I'm in School at SIU-SDM in Illinois
and there is a current 4th year student who was a hygienist before she came to school
here. There are also a few former assistants,
a surgical technician, an X-ray technician and a former MLS ( Major League Soccer) player amongst others.
In fact there was once a former MS in
Micro, who was about 38 y/o when he was in his first year.
There is also a story floating around about an MD who disliked the profession and
was attempting to get into dentistry.
So there really is no age or experience
limit.
As long as you do well on DAT's, have a decent GPA , a good personal statement and interview . . .
you're in.
Some schools will give more consideration to those who were in the dental field, because they already have seen so much of what it involves.