Case Western vs LECOM

[toothyfae]

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School 1: Case Western (OOS)

Pros:
- in-house specialties = easier access to faculty/shadowing/experiences
- class size 70-80
- students talked about having great experiences
- nice facilities
- longer breaks .. some say too long LOL (use to rest, research, etc.)
- more of a city feel in comparison

Cons:
- around 100k more expensive... tuition (fees not included) around 84k

School 2: LECOM (OOS)
Pros:
- cheaper school tuition (fees not included) around 64k
- nice facilities

Cons:
- newer school; not as reputable
- Students generally pick it due to the low cost
- increasing class size 150+
- PBL

Summary: I am leaning a lot more towards Case. I do know that you can be a dentist no matter where you go and specialize from anywhere. However, I do know that opportunites that certain school do help you slighlty making it easier for you to specialize. I also know that I could also change my mind on specializing all together. 100k is a bit tho...

"I would appreciate any constructive and wholistic opinions and advice on this situation. I know on this thread, many users frequently cite price as the only consideration that matters, but that is a factor that I am already considering on my own, so I would appreciate wholistic feedback related to all the pros/cons listed above as well as any others that come to mind. Really appreciate the help -- thanks everyone!" - copied from another post which i agree with 🙂

 

[Mr.Smile12]

Can you define "constructive and holistic"?

I think one difference is that LECOM is located in Florida, but there are two different clinics. You should ask how assignments are made, or you might wind up in Erie for D4. You don't move from Cleveland.

The Case curriculum isn't entirely PBL, but there is some small-group PBL. Do your homework to see if there is a big difference; I don't think there is as much as you describe.

Dental Medicine Curriculum - Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

The School of Dental Medicine prepares students for the practice of general dentistry through a unique and innovative curriculum.

lecom.edu

Experience the Curriculum | School of Dental Medicine | Case Western Reserve University

How much do you observe clinic cases in each situation? What do you see yourself doing as a dentist? Case may be a bit better if you are eyeing a career in academic dentistry/leadership, while LECOM seems more community-focused (addressing needs in dental underserved areas). Most students want to be dentists and not academics, so keeping debt low is important to that end (not a con). Granted you don't rake in big bucks in academia.