Case Western

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
The grading system is ABCF. If you do fail a class, you have a chance to retake/remediate, which is basically just an abridged version of the class where you review questions and it's hard to fail that remediation. If you fail the remediation, then you have to stay a 5th year and retake it. I know this from talking to a current student. If a current student or past student sees this and wants to correct me, feel free to please!

I got accepted into Case, and I'm struggling to make a choice between some other schools.
 
I'm a D1 at Case. What do you like to know?

Hi! I was wondering if you could give me a breakdown of the financial situation for students at CWRU. I see its 400K for dental school if you dont already live locally. I want to know what allows students to go in and accrue that amount of debt and go out to be successful practicing dentist? I know everyone situation is different however I just need to know generally what the plan among current dental student for beating that debt. CWRU is my first choice for the community dentistry program and the mph dual major.
 
Hi! I was wondering if you could give me a breakdown of the financial situation for students at CWRU. I see its 400K for dental school if you dont already live locally. I want to know what allows students to go in and accrue that amount of debt and go out to be successful practicing dentist? I know everyone situation is different however I just need to know generally what the plan among current dental student for beating that debt. CWRU is my first choice for the community dentistry program and the mph dual major.

As you said everyone's situation is different. Some consider military scholarships, or loan forgiveness grants working in public sectors after graduation. Some have parents who are dentists and financially supportive. Some are URMs. Some are international students who pay out of pocket (fortunate parents). Some are married and have the support of a working spouse. Some have worked before and use their savings. I don't know about your situation and cannot help you in making this decision. But consider all opportunities available for you to lower your financial responsibilities before hand. Consider this: not everyone is in dentistry for the money. Dentistry is a life style, is a status with its attached responsibilities, which one of them could be accepting such a financial burden. There are many repayment options such as IBR and PAYEE with lower monthly payments and longer terms that would make the decision easier. Another strategy is to practice in private sector for some time, live frugally and pay off your loan, and then enter the public sector afterward without any financial burden. I would suggest you talk to dentists working in community clinics and ask your questions. But consider that their student loan was much lower than the current rates.
 
As you said everyone's situation is different. Some consider military scholarships, or loan forgiveness grants working in public sectors after graduation. Some have parents who are dentists and financially supportive. Some are URMs. Some are international students who pay out of pocket (fortunate parents). Some are married and have the support of a working spouse. Some have worked before and use their savings. I don't know about your situation and cannot help you in making this decision. But consider all opportunities available for you to lower your financial responsibilities before hand. Consider this: not everyone is in dentistry for the money. Dentistry is a life style, is a status with its attached responsibilities, which one of them could be accepting such a financial burden. There are many repayment options such as IBR and PAYEE with lower monthly payments and longer terms that would make the decision easier. Another strategy is to practice in private sector for some time, live frugally and pay off your loan, and then enter the public sector afterward without any financial burden. I would suggest you talk to dentists working in community clinics and ask your questions. But consider that their student loan was much lower than the current rates.

I find the financial topic a little hard to discuss with practicing dentist. One dentist told he would go elsewhere. One dentist pretty much said you take financial burden for what you want to do in life. I had a chance to speak with some students from CWRU a while ago but i didnt reach this topic of conversation. Im not really into dentistry to become rich, since i was a child i just wanted to be apart of a career that would enable people to enjoy their food and maintain diet for nutrition and health. I considered dietitian but I love hands on activities involved in dentistry. I will admit I want to be able to afford a tesla vehicle( they make me drool lol) but ill get a miniature model if I have to. My financial situation will force me to rely solely on loans and any scholarships i may be able to obtain. Im just hoping to hear how someone without support, no military(every body in my life is against this), ultimately plan to conquer that debt and live comfortable in the process.

Thank you for responding and I hope to be your underclassmen in 2018.
 
I find the financial topic a little hard to discuss with practicing dentist. One dentist told he would go elsewhere. One dentist pretty much said you take financial burden for what you want to do in life. I had a chance to speak with some students from CWRU a while ago but i didnt reach this topic of conversation. Im not really into dentistry to become rich, since i was a child i just wanted to be apart of a career that would enable people to enjoy their food and maintain diet for nutrition and health. I considered dietitian but I love hands on activities involved in dentistry. I will admit I want to be able to afford a tesla vehicle( they make me drool lol) but ill get a miniature model if I have to. My financial situation will force me to rely solely on loans and any scholarships i may be able to obtain. Im just hoping to hear how someone without support, no military(every body in my life is against this), ultimately plan to conquer that debt and live comfortable in the process.

Thank you for responding and I hope to be your underclassmen in 2018.

You are enthusiastic, and your motivation to help the public would be a great drive for you to succeed. I'm certain if you channel this enthusiasm, be prepared for spending years of extensive studying, and have the hand skills, you'll be standing where you want in the future. Case has great community outreach opportunities that can help you get there. This investment for a dream, like any other, has its risks. It's upon you only to make the right decisions, financially as well as in life, to get to that point. Can this loan be paid off? Yes. Would it be an easy task without any help? Not necessarily. Will you be financially satisfied? Depends on your expectations and decision making skills. Will you be able to help the community? Yes. Will you be able to help the community and drive a Tesla? Depends on the model and milage lol. The best thing about this industry is its job market. There is always going to be the need for dentists, which is a rare phenomenon nowadays compared to other work skills. Sit, consider all odds and cons of this profession, this investment, and factor in your true abilities and life expectations. Compare this investment to other options available. Define your happiness. Make the final decision.
Hope to see you in the clinics.
 
You are enthusiastic, and your motivation to help the public would be a great drive for you to succeed. I'm certain if you channel this enthusiasm, be prepared for spending years of extensive studying, and have the hand skills, you'll be standing where you want in the future. Case has great community outreach opportunities that can help you get there. This investment for a dream, like any other, has its risks. It's upon you only to make the right decisions, financially as well as in life, to get to that point. Can this loan be paid off? Yes. Would it be an easy task without any help? Not necessarily. Will you be financially satisfied? Depends on your expectations and decision making skills. Will you be able to help the community? Yes. Will you be able to help the community and drive a Tesla? Depends on the model and milage lol. The best thing about this industry is its job market. There is always going to be the need for dentists, which is a rare phenomenongadays compared to other work skills. Sit, consider all odds and cons of this profession, this investment, and factor in your true abilities and life expectations. Compare this investment to other options available. Define your happiness. Make the final decision.
Hope to see you in the clinics.
I feel like you are great at giving speeches lol. I'm unwavering in my decision to pursue this career. I've been pondering it for 7 years now. I think what would really help me is one the calculators/programs that provides a detailed financial plan. I actually had the chance to speak with Dr. Williams about the community dentistry program. The healthy smile program is very appealing...And I'll just get a used Tesla lol. Nothing wrong with used.

Two more question:
1. Can I keep you as a contact
2. The first question again lol
 
Is there anything that is unique to just CWRU? Outreach opportunities, curriculum, ect.?

I don't know if it's unique but we start waxing and drilling from the first semester. We have DentSim in addition to Kavo sim clinic which is rare among schools. Anatomy lab also includes cadavers. Student body is very diverse too. You meet people from every where. So, if you enjoy cultural diversity, it's the place for you.
We start seeing patients after Thanksgiving for 2 weeks and at the end of January for 1 week (sealant program). We rotate underserved schools and examine children and place sealants. It has been a great start for me to be comfortable working on patients. It's Cleveland so community service is pretty much needed everywhere. We have active frats that do community service in a free clinic near by. We have many classes on community service as well. One thing for sure, there is no lack of it at Case.
Relatively small class size is a big plus. Professors know everyone by name and are available for help almost always. During hands on rotations, class is broken into even smaller groups so there is no lack of supervision. Patient pool is great.
One unique feature is that Case philosophy is to trow students head first into clinics. Meaning, they ephesize on learning by doing. Practice makes perferct, right? From first semester every student developes a unique technique for doing things.
Upperclassmates are VERY helpful. They literally come to school during the weekends to help the class if there is need. There are also tutors for important courses.
The curriculum has won an award few years ago for its innovative approach in education, so that should be self explanatory. I've been enjoying my time at Case personally.
There is a new building under construction that the entering class will enjoy. We saw sample dental chairs that were chosen or the new clinic and they were the most advanced I've seen.
 
Last edited:
I feel like you are great at giving speeches lol. I'm unwavering in my decision to pursue this career. I've been pondering it for 7 years now. I think what would really help me is one the calculators/programs that provides a detailed financial plan. I actually had the chance to speak with Dr. Williams about the community dentistry program. The healthy smile program is very appealing...And I'll just get a used Tesla lol. Nothing wrong with used.

Two more question:
1. Can I keep you as a contact
2. The first question again lol

Haha yeah, I'm in a good mood today. But on serious note, I've been there and there was not much information about Case out there unfortunately. And yes, Dr. Williams is exactly who you should talk to.
Here is what you are looking for: https://forums.studentdoctor.net/attachments/financial-projections-v2-3-xlsx.183414/
And sure thing. Would be happy to help. I check SDN regularly so hit me a message any time.
 

Idk if filled this out wrong but im completely negative margins lol

also, i cant find out how much is it for the extra 1 year for the MPH dual degree.

if you have time. how wrong am in filling this out for the state of ohio
 
Top