouraged because I had and still have moments of self-doubt! I’m applying this year to International Dental program. Hopefully I’ll get in! Thanks for sharing this amazing story!

[@furiousaugsy]

Thank you thank you thank you!!!!!!!!!!!! As a student switching careers early 30s, this was such a refreshing understanding of how to pursue the career that I want!!!

[@brittanywatu4835]

Yes! Proud of you for making the switch!

[@amandachurchhansen7892]

I am married with kids, D3, 41 years old. Had to retake pre-Req’s as well. But it’s worth it and doable. Just stay focused, try your best and stick it out. We actually have several people in my class as well as a single mom who had her baby during 1st year and she was able stay on top of things.

[@user-vk2ei5ze4y]

Hi! Did you take all the prereqs in a 4-year-university (= diy post-bacc)? Or did you take them in a community college?

[@amandachurchhansen7892]

@@user-vk2ei5ze4y I took the basic science ones at a community college and the higher level ones at a 4 year university. Some schools don’t take cc credits or limit the #. Since I took them originally at a 4yr school it turned out no one cared. But I would check with the schools you are applying to to be certain.

[@zahraabdullah4154]

Hi Amanda I'm also 41 years old and I'm planning to do my diploma and bachelor in dental hygiene and then apply for Doctor in Dentistry..do you think it's too much? I really need dental hygiene bachelor to support myself here in Canada before applying for dentistry..what do you think?

[@amandachurchhansen7892]

@@zahraabdullah4154 I am not familiar with Canadá and the cost of school but make sure you will be able to pay off student debt and start saving for retirement once you graduate. Also if you have a certain standard of living, children, mortgage etc, take that into consideration as well. It’s all about your expectations as well. As far as the bachelors in hygiene, it will make dental school easier since you will already have a background. Talk to the schools you plan to apply to and make sure they are comfortable accepting some one older. I know many schools here have an opinion one way or another.

[@Beautyishername7777]

Hi! I’m 32 and I’ve always had a love for dentistry. I have no children and I’m not married. I kept putting it off thinking it’s too expensive. I did not want debt. I also thought by 30, I’d be married with children. I thought it would be a huge financial burden & a waste of time. Whelp 😅 lol I totally wasted time. Your comment is inspiring. I think we get so caught up in age, limitations & expectations. It’s always refreshing to see someone who is really out here accomplishing their goals✨

[@karengutierrez5605]

This is so inspirational! I’ve been a Dental assistant pretty much since out of high school and let time pass me by. I am now married with 2 kids and becoming a dentist has always been my career goal and now at 27 I am finally going to work on my prerequisites to eventually apply to dental school (loma linda being my #1 choice of school). Thanks for the encouraging advice!

[@brittanywatu4835]

You can do it!!

[@ozyalexander4983]

Progress update? Would love to hear!

[@RMIDRIS]

What's the situation?

[@calebj.vazquez4942]

Hey! I know this is an old comment, but how’s it going? This is almost my exact story, and I’m 27 as well. Hope to hear an update!

[@Godfavorsmi]

I’m a respiratory practitioner. Im 31 and have been watching you before I even gotten into this field. I chose respiratory because I needed a career. Taking chem 2 after 6 years was a challenge and physics as well. I wish it only took me 18months to finish these science prerequisites it can be discouraging. Being 31 in a class with 19 definitely makes you feel some type of way because those kids are fresh out of high school. He gave me hope because I can’t believe he took bio I at 35!

[@MzKegz]

wow that's amazing. He really inspire me. I'm only in 2nd year and I time I doubt myself but he just gave me motivation

[@klarissa.withak]

This is so helpful! I am looking into this career but I have been so stressed since my background is a Bachelor’s in English. I am 25 and I felt too old. This has inspired me. Thank you !!🙏🏽💕

[@elloism1025]

His story really encouraged me!! I graduated college in 2014, and worked as a fashion designer for about 3 years. Last year, I married to my boyfriend who is from America. I am originally from South Korea, and I had to move to the States, and.. to the small town that I have never experienced in my entire life. Even though I am a foreigner here, I wanted to get my second career. Because I could not keep my previous career as a designer in this small town and found out dentistry is not just about science, it is Art plus Science! I started taking my prerequisites, and I got 4.0 last semester! Sometimes I feel I am too old to do this, and discouraged me so much... but I am applying for dental school next June! Wish me luck. 🤞🏼and Brittany, thank you so much for sharing this! ♥️

[@brittanywatu4835]

Thank you for sharing your story! Keep up the amazing work :D

[@user-vk2ei5ze4y]

안녕하세요! 혹시 덴탈스쿨 가셨나요...?? 저도 아트 백그라운드가 있어서 여쭤보고 싶은 부분이 있어서 답글 남겨용

[@kiran-hiyaudhani1320]

Hi! I wanna know too that did you get into a dental school? And how was it transitioning from being a fashion designer to a dentist?

[@elloism1025]

@@user-vk2ei5ze4y ㅎㅎㅎ4년전 댓글 이제서야 봤네요! 저는 2019년에 덴탈스쿨 인터뷰 두곳 보고 (인스테이트로만 지원했어요. 학비가 너무 비싸서..) 그런데 결론은 제가 영주권자라도 세금 기록이 3년 이상 되지 않아서 out of state 학비를 내야하더라고요. 그런데 제 나이도 좀 있고 이미 집사느라 큰 대출이 있어서.. 여차저차 고민하다가 원래 커리어 경력 살려서 운좋게 미국 기업에서 일하게 됐어요! 다행히 코로나 이후로 remote로 할 수 있는 일을 찾고 싶었는데 현재 커리어로는 remote 로도 근무 가능하고 경력이 쌓이면 6자리 연봉도 가능해서 덴탈스쿨을 가지 않기로 결정했답니다!

[@user-vk2ei5ze4y]

@@elloism1025 앗 그렇군요 그래도 잘 풀리셨다니 다행입니다!! 혹시 prereq 들으시는 건 커뮤니티 칼리지에서 들으신 건지, 그냥 근처 주립대에서 직접 수업들 pick하고 수강신청 하셔서 들으신 건지, 아니면 formal post bacc 프로그램을 다니셨는지 여쭤봐도 될까요??

[@DentalPro2021]

what an amazing story! Jake seems like such a cool guy :) thanks for sharing, Brittany!

[@lalalozer]

Hi Brittany, thank you for this video. I'm not in the dental field, but I decided to go back to school to earn a Master's degree full-time after being in corporate for several years because I want a career change. Being surrounded by undergrads makes me feel old! Haha. Kidding aside, the fact that other people like Jake who are wanting to change their careers are very admirable. It just shows it's never too late for anything :)

[@kristondapryor3377]

Thank you for this video. I’m 36 finishing a masters program this spring and am considering dental school. Glad to know I’m still not “too old”

[@jjohnson658]

This was awesome! Ive been looking for videos of second career dental students. I am 30 years old and I will be starting the process next year to prepare for dental school!! Thanks for sharing this video. Its good to see that other older individuals are going into dentistry!

[@brittanywatu4835]

Good luck to you!!

[@andrewimm2576]

Very inspiring! It's never too late to do what you really want.

[@mrbnsmw10]

Im so glad I found your YT, its very inspiring! I am a 2nd year dental student from the Czech Republic and for me it is so interesting to see what dental schools abroad are like. Sending love! xoxo

[@ruyperez8276]

I completely understand. I have a career in dentistry in Mexico. I graduated in 2015 +1 year of GP + being a dentist from 2016 till now. However, I have been struggling because having a dental practice here is not the same to the USA. I have been thinking of switching to computer science, which could allow me to have jobs abroad ( Europe, North America ), but I have to really think about it. There are two things I like to do: surgery and programming. But I have to decide which could open me more doors in my current situation.

[@brittanywatu4835]

Thanks for sharing!

[@TrueCerulean]

Question for Jake: Did you have to take out any loans? If so, how do you feel about repayment at an older age?

[@wichertj3]

This is just what I was looking for!! Thank you Brittany!

[@Moonymermaidelf]

I’m a Dental Assistant and I want to tell the doctors about my idea of trying to become a Dentist but I’m turning 27 next month and have ADHD so it makes things challenging and I’m terrified/ embarrassed to say that just now at this age I’m thinking about this but I think seeing this calms me a bit.

[@inspiredabundance8417]

Thanks for posting this video,really appreciate you guys sharing your stories and your life as dental students! I can't wait to start dental school in the U.K

[@ktoth29]

I graduated in 2005 and never really found a job, retaking prerequisites is an impossible hurdle for most people.

[@Liya_Marie]

Omg, I can definitely relate, it’s never too late however going back to school as a 33yr old pre-dent student is challenging...life 🤷🏽‍♀️ lol. I’m excited but the reality of this marathon I’m on is here, if he has any tips for balancing adult life and school I’m all ears. Great video as always. Shalom 👩🏽

[@Tofflemire5]

I'm 44 and just sold my dental practice. It feels so good to get out of the misery :) Best of luck to those trying to get in though.

[@brittanywatu4835]

Are you still practicing dentistry?

[@evenpreenvoss5586]

Do you mind if I ask, why the dislike??

[@Tofflemire5]

@@brittanywatu4835 Yes as an associate dentist

[@Tofflemire5]

@@evenpreenvoss5586 Too much "ownership" crap to deal with. Regulations, new regulations, more regulations, staff, maintenance, bills, bills, more bills, crap upon crap. Some are good at it. Ownership was slowly killing my soul.

[@Ephidell]

Thank you Brittany for this video. I also change career from Computer Science to pursue my dream in Dentistry. I have started my first semester and I love it. Please keep doing videos since you are a motivation to us. I also follow you on instagram. Keep the good work!!

[@RMIDRIS]

Name of the Instagram, please?

[@anglertungstenco]

Yep I know how ya feel bro I’m 28 and every semester when I walk into class people can’t believe I’m that old doing pre reqs lol

[@positivitymahi3613]

Thanks so much for making this video ...very motivating..thanks to Jake....Respect!

[@brittanywatu4835]

🙌🏼glad you enjoyed it!!

[@aleenatanveer3809]

That was amazing . If you could ever have a video with someone in Dental Public Health , i would love to watch that .

[@brittanywatu4835]

I will look into it!

[@miguelr7216]

brittany i really need your advice...a big issue that i have is i can't help but compare myself to other people and it really really sucks. did you ever go through this and how did you deal with it?? another thing, i told myself i was going to start studying for my act and sat at the beginning of my sophomore year and i'm already finishing my sophomore year and still have not started. how long did you study before taking your sat and act?? i also heard that you could take those tests multiple times a year, is this true? and the last thing is, is i'm not sure how clubs work. i get that schools like students taking them and everything, and this may be a really dumb question, but how do they know that you actually did attend clubs? like, does someone document everything? i feel like i have too much going on in my life right now and i don't think that i'd be performing well in a club if i were to attend one. i was thinking of volunteering at animal shelter or something along those lines.. would they still value that as community service? the last last thing is, did you attend community college? i feel like there is no reason to spend the extra money on a university if both community colleges and universities teach the exact same material. i don't know why i feel this way but for some reason i get the vibe that community college is frowned upon to dental schools and for some reason i won't be accepted if i were to go to community college and then transfer to a university after two years. again, this may be a really dumb question but i would really like your insight.

[@wealthhealthco.9018]

Is there a way to contact Jake and ask him questions?

[@HisCherryBlossoms]

Where did he do his prerequisites? There aren't a lot of places in Cali that allow for reentry once you have a degree.

[@Tee-ue9wq]

Thanks for this, very inspiring!

[@ariyan3160]

Hello doctor. Here I am at that crucial moment for making the right decision. I hope I get a reply. I am a 22 year old Iranian - as you can probably tell from my grammatically mistakes and my bad writing- who really wants to study dentistry at medical school in CANADA. but here is some difficulties... first of all I can't speak English very well. and I think I will have many problems communicating with others and in an academic place especially in a country like Canada . additionally I am also very shy and introverted. so how can I speak in public and give presentations in university regarding that my English is not university-level. and the next barrier is that I graduated from high school in Turkey and I don't think it is acceptable in Canada ? so what am I going to do ? should I study 3 years high school one more time in Canada ? is it good idea to study dentistry for someone like me ?

[@m_romm]

I'm 34 and got accepted to Loma Linda this cycle!

[@ceejai67]

I want to be a dentist when I'm older but Science is just my weakness and having all that worl oh lord

[@good4466]

Hello, just a bit curious....did he graduated now?

[@laylaad]

such a great video!

[@silanbozkurt3654]

hey i am about to start college in uk wanting to do dentistry however when i got gcses they were (c) and the college wouldnt allow me to do science alevel so i ended up pickinf law. my dresm job is dentistry but i havent met the requirement to persue it. what can i do???

[@brittanywatu4835]

Unfortunately I don't know too much about the UK education system :(

[@96manik]

THANK YOU FROM NEW ZEALAND

[@harlanwilkinson3142]

Umm. The money aspect?

[@monicalewinsky1234]

Do you have a PO Box?

[@samihdaifallah3590]

Go to Russia and you will pay 30k for 5 years school for dentist

[@yoyoyo111able]

No way russians are rude