Dental Should I pursue dentistry or something else if I have an ongoing medical issue?

[Mr.Smile12]

Since I was young I wanted to pursue dentistry. However I have health issues and am seriously scared how it may impact my chances of getting in. I have right heart failure. I have had two open heart surgeries and struggling health issues. I'm much better and in a stabilized condition. However because of my health issues, I get fatigued and get tired. Is it dental school possible for me or am I being too unreasonable? I do have a good gpa and currently studying for the DAT. Do dental schools give healthcare accommodations or should I ask for them? What should I do? If in the event I get interviews and am I asked about my health, what should I say? What if they ask if I get sick again what should I say? It is also the reason why doing my undergrad took little longer so I'm worried that might not look good.

Your health and disability by itself will not be a cause to exclude you but we want to know if your condition is managed and under control. You may need to have your cardiologist talk with a disability resource specialist about accommodations though.

However we can't give you any indication of your chances without your DAT score and other metrics.

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[Mr.Smile12]

Hello,
What kind of accommodations do dental schools provide? I was told it was be not a good idea to ask for them as that could reason to not be selected. Also what is the life like a typical dental student? How physically demanding and what is the work load like?
Thanks alot. I appreciate you replying

This is where networking with dental schools is very important. That said, usually the dental or medical school will rely on a university-wide administrative office regarding learning services and accommodations, so you can make inquiries to those individuals without worrying about how it could be viewed with your application (since they don't have a role in the process). They should go over what type of documentation would be requested and information that would be needed for accommodations on a course-by-course basis as well as how it could affect your required clinical training. I am not an expert in the Americans with Disabilities Act, so you would need to go to the right experts for the information you are looking for. Every dental school is slightly different when it comes to work load and clinical environments where you will be trained (such as community dentistry rotations outside the school's clinic).

 

[Mr.Smile12]

So should I contact the schools and talk to their disability department? I understand. Thank you again so much

I think as a general inquiry, it is probably good to ask.