anybody on here applying for DDS/PHD

[hockeydentist]

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Just wanted to get peoples thoughts on the DDS/PHD programs in TExas or any other states for that matter.

Do you go straight into the PHD route first before heading into dental school or Vice Versa.

Not many people go this route, but does anybody know the stats for last year for PHD/DDS program, are they the same as regular dental school stats, higher or lower.

I haven't totally decided that I want to go the DDS/PHD route, but its a lingering thought. I hate to admit it but I really enjoy the lab aspect as well as the clinical aspect as well. I can't decide if I should go right into dental school and then pursue a PHD or PHD first then dental or go for both at the same time.
Anybody on this board doing either or.
thanks again
HD.

 

[ecdoesit]

I am interested in research as well. I just want to share some info with you about the combined degree. First of all, it is not neccessary to have a PhD to do research. Of cos, the DDS/PhD will let you do more. I heard from many different PI who tells me that a DDS and post-doc training is sufficient.

And for the program, most combined degree will take u out at ur 3rd yr and have u finish the PhD portion for 3 yrs and then send u back to finish your dds. There are two major disadvantages. One is that you will lose quite a bit interaction with your valuable classmates. These people will develop this special bond with you. Being away from them is kinda bad. Especially, I know I would feel left out when I finish my lab years and go back to a different class. The second disadvantage is that technology and science are being developed so rapidly. While you are finishing up your 3rd and 4th years, things will change for your particular area of interest. Unless you spent time to keep up, it is basically starting from scretch again after you get your DDS/PhD degree.

That's the reason why I decide to hold on and focus on DDS first. Having a general direction and plans are good, but there are so many things to be seen in dental school. It is somewhat a restriction to apply for that this early. Anyway, this is what I heard/think. Please ask TX dental schools too. They may have a different program. I would like to know what you find.

 

[gryffindor]

San Antonio has a huge research contingent. There is a lot of support there for dental students doing research, they always scoop the awards at the IADR/AADR meetings and send tons of students to the meetings. Ask them about the DDS/PhD option, I'd bet they have one. Houston also has a number of students doing research, I've met a bunch of them, but their group didn't seem to be as hardcore as the San Antonio group. Anyhow, worth a shot contacting them too.

There is nothing wrong with pursuing the DDS/PhD track. We need dental researchers to keep our field moving forward. Don't let ignorant money/power-driven students let you think otherwise (b/c I got a lot of heat from my classmates for even doing summer research). Implants wouldn't be growing in popularity if there wasn't research to back it up as a great alternative to edentulism.

If you do both, then you could probably get funding (tuition + stipend) for all of your years of education (dental & PhD) if your school has an NIH grant or you apply for one of the individual grants.

 

[critterbug]

Yes, San Antonio has a bad ass research program, probably one of the best in the country behind Harvard. And I'm not just saying that becasue I'm going there!! I was really impressed with some of the stuff they are doing and hope I can get involved this summer.

 

[marshall]

If you go the research route you are guaranteed an academic research job because there are hardly any PhD/DDS(DMD) candidates out there. On that note, all of the disadvantages that were listed by ecdoesit are valid. I would suggest that you get your dental degree, do some research in dental school and then if you like it then you can get your PhD after OR you can do a masters while in specialty school. You can make some cash at night/weekends in private practice while you get your PhD, if that is what you want to do. I may go the PhD route, depending on how much I feel I need that to get where I want to get.

Cheers,
Marshall