r/predental

I’m looking for some perspective from anyone who has applied with conduct violations on their application.
I have two alcohol-related violations from when I was younger (18 and 20). They were both several years ago, I disclosed everything on my application, took responsibility for them, and haven’t had any issues since. I tried to make it clear in my application that I learned from them and have grown a lot since then.
I recently got rejected from Utah and emailed admissions asking for feedback. Their Director of Admissions told me directly that the reason they didn’t move forward with my application was because of the violations/sanctions listed on my application and that the committee had “too much uncertainty” regarding that part of my application.

So now I’m wondering:

Am I kind of cooked at certain schools just because these are on my application, regardless of the rest of my application?
Are there any other dental schools known for being particularly strict about conduct violations or that tend to screen applicants out because of them?
Has anyone here gotten accepted with multiple conduct violations, especially alcohol-related ones from several years ago?
Is there anything I can realistically do during this cycle to make schools more comfortable with this part of my application? Additional explanation, update letter, proof of growth, etc.?
If I have to reapply, what can I do differently to make

Feels like you put all of the work and yet nothing! Constant fear and familial/personal expectations all bearing a toll on wellbeing. Trying to stay occupied but yet end of the day still feeling like nothing is worth it. I know it’s not the end of the world but it feels that way. Questing if you applied too late, questioning if you should have taken dat early, is ps is even good enough. Laying in bed everyday thinking there is new hope next day, next week, and still no sight of a single invite!

Did anyone else receive a rejection from ASDOH after the interview this early on? Im so frustrated.

I took the DAT back in July 2025 got a 370AA. Then naturally I retook right after I finished my under grad a year later, and got a 350AA. :( I shed many tears, took a month to just relax and think about life lol & now I’m ready to get back in the game. First and foremost I’m sure schools are looking at my new score which makes me so sad bc I’m genuinely a good student and have a heart for dentistry. I had a 3.8 GPA and a 3.75 science GPA in my undergrad, so I know I can do it!!! I just don’t know where to start, I did bootcamp both times so now I’m thinking of starting booster? & then if so should I start from scratch and relearn it all?? I feel like it’s a waste of time to start from scratch cause I just took my last DAT in August but I know my score sucks so I get if I need to lololol ! I’ll take any advice yall got for what you feel I should do so that I can improve! :)

hi everybody. looking for advice on how i should start planning for next application cycle as im feeling pretty discouraged now. im listing my stats below and would love to hear if you guys think a DAT retake or masters would be the best route for me. for reference it would have to be some sort of online program as i work 40 hours a week as a DA to support myself. this is already my first gap year also.

3.34 cGPA
3.30 sGPA
20 AA
23 PAT

pretty great letters of rec and extracurriculars, 300+ shadowing hours, 300+ volunteer hours and 1500+ assisting hours.

only kira’s and casper’s this cycle. i applied to around 9 schools and i know now i should have done more, i was just being stupid and thinking i could maybe stay close to home as possible. i’m really discouraged and it’s just hard working in this field with amazing Dr and having to tell everyone that i still haven’t heard anything. trying to be proactive for next cycle.

When should letters of intent be sent out? I've heard some say to send them right after interviewing, and others say wait until a month before decision day.

Does it matter when you send it? I don't want want to seem desperate lol

Hi everyone! I received an interview from UDM today if you have an experience with them can please give me some advice, thank you so much!