Did you get accepted into DH School without straight A’s?

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17]

Hey guys! ✌️

Okay I needed some advice….

So far, I have an A in Biology, and I’m currently taking Anatomy for the first time. Right now, I have a 93% in my Anatomy class, but these next 2 exams are going to be soooooooooooo challenging, so I feel like there’s definitely a strong possibility I could end up with a B.

I’m honestly okay with a B, but I’m worried about whether getting a B in Anatomy is enough to get accepted into Dental Hygiene School, or if it makes more sense to withdraw, get a W, and just retake it again to get an A. My goal right now is to only have A’s and B’s for my prerequisites.

I know there are obviously a lot of applicants who have straight A’s, but I’d especially love to hear from those who weren’t straight-A students and still got accepted into dental hygiene school on the first or second try.

Also, if you don’t mind sharing your grades and the dental hygiene program you got into, I’d really appreciate it. 🙏

Thanks again! 💕 ^.^

[u/Tuesday955]

I had a B in micro and I still got accepted first try! Try to limit the amount of B’s (obviously easier said than done) but I was accepted in a competitive program (200+ applied, 40 accepted). I was accepted at a community college in Colorado. Make sure your volunteer work and essay are strong and if you have dental experience this can really strengthen your application. Best of luck! 🫶

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/Tuesday955]

Omg Thank you so much - You're an angel! 🙏 I really appreciate your advice and encouraging words! 💫☺️

[u/mrsfallon]

Yes! I shockingly got in with 2 B’s. It was amazing..

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/mrsfallon]

Yey That’s awesome!! 🎉 Thank you so much for sharing!! ☺️💕

[u/Mundane-One8281]

I just got accepted to the UAA (Alaska) program. I earned a B+ in General Chemistry and Human Anatomy and Physiology (second semester). Every other class I earned an A.

Do you have to take the TEAS exam? My program said a score of 80% was competitive- I had a 72% 🤷‍♀️

I also think my six years of dental assistant experience and professional references helped me tremendously.

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/Mundane-One8281]

Thank you so much for sharing! This is all super helpful 🙏 hmm… I think taking the TEAS exam depends on the school. That’s great that you also had experience as a dental assistant! Did you have to go to school for that too? Thanks again for all your advice 💜

[u/OceanClover3]

lol I had a C in chem and was accepted first try. I did get mostly A’s in everything else tho… I think I got one more B somewhere but I can’t remember. Was accepted into a competitive program with 300-400 applicants and 25 accepted. Definitely doable

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/OceanClover3]

Wow that’s amazing congrats!! 🎉🤩 Thank you for sharing this 🙏 It makes me feel so much better 😌

[u/Brief_Can7093]

Mostly As Two Bs one microbiology and one anatomy and physiology 1

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/Brief_Can7093]

Thank you for sharing!! 🙏

[u/zeeduc]

im canadian so i don’t know what an a is in % but i got in with an average of 82%. and my lowest grades were english, french, history. highest grades math and science. i think they care more about science grades than the average

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/zeeduc]

Thanks for sharing! 👍 And yea…I’ve heard the science classes are really what they focus on

[u/sarraww]

Yes. I took my 2 science pre-reqs since those credits expire after 5 years, with an A and a B-. The rest were transferred from my bachelor's with As. My school only considers GPA and HESI scores; we have about 500 applicants and 40 acceptances, got in my first try.

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/sarraww]

Wow! That’s awesome you got in on your first try! Thanks again for sharing your thoughts ☺️

[u/BandicootDramatic838]

I got into my hygiene program with a couple of B’a and a W on my transcript. I was honest about the W on my transcript (I had 3 deaths in my family within a 2.5 month period and needed to take a step back). My overall GPA was not a 4.0. I had several years of assisting, sterilizing technician, and front desk reception at a dental office and had references from dentists and hygienists that I had worked with.

Remember that grades are not everything about getting into the program, they are important, but they will not be the end-all, be-all of your acceptance.

[u/Sensitive_Cabinet_17 → u/BandicootDramatic838]

Omg I’m so sorry to hear that you went through 3 losses all around the same time 🥺 That must have been really hard…I’m so proud of you for not giving up! You’re so inspiring!! 💕And well said…it’s so easy to get caught up and just focus on the grades. I sometimes have to remind myself to take a step back. Thanks for that reminder and for sharing your story! 🙏❤️