2 year dds VS. 4 year dds

[canadian710]

Hey everyone.

I just wanted some insight of all of you regarding choosing the 4 year program instead of the 2 year program for DDS? Is it worth it? For a person who is still going to take some time to improve their profile to be in the top list of competitors is it just better to not waste time and apply for the 4 year program? And more specifically I am referring to admissions in Canada. Does someone have any idea about this route to dds completion? How likely is it to get admission?

Thank you in advance!

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[Drbcca]

It will take at least 6 months to 1 year to pass all exams and prepare yourself for advance standing, why don't you apply for 4 years DDS/DMD, it is easier , less stressful and money wise both will costs the same, sort of.

 

[krebmah]

It will take at least 6 months to 1 year to pass all exams and prepare yourself for advance standing, why don't you apply for 4 years DDS/DMD, it is easier , less stressful and money wise both will costs the same, sort of.

Do you think there is a reason why most foreign dentists end up choosing the advanced placement route instead of a 4 year dds, even though the former is so competitive? I have a foreign dental degree as well and was looking into applying to a four year program, it just confuses me as to why I don't see more foreign dentists talking on SDN about taking this route. Most applicants end up needing a year to beef up their resume and the seats for AP programs are so less, that saving one to two years couldn't possibly be the reason, I suppose. Is there a catch that I'm unaware of?

 

[Drbcca]

2yrs is an option, but each individual has to look at himself/herself, I saw vey few students who passed all exams in less than 3 months and get into the program right away, they were specialists in their own country and also top in class, But I know so many who are not accepted even after few years, for some doctors from overseas studying 4 years is a little bit downgrade but in reality it is not , you have to see which route is faster, as a Dr when you apply for 4 years DDS/DMD program you are competing with bachelor degrees, your application has more weight, however when you are applying for 2 yrs you are competing with other Drs, plus you already waste at least one year to pass all necessary exams, just my opinion if you are from India or Philippines 4 yrs is the best option for you

 

[drKJ]

4 yr program costs double the amount i.e. around 400,000 USD (considering 100,000 USD as average yearly tuition , it can be more/less) . This route seems very costly for international dentists with no residential status in the US. On the contrary , international dentists who are residents of the state can avail in-state tuition which is similar or may be less than most 2 yr IDP programs.

 

[krebmah]

Okay so I asked around. It's not that simple to apply to 4 year programs because some schools eg Columbia, don't accept a foreign undergraduate degree, they need a US accredited undergrad degree. Other schools eg UNC Chapel Hill, just ask for certain prerequisites to be completed before matriculation, which can take up to a year. So I guess it's not just cost and the extra year of school, this can also be a reason that deters some people from taking this route.

 

[drKJ]

Hmm, I have seen many US citizens go abroad to get a dental degree so that they can apply to advanced standing program upon return. It saves the extra time and money 3-4 yrs college + additional first 2 yrs of dmd costs.