Hi! I was actually in the same boat with this decision. I got into ASDOH Dec 1 and got the interview invite for USC after I made the $1000 deposit. The possibility of staying in CA (especially because I've lived in the Bay Area almost all my life and went to UCLA and I would have my friends and a familiar area closeby) and my friends/family being more familiar with USC's name (but really just the name, not the program) definitely weighed heavily on me. However, after thinking it over and talking to the dentists I shadowed I'm 100% ASDOH.
Here's my personal reasoning:
1)
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/thr...ich-one-would-you-go-to.977436/#post-13561785 Read UltimateHombre's first, longer post.
2)
Cost - I think everyone pretty much drilled in that point, but I really personally can't justify paying 500K+ for a PBL curriculum
3)
Facilities - I can't speak personally for USC's but one of my dentists took her state licensure test there and was far from impressed, which is the nicest way I can put it. I'm not sure if they have upgraded and have enough seats in the clinic now, but I do know that I was blown away by ASDOH's and the fact that they have set ups that are highly inclusive for patients with certain needs
4)
Residencies - I'm not sure if I want to specialize but its nice to be backed by a program that has a high rate of matching. I loved how ASDOH gave the opportunity to do more complicated procedures instead of referring them out to residents! That on top of the fact that so many people who pursue a residency place consistently match (hopefully) means you'll get in and once you do, you'll be running circles around people who are still new to the cases
5-6)
Externships/Networking - I dont know how to neatly separate these ideas in context haha. I love traveling and having a school that encourages that while I get to work towards my dream career. If staying in California and networking is a big thing for you, there are sites where you can spend your rotation in California. Granted, it's not the 4 years of USC, but something my dentist told me really solidified my decision. He went to UoP and none of the places he practiced were from connections from his school, but he still found a place he loves. The other dentist was international and tested in for the state and she met potential associates when she worked in Western Dental ("Anyyyy fresh graduate is probably gonna find themselves there but you make the most of it") If you want to network, start now and keep in touch throughout your time in school. I'm confident I made a great connection while shadowing and dental assisting, so I'm sure if CA is really in the cards later on it'll happen.
7)
MPH or certificate - I eventually want to have my own practice one day but I know I forsure want to work in a community health clinic for a few years before. Working with underprivileged communities was a huuuuge part of my high school and college life and I don't see myself abandoning that responsibility post dental school. Being exposed to this concurrently is awesome because I'm genuinely interested and its a pretty good plus when applying for residencies.
8)
Clinical, Clinical, Clinical - Sim lab by 2nd year and pretty much full clinical afterwards means youre gonna learn well and fast. I'm sure USC is great clinically as well because I've heard multiple people saying they start early, but not as much as ASDOH. You rotate throughout clinics and can even work in clinics in rural, urban, whatever areas so you'll definitely be exposed to different personalities, needs, and procedures. I feel like this will make me grow as a person and as a dentist. In the end, a hiring practice is only gonna care about 3 things: can you work fast, can you work well, can you interact well with people. ASDOH, in my opinion sets you up so well for that
9)
Modular Curriculum - hands down 100% down for being able to give all my focus to a class and review before boards. As someone who definitely neglected a class or two to study for another during a crazy quarter system, this seems like a dream. Also I can't really imagine myself liking PBL at USC, groupwork allllll the time and not having a set lecture to guide me while learning. It seems like a weird option for the pricetag
10)
People - I dont really agree with the assumption that other stats are ruled out and that community service is the only criteria. Having good grades and scores and having an impressive record with service are in no way mutually exclusive. In fact, it may even be a reflection that they learned how to balance both. Talking to my future classmates after "meeting" them on the fb page or during the interview, I could tell they were really committed to the work they did. Also, some people offered to house others when we start looking for housing. The older years are being awesome about advice and resources. People in my class are already coming up with shirt designs and day trips. The faculty we met seemed awesome and more importantly, present and invested in the students. Overall, everyone seems happy
🙂
11)
Quality of Life - One thing that ASDOH's website had almost front and center was the fact that they wanted to make sure their students were taken care of. I havent been able to check out the facility myself, but the fact that they have a program like Still-Well where they have "intellectual, physical, spiritual, emotional, social, environmental, and professional" resources is awesome
Sorry this was ridiculously long! I hope this helps and see you next year maybe!
😀
