Creighton vs. Oklahoma

[Osity]

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Here's another thread deciding between two schools, Creighton and Oklahoma. I was all set to go to Creighton because Oklahoma initially rejected me on Dec. 1, then for whatever reason decided I'm accepted now. OU was on the top of my list of places I wanted to go, as was Creighton, so now I have a decision to make. Here's my view so far:

Creighton
Pros:

• In-State tuition for one year
• Great Clinical Training
• Updated/Digital everything
• Can place implants
• No specialty programs-you do everything yourself, no residents to take the more complex cases
• Huge patient base
• High Boards Pass Rate

Cons:

• Would have to move twice, get to know people twice (RDEP Program), plus moving twice sucks because of the cost and actually moving
• No simulation lab
• Omaha is really cold in the winter

Oklahoma
Pros:

• Scholarship to offset OOS tuition
• Great clinical training
• AEGD Program
• OU Football
• Awesome simulation lab
• Warmer winters than Omaha
• High Boards Pass Rate
• Only have to move once

Cons:

• DDS students don't place implants (yet)
• No digital x-rays yet (they do have digital records and are supposed to get x-rays by 2012)
• Students have to schedule (but not find) their own patients
• Unsure of patient base size

The cost of the two schools is nearly identical when everything is factored in. I would appreciate all and any input!

 

[sokrman14]

Creighton is building a sim lab this summer actually, so you can cross that off the list of cons.

 

[Osity]

Creighton is building a sim lab this summer actually, so you can cross that off the list of cons.

Really? It will be done this summer? And do you know how much tuition is increasing each year at CU?

 

[srb711]

I'm pretty familiar with both schools (obviously with Oklahoma, since I go there), but I also did a pre-dental post baccalaureate program at Creighton and got to know what they're all about. I had a guaranteed acceptance to Creighton through the program I was in but I still chose to attend OU (mainly for in state tuition, which was going to be quite a bit less for me). I really felt like OU has a better overall health science center. Not to take anything away from Creighton, but the campus and dental school itself just don't seem that inviting.

While Creighton is a great clinically oriented program as well, OU puts you in the clinic way earlier... that was a plus for me. Now if Creighton is really getting a simulation lab, that will definitely make it a much more appealing choice in my eyes. I hesitate to believe that, just because Creighton doesn't have specialties, students get to do all the complex cases. They always bragged about this, but I guess I'm just not buying it (faculty aren't going to just turn you loose on really complex cases). Digital X Rays is also a pro for Creighton, but I don't see it as that big of a deal in the long run. About implants... while I know you won't place implants at OU, I only knew a handful of Creighton students that actually placed them. It just wasn't that common. Also, patient base is not a problem at OU (being that OKC has over a hundred thousand more people living in it).

Another random thing to consider, OU has quite a few classes first semester that don't require attendance = more time to study on your own. This was a huge plus first semester.

Also, moving twice would not be fun... I would definitely lean against that. Either way though, you're not going to go wrong with your choice. Good Luck!

 

[Cudds2011]

I'm pretty familiar with both schools (obviously with Oklahoma, since I go there), but I also did a pre-dental post baccalaureate program at Creighton and got to know what they're all about. I had a guaranteed acceptance to Creighton through the program I was in but I still chose to attend OU (mainly for in state tuition, which was going to be quite a bit less for me). I really felt like OU has a better overall health science center. Not to take anything away from Creighton, but the campus and dental school itself just don't seem that inviting.

While Creighton is a great clinically oriented program as well, OU puts you in the clinic way earlier... that was a plus for me. Now if Creighton is really getting a simulation lab, that will definitely make it a much more appealing choice in my eyes. I hesitate to believe that, just because Creighton doesn't have specialties, students get to do all the complex cases. They always bragged about this, but I guess I'm just not buying it (faculty aren't going to just turn you loose on really complex cases). Digital X Rays is also a pro for Creighton, but I don't see it as that big of a deal in the long run. About implants... while I know you won't place implants at OU, I only knew a handful of Creighton students that actually placed them. It just wasn't that common. Also, patient base is not a problem at OU (being that OKC has over a hundred thousand more people living in it).

Another random thing to consider, OU has quite a few classes first semester that don't require attendance = more time to study on your own. This was a huge plus first semester.

Also, moving twice would not be fun... I would definitely lean against that. Either way though, you're not going to go wrong with your choice. Good Luck!

I don't really know anything about OU, so I can't speak to that, but you aren't really very well informed about Creighton. You DO get to do every case that comes your way at Creighton. Perio surgery is the only area that I can think of where they kind of tie your hands. We do full bony extractions of thirds under IV sedation and unless you are struggling, the OS will not step in. I'm sure the school turns away some really complicated full mouth rehab cases, but as a general rule, if it comes through the door, you get to do it. Same thing with implants. If you want to do implants, you can do them. Some students seem to avoid them (stupid), because they aren't a requirement and they take some time, but I don't know anyone who has wanted to do them that wasn't able to. Patient pool is also not a problem. Creighton is in the lower income part of town and has a three month waiting list for patients to get in.

Like I said, I don't know anything about OU, it may be better than Creighton for all I know, but you act like you know about Creighton because you were at the post bac, when you don't in fact seem to be very informed at all. I'm happy with Creighton for the most part. The facility is kind of old and the ortho curriculum sucks (I hear it does at alot of schools though). Some of the GD professors are aholes. Other than that, I feel that my clinical education was top notch. OU might be better, but I don't really think you have the knowledge about Creighton to make that assertion.

 

[srb711]

Like I said, I don't know anything about OU, it may be better than Creighton for all I know, but you act like you know about Creighton because you were at the post bac, when you don't in fact seem to be very informed at all. I'm happy with Creighton for the most part. The facility is kind of old and the ortho curriculum sucks (I hear it does at alot of schools though). Some of the GD professors are aholes. Other than that, I feel that my clinical education was top notch. OU might be better, but I don't really think you have the knowledge about Creighton to make that assertion.

I apologize... I based this only off of what I was told by fourth year dental students (and like you eluded to, every student has a different experience so I'm sure it was just biased towards the people I talked to).

but you act like you know about Creighton because you were at the post bac, when you don't in fact seem to be very informed at all

True, I was only in the "post bac" program... but they made us go to the dental school and shadow 4th year students every Friday, so I took this opportunity to ask as many questions as possible. The way it was explained to me (about implants) was that you could do it as long as you had completed the majority of your requirements. I guess the students I talked to just weren't willing to take the time to learn it. Do you guys have a preclinic implant placement class? If so, definitely plus for you guys.

As far as doing full bony extractions, more power to you... I'd rather leave that to the big dogs. I watched a 4th year extract thirds that had no business doing it, and a 1 hour procedure turned in to a 3 hour procedure!

Creighton's an awesome program, I have many friends that go there and I would have been more than happy staying there. Wasn't trying to come off like I know everything about Creighton, just throwing in my 2 cents about the two.

 

[Osity]

I don't really know anything about OU, so I can't speak to that, but you aren't really very well informed about Creighton. You DO get to do every case that comes your way at Creighton. Perio surgery is the only area that I can think of where they kind of tie your hands. We do full bony extractions of thirds under IV sedation and unless you are struggling, the OS will not step in. I'm sure the school turns away some really complicated full mouth rehab cases, but as a general rule, if it comes through the door, you get to do it. Same thing with implants. If you want to do implants, you can do them. Some students seem to avoid them (stupid), because they aren't a requirement and they take some time, but I don't know anyone who has wanted to do them that wasn't able to. Patient pool is also not a problem. Creighton is in the lower income part of town and has a three month waiting list for patients to get in.

Like I said, I don't know anything about OU, it may be better than Creighton for all I know, but you act like you know about Creighton because you were at the post bac, when you don't in fact seem to be very informed at all. I'm happy with Creighton for the most part. The facility is kind of old and the ortho curriculum sucks (I hear it does at alot of schools though). Some of the GD professors are aholes. Other than that, I feel that my clinical education was top notch. OU might be better, but I don't really think you have the knowledge about Creighton to make that assertion.

I was already committed to Creighton, but after talking to a few more students (who had done full bony extractions, impacted third molars, multiple implants), and the clinical aspect of Creighton definitely sold me.

I think OU is a great school, but for me and my career, I think Creighton will provide me with the best education.

 

[Cudds2011]

I apologize... I based this only off of what I was told by fourth year dental students (and like you eluded to, every student has a different experience so I'm sure it was just biased towards the people I talked to).



True, I was only in the "post bac" program... but they made us go to the dental school and shadow 4th year students every Friday, so I took this opportunity to ask as many questions as possible. The way it was explained to me (about implants) was that you could do it as long as you had completed the majority of your requirements. I guess the students I talked to just weren't willing to take the time to learn it. Do you guys have a preclinic implant placement class? If so, definitely plus for you guys.

As far as doing full bony extractions, more power to you... I'd rather leave that to the big dogs. I watched a 4th year extract thirds that had no business doing it, and a 1 hour procedure turned in to a 3 hour procedure!

Creighton's an awesome program, I have many friends that go there and I would have been more than happy staying there. Wasn't trying to come off like I know everything about Creighton, just throwing in my 2 cents about the two.

I didn't mean to come off surly either so sorry if I did. To be honest, I would rather not do the big surgery cases and won't do them after I graduate. However, turning 1 hour procedures into 3 hour procedures is part of dental school. My first class II took me four hours....thank god it doesn't anymore.

I'm sure every school has their advantages/disadvantages. Creighton does have a crappy building/clinic. I am constantly amazed at how the temperature can be so wildly variable in different parts of the building and how often my unit has some malfuction. Also, it sucked not having a sim lab, although they are changing that.