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DROCKINDAHOUSE said:
Does anyone else know how they are going to decide between two or even all three schools? I was thinking of maybe going back and visiting SA and Baylor over the break but I'm not sure if its worth it. I know I don't wanna live in Houston and I could almost flip a coin to decide between the other two.
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It would be pretty much pointless visiting the schools during the break. If you are serious about visiting the schools, you need to do it when classes/clinic is in session. That is when you are going to benefit from it the most. that is when youa re going to get to see thigns in action, talk to the students again, etc. where you will be able to gather the most information to make an informed decison. If all you want to do is see the set-up of the school, then it would eb fine to visit when school is not in session as long as the schools allow you to visit during the break. Othersie, I think you are wasting your time visiting during the break. Go now or after the break.
 
Yeah thats good advice man. I really would like to talk to some more of the students and faculty if thats at all possible. For one thing, I know that when everyone interviewed at SA, which was on a Monday, supposedly alot of the students were in classes/clinic all day. Because of this I know that there weren't very many students at the school at all and the only students we talked to were the two tourguides and the one student interviewer.

NAVY DDS 2010 said:
It would be pretty much pointless visiting the schools during the break. If you are serious about visiting the schools, you need to do it when classes/clinic is in session. That is when you are going to benefit from it the most. that is when youa re going to get to see thigns in action, talk to the students again, etc. where you will be able to gather the most information to make an informed decison. If all you want to do is see the set-up of the school, then it would eb fine to visit when school is not in session as long as the schools allow you to visit during the break. Othersie, I think you are wasting your time visiting during the break. Go now or after the break.
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DROCKINDAHOUSE said:
Yeah thats good advice man. I really would like to talk to some more of the students and faculty if thats at all possible. For one thing, I know that when everyone interviewed at SA, which was on a Monday, supposedly alot of the students were in classes/clinic all day. Because of this I know that there weren't very many students at the school at all and the only students we talked to were the two tourguides and the one student interviewer.
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At least for San Antonio, you can go online and see their daily schedule. You can tell what days they will be in class, when they have exams, etc and determine which day would be the best to visit there. Then call the Student Affairs and set up the date so you can visit the school again. They might even set it up to have one of the students take you around and sit in on classes. You'd need to call Baylor probably and ask when is a good time.
 
Hey Darock..

Just a little bit of thought about baylor. I didnt get an interview there(it wasnt really high on my list anyways) and this does not come out of bitterness, I just want to share with you what some other people have told me.
Other students that were at my interviews that had interviewed at baylor said it looked like a sweat shop, the students looked really stressed and unhappy. ONe student even told me that on his tour a d student at baylor whispered to him to go to san antonio. what???

Anyways, on a more serious note, Baylor makes you to TONS of labwork, which most dental schools have been moving away from. Perhaps the most poignant point about this to me was when i was at a NON texas interview (Arizona) and the Dean described (to all the interviewers.. not just to me bc i was from texas) how all of the students at Baylor were super stressed and bogged down with labwork, even once they were in clinic. He said he used to be the dean there and he really started to disagree with the practice, because once you are a dentist you arent doing ANY of your own lab work. So at most schools you learn how to do.. say a crown or dentures like once or twice, and then after that you just do waxups and send it to the inhouse dental lab.. well apparently at baylor you pretty much have to do everything yourself. ==no lab.

Some people say that that is good because it will make you a better judge of your future labwork as a dentist, so if you feel that way then go for it, but I know for me, even though I actually enjoy lab type stuff (I worked in an ortho lab) I didnt want to be so overwhelmed with it that i couldnt focus in the clinic.

Just throwing my two cents in!!! 🙄
 
Britty894 said:
Hey Darock..

Just a little bit of thought about baylor. I didnt get an interview there(it wasnt really high on my list anyways) and this does not come out of bitterness, I just want to share with you what some other people have told me.
Other students that were at my interviews that had interviewed at baylor said it looked like a sweat shop, the students looked really stressed and unhappy. ONe student even told me that on his tour a d student at baylor whispered to him to go to san antonio. what???

Anyways, on a more serious note, Baylor makes you to TONS of labwork, which most dental schools have been moving away from. Perhaps the most poignant point about this to me was when i was at a NON texas interview (Arizona) and the Dean described (to all the interviewers.. not just to me bc i was from texas) how all of the students at Baylor were super stressed and bogged down with labwork, even once they were in clinic. He said he used to be the dean there and he really started to disagree with the practice, because once you are a dentist you arent doing ANY of your own lab work. So at most schools you learn how to do.. say a crown or dentures like once or twice, and then after that you just do waxups and send it to the inhouse dental lab.. well apparently at baylor you pretty much have to do everything yourself. ==no lab.

Some people say that that is good because it will make you a better judge of your future labwork as a dentist, so if you feel that way then go for it, but I know for me, even though I actually enjoy lab type stuff (I worked in an ortho lab) I didnt want to be so overwhelmed with it that i couldnt focus in the clinic.

Just throwing my two cents in!!! 🙄
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Baylor does make you do more labwork, but you will do some at the other schools. At Baylor, I hear you have to set your own denture teeth and cast your gold crowns in addition to all the prepwork you do before you send it out.

At San Antonio, you will fabricate custom impression trays, record bases, and occlusion rims for your denture patients. If your teeth come back from the lab wrong in your trial dentures, you will be resetting them in the evaluation appointment before they are sent for being made and polymerized.

You will also pour up all your impressions and mount everything and make the removable dies for crown and bridge before it is sent out. I believe there is only one crown case you actually have to wax up, and it is your first one 3rd year. I know things might change, but that is pretty much how it stands right now. I know it doesn't seem like a lot, and it isn't compared to some schools, but students are still in the lab in the evenings and on weekends. It all depends on how to manage your time. Some people wait to do all their labwork until right before it is due or they do it all on the weekend, and others do the labwork right after the patient came in.

Just wanted to give a heads up, because you do some labwork at San Antonio, just not as much as other schools... and their are advantages and disadvantages to doing labwork and not doing it.
 
DROCKINDAHOUSE said:
Yeah thats good advice man. I really would like to talk to some more of the students and faculty if thats at all possible. For one thing, I know that when everyone interviewed at SA, which was on a Monday, supposedly alot of the students were in classes/clinic all day. Because of this I know that there weren't very many students at the school at all and the only students we talked to were the two tourguides and the one student interviewer.
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If you want to come, I would plan on something really soon. We (DS2) don't have any exams next week, so that might be a good day if you call and they let you follow a DS2 around... and then we have finals the next week and won't really be at school except for the exams. We are actually off on Monday and Friday next week for study days, I don't know about the first years though. I would call the school soon, because no one will be here after the 19th.
 
Thanks mamelons!

Yeah i definitely know ill have to do labwork, but I just didnt want it to overtake my life. I was just restating what ive been told. It sounds like its pretty manageable at San Antonio. Do you think working in a lab before dental school will help me out any? I know how to pour models, trim them, pick and fill them and mount them on an articulator.. i also know how to make some retainers.. etc etc.
 
Britty894 said:
Hey Darock..

Just a little bit of thought about baylor. I didnt get an interview there(it wasnt really high on my list anyways) and this does not come out of bitterness, I just want to share with you what some other people have told me.
Other students that were at my interviews that had interviewed at baylor said it looked like a sweat shop, the students looked really stressed and unhappy. ONe student even told me that on his tour a d student at baylor whispered to him to go to san antonio. what???

Anyways, on a more serious note, Baylor makes you to TONS of labwork, which most dental schools have been moving away from. Perhaps the most poignant point about this to me was when i was at a NON texas interview (Arizona) and the Dean described (to all the interviewers.. not just to me bc i was from texas) how all of the students at Baylor were super stressed and bogged down with labwork, even once they were in clinic. He said he used to be the dean there and he really started to disagree with the practice, because once you are a dentist you arent doing ANY of your own lab work. So at most schools you learn how to do.. say a crown or dentures like once or twice, and then after that you just do waxups and send it to the inhouse dental lab.. well apparently at baylor you pretty much have to do everything yourself. ==no lab.

Some people say that that is good because it will make you a better judge of your future labwork as a dentist, so if you feel that way then go for it, but I know for me, even though I actually enjoy lab type stuff (I worked in an ortho lab) I didnt want to be so overwhelmed with it that i couldnt focus in the clinic.

Just throwing my two cents in!!! 🙄
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I think ultimately it's going to have to come down to where you can see yourself in the next couple of years. That's how I made my decision. Dental school is going to be hard no matter what you do so throwing that factor aside choose where you think you'll be the most comfortable (and happy!) and which of the schools can cater to your needs.

Either way all the schools are great so you won't have to worry about choosing the "wrong" school since they're all good! 🙂
 
Britty894 said:
Thanks mamelons!

Yeah i definitely know ill have to do labwork, but I just didnt want it to overtake my life. I was just restating what ive been told. It sounds like its pretty manageable at San Antonio. Do you think working in a lab before dental school will help me out any? I know how to pour models, trim them, pick and fill them and mount them on an articulator.. i also know how to make some retainers.. etc etc.
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I didn't work in a lab at all... most people haven't. And you don't really do any lab work until second year anyway. You will be fine in that respect. Just enjoy your time off until school starts.
 
Britty894 said:
Hey Darock..

Just a little bit of thought about baylor. I didnt get an interview there(it wasnt really high on my list anyways) and this does not come out of bitterness, I just want to share with you what some other people have told me.
Other students that were at my interviews that had interviewed at baylor said it looked like a sweat shop, the students looked really stressed and unhappy. ONe student even told me that on his tour a d student at baylor whispered to him to go to san antonio. what???

Anyways, on a more serious note, Baylor makes you to TONS of labwork, which most dental schools have been moving away from. Perhaps the most poignant point about this to me was when i was at a NON texas interview (Arizona) and the Dean described (to all the interviewers.. not just to me bc i was from texas) how all of the students at Baylor were super stressed and bogged down with labwork, even once they were in clinic. He said he used to be the dean there and he really started to disagree with the practice, because once you are a dentist you arent doing ANY of your own lab work. So at most schools you learn how to do.. say a crown or dentures like once or twice, and then after that you just do waxups and send it to the inhouse dental lab.. well apparently at baylor you pretty much have to do everything yourself. ==no lab.

Some people say that that is good because it will make you a better judge of your future labwork as a dentist, so if you feel that way then go for it, but I know for me, even though I actually enjoy lab type stuff (I worked in an ortho lab) I didnt want to be so overwhelmed with it that i couldnt focus in the clinic.

Just throwing my two cents in!!! 🙄
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That is funny. I know a D2 at San Antonio who said he appreciates how Baylor and Houston introduce you to labwork in your 1st year. Apparently at San Antonio it is all thrown at you second year, thus making it a living hell. I am only sharing this to make a point. As you know, there are two sides to every story. Likewise, everyone has his or her own reasons for choosing where he or she wants to go. Britty, did you know for certain the Dean in Arizona left Baylor under favorable circumstances? What if he is just bitter? Everyone here can agree every school in TX is great. While there are some differences, such as San Antonio's technology approach, I think it all comes down to where you can actually see yourself for 4 years. It is these intangibles you cannot get from SDN. One last thing-- I found Baylor students to be very relaxed individuals. I am sure lab work can be frustrating from time to time, but they were without a doubt the most confident group of students out of all 3 schools I visited.
 
GoFrogs said:
That is funny. I know a D2 at San Antonio who said he appreciates how Baylor and Houston introduce you to labwork in your 1st year. Apparently at San Antonio it is all thrown at you second year, thus making it a living hell. I am only sharing this to make a point. As you know, there are two sides to every story. Likewise, everyone has his or her own reasons for choosing where he or she wants to go. Britty, did you know for certain the Dean in Arizona left Baylor under favorable circumstances? What if he is just bitter? Everyone here can agree every school in TX is great. While there are some differences, such as San Antonio's technology approach, I think it all comes down to where you can actually see yourself for 4 years. It is these intangibles you cannot get from SDN. One last thing-- I found Baylor students to be very relaxed individuals. I am sure lab work can be frustrating from time to time, but they were without a doubt the most confident group of students out of all 3 schools I visited.
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The labwork has been manageable thus far at San Antonio. I also find it funny that someone in my class can appreciate how Baylor and Houston introduce students to labwork during DS1 having never attended either school.

But again as you already mentioned, it is really choosing where you feel more comfortable and where you can see yourself living for 4 years, labwork aside.
 
Hey, i was wondering if any of the people that were accepted to Houston got scolarship offers along with acceptance letter.
so far , i heard of people getting scolarships from SA and Baylor but not Houston.
 
guslik said:
Hey, i was wondering if any of the people that were accepted to Houston got scolarship offers along with acceptance letter.
so far , i heard of people getting scolarships from SA and Baylor but not Houston.
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I remember 2 years ago on my interview that Houston doesn't give out scholarship offers until summer right before school starts. Dr. Pierpont said something along the lines of how he didn't want people choosing to go to Houston solely based on a scholarship.
 
Woah GoFrogs,

I wasnt trying to cause any problems. Second year dental school is the hardest at EVERY school. Every second year does lab work .. its how you learn how to do lots of stuff in preclinic! I was referring to how Baylor makes their students do a ton of lab work during 3rd and 4th year when they are in clinic and seeing patients. Im just saying it wasnt for me!
 
Britty894 said:
Woah GoFrogs,

I wasnt trying to cause any problems. Second year dental school is the hardest at EVERY school. Every second year does lab work .. its how you learn how to do lots of stuff in preclinic! I was referring to how Baylor makes their students do a ton of lab work during 3rd and 4th year when they are in clinic and seeing patients. Im just saying it wasnt for me!
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Good point, mamelons. I also find it interesting he said what he did. However, I do have to take into consideration he picked San Antonio over other out of state schools due to cost. And I would never recommend attending a school just because it is the cheapest. I think this is probably the main factor behind his dissatisfaction at the current moment; therefore, I do not put much weight into his comments. I just wanted to make a point that there is two sides to every story and it is not hard to find either depending on what you believe. Anyways, Britty you are right too. If it is not for you, then it is totally understandable. Heck, I am not going to Houston because I did not like the closed, claustrophobic environment. However, I would encourage you just to be upfront with your opinions. Feel free to express your distaste for the amount of Baylor's labwork, but there really is no need to beat it to death with examples from Deans of other schools, whispers from other applicants, and the like. It just makes it seem like you are trying to make yourself feel better about San Antonio, that is all. And I could be wrong. We all know how our words can be misunderstood on the almighty SDN! One last thing-- I just got back from a check-up at my dentist (who went to San Antonio), and he said if he could do it all over again he would go to Baylor. That is his opinion, and I will take it into account. But by no means do I want it to factor into anyone else's decision or use it as a way to beat down on San Antonio. I liked San Antonio a lot! I just haven't heard anything from them yet! LOL (If I do, my decision is going to get real tough, real quick.) In the end, decide what is best for you. Appeasing others on SDN will not be a factor in my decision.
 
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I think its funny that you tell me I shouldnt "beat it to death" with examples but thats exactly what youve done in discussing the D2 at S.A. and your own dentist.. practice what you preach. :laugh:
 
just got my letter from san antonio, i live in houston. dont know where to go now, but MAN AM I HAPPY!!!
 
Britty894 said:
I think its funny that you tell me I shouldnt "beat it to death" with examples but thats exactly what youve done in discussing the D2 at S.A. and your own dentist.. practice what you preach. :laugh:
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I like the laughing head at the end there, Britty. Nice touch.

Obviously, you did not read my entire post. (excerpts below)

"I just wanted to make a point that there is two sides to every story and it is not hard to find either depending on what you believe." AND "That is his opinion, and I will take it into account. But by no means do I want it to factor into anyone else's decision or use it as a way to beat down on San Antonio."
 
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GoFrogs said:
Heck, I am not going to Houston because I did not like the closed, claustrophobic environment.
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Oh my god! That's the only reason why I didn't choose Houston. Everything about the school was lovely, I liked the location (the health science center is amazing), the students and the family/close-knit environment but I just couldn't see myself working in those tiny rooms forever. Even with the opening of the new school in 2012.
 
I agree with that. I liked everything else about the school but felt claustrophobic there and also realized I don't want to live in Houston.
 
DDSAg09 said:
I agree with that. I liked everything else about the school but felt claustrophobic there and also realized I don't want to live in Houston.
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I find it amazing that the last two people can provide a succinct, objective opinion regarding a school without dragging it through the mud. What a concept!
 
GoFrogs said:
I like the laughing head at the end there, Britty. Nice touch.

Last I checked, reading comprehension was on the DAT. You must have scored real low.

"I just wanted to make a point that there is two sides to every story and it is not hard to find either depending on what you believe." AND "That is his opinion, and I will take it into account. But by no means do I want it to factor into anyone else's decision or use it as a way to beat down on San Antonio."
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I know this is a public forum and we are free to express our opinions, but let's stop the bickering. Last I checked we are going to be professionals. Let's not belittle people on here. We have all worked hard to get where we are today. Texas is very fortunate to have 3 outstanding schools, all of which are great in their own ways. Everyone has different preferences for why they want to attend certain schools, and this board is for discussing these opinions and to help each other out, not bring each other down.
 
GoFrogs, all i was saying is that if you were allowed to give examples from other people, than I am too, and you should be ok with that.

But youre right mamelons, Im done. 🙂
 
Britty894 said:
GoFrogs, all i was saying is that if you were allowed to give examples from other people, than I am too, and you should be ok with that.

But youre right mamelons, Im done. 🙂
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I guess I just took it personal because you were judging a school you did not even interview at. That's all. Oh well. I think we are arguing over nothing at this point. Agree, move on.
 
congrats, mantraman!!! now, if ure luck could only rub off on me and danny...
 
Yep, me too, I got the acceptance letter from SA. Weird how it took so long...I was beginning to think that I wasn't going to get accepted there...
 
Got SA today. 🙂
Does not matter at this point, Houston is my #1!!!
a spot will open for someone waiting on SA 😀.
Good luck everyone!!!
--The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch - Class of 2013 :biglove:
 
First fo all, I am not going to try to covince anyone that they should seriously consider Houston because that is not my intention here. Personally, I am very happy with my choice, but the choice of which school fits your needs is ultimately up to each of you - not us.

I am probably the only one on SDN who can say this - I have attended San Antion and Houston dental schools. So, I do have the right to compare their programs some since the program at San Antonio hasn't changed a huge amount since I was there. The schedule is very similar. It is a fact (based on what everyone says) that Baylor pounds out Prosthodontic work more than any of the three schools. San Antonio's program by far does the least. Houston is comfortably in the middle. It is funny to think about GoFrogs comment (nothing personal - just my thoughts) about the DS2 at San Antonio feeling they hae everythign thrown at them in the Second year. I find this funny because when you compare the schedules, we spend a lot more time in the Lab in the 2nd year than they do even though the DS2 at SA feels that everything is thrown at them. We have lab half the day every day in the fall of 2nd year (this semester). 2 half days of operative, 2 half days of fixed pros, 1 half day of complete dentures and radiology lab once every other week. In the Spring, we have 1 half day of fixed pros (again), 1 half day of endo lab, 1 half day of inlay/onlay, 1 half day of pediatric dentistry lab and 1 half day of RPD lab. My point is San Antonio cannot compare to this. You get better expossure at Houston. I cannot find the schedule for Baylor, so i cannot compare. I don't feel I need to since most people agree (either due to experience or word of mouth) they do the most lab work.

Now about the labs - SA vs Houston. San Antonio's cubicles are great. I will have to say they were better when I went there because there were less rules you had to follow sice we could have our own Coffee pots, microwaves, and refrigerators in the middle of each cubicle of 4 people. That was nice. Plus, we were able to set up surround sound music to listen during lab. Another perk. Life was great in the lab. You had all the room you wanted and didn't have small lockers ot put your thigns in. You have tons of cabinet space. I loved the cubicles there. Now, whe I chose to go to Houston, the main thing I did not like was the lab. I was spoiled in San Antonio. I wasn't lookig ofrward to the more cramped up, ope lab format that we have at Houston. I still don't like the limited storage space and the lab does get cramped from time to time, but I do love the set up now. You may have found the lab to be very constrictive during your interview. It is at first. But, you get use to that feeling. It is actually a great thing being so close to your classmates. You have 4 to 5 people right there and many more if you go to the other side of the tables where you can get other's opinions on what needs to be doe, how you are doing or just to see how others are doing a particular procedure. You actually get to see quite a few different styles (approaches) to do the same thing. That actually make you a better dentist because you get to see what works best for you. You are less prone to do that in the lab set up that San Antonio has. This doesn't mean that people don't go see how others are doing things in lab at San Antonio, it just means that the lab set-up makes it less likely to get to seea wide variety of opinons and styles. Also, being that close to everyone here in Housotn makes it nicer from a social standpoint. You are more likely to have fun in the lab here. (My opion based on when I went to SA compared to what I see here at Houston.)

Anyways, we all have good schools. They all meet the guidelines set forth by the ADA/ADEA to graduate qualified dentists. It is just that each schools has it's own strengths. Personally, I just don't feel San Antonio has as stong clinical skills as Houston or Baylor based on the limited exposure they give the students and the fact that my skills sucked at San Antonio, but are by far superior here in Houston. You could say that is due to being more experienced here in Houston because of my exposure in SA, but it is not the case. It was 9 years between SA and Houston. Plus, they classes are taught differently. In addition, we are given more time to practive and more projects to do.

Anyways, just my thoughts that I needed to share because of the slam that serveral pre-dents (dental selects) have made based on no experiences at either school.

For those of you who have been selected to one or more schools, CONGRATS!!!!! For those who are still waiting, good luck. For those who have been turned down, stick with itand good luck nest year.




GoFrogs said:
Good point, mamelons. I also find it interesting he said what he did. However, I do have to take into consideration he picked San Antonio over other out of state schools due to cost. And I would never recommend attending a school just because it is the cheapest. I think this is probably the main factor behind his dissatisfaction at the current moment; therefore, I do not put much weight into his comments. I just wanted to make a point that there is two sides to every story and it is not hard to find either depending on what you believe. Anyways, Britty you are right too. If it is not for you, then it is totally understandable. Heck, I am not going to Houston because I did not like the closed, claustrophobic environment. However, I would encourage you just to be upfront with your opinions. Feel free to express your distaste for the amount of Baylor's labwork, but there really is no need to beat it to death with examples from Deans of other schools, whispers from other applicants, and the like. It just makes it seem like you are trying to make yourself feel better about San Antonio, that is all. And I could be wrong. We all know how our words can be misunderstood on the almighty SDN! One last thing-- I just got back from a check-up at my dentist (who went to San Antonio), and he said if he could do it all over again he would go to Baylor. That is his opinion, and I will take it into account. But by no means do I want it to factor into anyone else's decision or use it as a way to beat down on San Antonio. I liked San Antonio a lot! I just haven't heard anything from them yet! LOL (If I do, my decision is going to get real tough, real quick.) In the end, decide what is best for you. Appeasing others on SDN will not be a factor in my decision.
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NAVY DDS 2010 said:
First fo all, I am not going to try to covince anyone that they should seriously consider Houston because that is not my intention here. Personally, I am very happy with my choice, but the choice of which school fits your needs is ultimately up to each of you - not us.

I am probably the only one on SDN who can say this - I have attended San Antion and Houston dental schools. So, I do have the right to compare their programs some since the program at San Antonio hasn't changed a huge amount since I was there. The schedule is very similar. It is a fact (based on what everyone says) that Baylor pounds out Prosthodontic work more than any of the three schools. San Antonio's program by far does the least. Houston is comfortably in the middle. It is funny to think about GoFrogs comment (nothing personal - just my thoughts) about the DS2 at San Antonio feeling they hae everythign thrown at them in the Second year. I find this funny because when you compare the schedules, we spend a lot more time in the Lab in the 2nd year than they do even though the DS2 at SA feels that everything is thrown at them. We have lab half the day every day in the fall of 2nd year (this semester). 2 half days of operative, 2 half days of fixed pros, 1 half day of complete dentures and radiology lab once every other week. In the Spring, we have 1 half day of fixed pros (again), 1 half day of endo lab, 1 half day of inlay/onlay, 1 half day of pediatric dentistry lab and 1 half day of RPD lab. My point is San Antonio cannot compare to this. You get better expossure at Houston. I cannot find the schedule for Baylor, so i cannot compare. I don't feel I need to since most people agree (either due to experience or word of mouth) they do the most lab work.

Now about the labs - SA vs Houston. San Antonio's cubicles are great. I will have to say they were better when I went there because there were less rules you had to follow sice we could have our own Coffee pots, microwaves, and refrigerators in the middle of each cubicle of 4 people. That was nice. Plus, we were able to set up surround sound music to listen during lab. Another perk. Life was great in the lab. You had all the room you wanted and didn't have small lockers ot put your thigns in. You have tons of cabinet space. I loved the cubicles there. Now, whe I chose to go to Houston, the main thing I did not like was the lab. I was spoiled in San Antonio. I wasn't lookig ofrward to the more cramped up, ope lab format that we have at Houston. I still don't like the limited storage space and the lab does get cramped from time to time, but I do love the set up now. You may have found the lab to be very constrictive during your interview. It is at first. But, you get use to that feeling. It is actually a great thing being so close to your classmates. You have 4 to 5 people right there and many more if you go to the other side of the tables where you can get other's opinions on what needs to be doe, how you are doing or just to see how others are doing a particular procedure. You actually get to see quite a few different styles (approaches) to do the same thing. That actually make you a better dentist because you get to see what works best for you. You are less prone to do that in the lab set up that San Antonio has. This doesn't mean that people don't go see how others are doing things in lab at San Antonio, it just means that the lab set-up makes it less likely to get to seea wide variety of opinons and styles. Also, being that close to everyone here in Housotn makes it nicer from a social standpoint. You are more likely to have fun in the lab here. (My opion based on when I went to SA compared to what I see here at Houston.)

Anyways, we all have good schools. They all meet the guidelines set forth by the ADA/ADEA to graduate qualified dentists. It is just that each schools has it's own strengths. Personally, I just don't feel San Antonio has as stong clinical skills as Houston or Baylor based on the limited exposure they give the students and the fact that my skills sucked at San Antonio, but are by far superior here in Houston. You could say that is due to being more experienced here in Houston because of my exposure in SA, but it is not the case. It was 9 years between SA and Houston. Plus, they classes are taught differently. In addition, we are given more time to practive and more projects to do.

Anyways, just my thoughts that I needed to share because of the slam that serveral pre-dents (dental selects) have made based on no experiences at either school.

For those of you who have been selected to one or more schools, CONGRATS!!!!! For those who are still waiting, good luck. For those who have been turned down, stick with itand good luck nest year.
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I just wanted to comment that the labs at San Antonio are no longer the cubicles with 4 students together. We have a sim lab that we are in 3 half days of the week in the fall, 2 half days and 1 full day in the spring. The DS1 and DS2 share a "station" because the first years are only in the lab once a week waxing. We each get separate storage space right by our sim stations. There are 4 labs still, and instead of having the cubicle set up, the lab has 2 walls of sim units on each side (the labs are still split in half like they were years ago) but it is more open and more conducive to collaborating with classmates and faculty.
 
mamelons said:
I just wanted to comment that the labs at San Antonio are no longer the cubicles with 4 students together. We have a sim lab that we are in 3 half days of the week in the fall, 2 half days and 1 full day in the spring. The DS1 and DS2 share a "station" because the first years are only in the lab once a week waxing. We each get separate storage space right by our sim stations. There are 4 labs still, and instead of having the cubicle set up, the lab has 2 walls of sim units on each side (the labs are still split in half like they were years ago) but it is more open and more conducive to collaborating with classmates and faculty.
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Ok, it was 3 years ago that I went there last. Still, it cannot be as open and collaborating as here.
 
Are there any DS's from Baylor on here? I'd love to hear some recommendations on places to live.
 
mamelons said:
I just wanted to comment that the labs at San Antonio are no longer the cubicles with 4 students together. We have a sim lab that we are in 3 half days of the week in the fall, 2 half days and 1 full day in the spring. The DS1 and DS2 share a "station" because the first years are only in the lab once a week waxing. We each get separate storage space right by our sim stations. There are 4 labs still, and instead of having the cubicle set up, the lab has 2 walls of sim units on each side (the labs are still split in half like they were years ago) but it is more open and more conducive to collaborating with classmates and faculty.
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When I count lab time, I am comparing the hand skills labs like pros, operative, perio, endo. If I were to take into consideration classes like patient management and such, I would add more lab time to ours and yours, but that has no bearing in my arguement towards comparing time learning clinical skills.
 
Britty894 said:
Hey Darock..

Just a little bit of thought about baylor. I didnt get an interview there(it wasnt really high on my list anyways) and this does not come out of bitterness, I just want to share with you what some other people have told me.
Other students that were at my interviews that had interviewed at baylor said it looked like a sweat shop, the students looked really stressed and unhappy. ONe student even told me that on his tour a d student at baylor whispered to him to go to san antonio. what???

Anyways, on a more serious note, Baylor makes you to TONS of labwork, which most dental schools have been moving away from. Perhaps the most poignant point about this to me was when i was at a NON texas interview (Arizona) and the Dean described (to all the interviewers.. not just to me bc i was from texas) how all of the students at Baylor were super stressed and bogged down with labwork, even once they were in clinic. He said he used to be the dean there and he really started to disagree with the practice, because once you are a dentist you arent doing ANY of your own lab work.
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Disparaging remarks by a Dean of any schools is not befitting anyone in that position. As a Dean at Baylor he disagreed with a policy that he was responsible for? It does make one wonder what comments he will have to say about ASDOH in a few years when he will find himself elsewhere.
It certainly is possible that the Baylor student was not particularly impressed with the interviewee and would rather see him/her go elsewhere.
 
I actually think it was the assistant dean and he still had a lot of great things to say about baylor, maybe I phrased it kinda wrong, in fact baylor professors teach the anatomy at asdoh, but im just pointing out what he said about how unnecessary he felt like the labwork was! I thought we were over this... i was just saying what i was told or heard from others. And the student that whispered to the kid wasnt the interviewer or tour guide, it was a student in the lab as he walked by. I wasnt trying to step on any toes and Im sure Baylor is still a great school. All of the schools in texas are great in their own respects, and Im sure everyone has opinions good and bad about all of them. Many others on here point out why they chose a school or didnt chose it, and I was just pointing out some opinions that I came across.. Please, no hard feelings. We really dont have to talk about it anymore. The most important thing is that we are all going to go to the schools where we will feel happiest and we will all become dentists!🙂
 
Britty894 said:
I actually think it was the assistant dean and he still had a lot of great things to say about baylor, maybe I phrased it kinda wrong, in fact baylor professors teach the anatomy at asdoh, but im just pointing out what he said about how unnecessary he felt like the labwork was! I thought we were over this... i was just saying what i was told or heard from others. And the student that whispered to the kid wasnt the interviewer or tour guide, it was a student in the lab as he walked by. I wasnt trying to step on any toes and Im sure Baylor is still a great school. All of the schools in texas are great in their own respects, and Im sure everyone has opinions good and bad about all of them. Many others on here point out why they chose a school or didnt chose it, and I was just pointing out some opinions that I came across.. Please, no hard feelings. We really dont have to talk about it anymore. The most important thing is that we are all going to go to the schools where we will feel happiest and we will all become dentists!🙂
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From Dean to assistant Dean!
 
Let this be a lesson, if you don't have your story straight, don't post it on a public forum.
 
Got my letter of acceptance from San Antonio....but I'm still waiting/hoping for Baylor!
 
I wish you the best of luck with Baylor! :luck: It's going to be so much fun! On a side note, I can't wait for it to be August already so I can learn tons of new things but I know that when I get there I'm going to be wishing I was still in undergrad 🙄
 
vivaciousleo said:
I wish you the best of luck with Baylor! :luck: It's going to be so much fun! On a side note, I can't wait for it to be August already so I can learn tons of new things but I know that when I get there I'm going to be wishing I was still in undergrad 🙄
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Me too, Leo. Right now, I wish it was August. But when August rolls around next year, I will probably start wishing it was Christmas again! :laugh:
 
so far, after sorting through all the bickering, all I've gathered is that the dental Olympics should be a LOT of fun! :laugh:

Personally, after all three acceptances, I'll be attending San Antonio and can't wait to meet all my classmates!
 
iverson3504 said:
so far, after sorting through all the bickering, all I've gathered is that the dental Olympics should be a LOT of fun!
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I know right. I ran the varsity 1600m, 800m and 1600m relay for four years in high school so the school I go to is gonna kick a** every year.
 
iverson3504 said:
so far, after sorting through all the bickering, all I've gathered is that the dental Olympics should be a LOT of fun! :laugh:

Personally, after all three acceptances, I'll be attending San Antonio and can't wait to meet all my classmates!
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BRING IT ON! jk 😀 Grats on San Antonio.
 
Dental olympics eh? I imagine something similar to old school
 
GoFrogs said:
Me too, Leo. Right now, I wish it was August. But when August rolls around next year, I will probably start wishing it was Christmas again! :laugh:
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lol....probably more than you'd ever imagine! Best of luck!! 👍
 
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