education in Canada

[albany11]

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Hi,


I was wondering about the educational system in Canada.

I know the educational system in canada is very good but what is the

main difference between college and dental education in Canada versus the

US. How many years is it? I was told college varies from 2-4 years-Is this

true? What do you think about the dental education?


Thanks

 

[LestatZinnie]

Hi,


I was wondering about the educational system in Canada.

I know the educational system in canada is very good but what is the

main difference between college and dental education in Canada versus the

US. How many years is it? I was told college varies from 2-4 years-Is this

true? What do you think about the dental education?


Thanks

The system for dentistry in Canada and US are the same. Some schools allow you to apply to their program after 2 or 3 years of undergrad, some schools require you have a degree first. However all dental programs are 4 years just like the states.

the unfortunate thing is that canadian dental schools don't accept many, if any, foreigners, just like most state schools in the US.

 

[dentite001]

The above statement is true and provides a few important implications. First, IF you can get in, then great. School tuition in Canada can be a lot cheaper. For instance, at Dalhousie it's very cheap 25k/year. At others the difference is not as great (UBC/45k/year).
The other major issue is acceptance rates. Generally speaking, admission can be very competitive. The reason is the limited number of seats available. For this reason, you can find guys with averages of 85+, who were forced to pay more and go to the states just to gain acceptance SOMEWHERE.
If your GPA is 4.0 and you have a masters, you might find a seat. However, its unlikely as schools even show preference for students from within the specific province.

 

[EHA DDS]

Please not, the above tuition figures are in Canadian Dollars, so the value is much less in US figures.

 

[albany11]

I am curious how dentistry is in Canada? I know in the medical profession,

it's socialized ? with physician not having to worry about job security or

patients.

In the Northern areas of Canada , is there a shortage of dentist?

Thanks

 

[LestatZinnie]

I am curious how dentistry is in Canada? I know in the medical profession,

it's socialized ? with physician not having to worry about job security or

patients.

In the Northern areas of Canada , is there a shortage of dentist?

Thanks

yes there is shortage of dentists in Northern Canada, but it's because no one wants to go there. In the urban/suburb setting we have enough dentists already.

Unlike medicine, there is no job security with dentistry in Canada. You get paid by patients, not government, and you reap what you sow. hope this helps.

 

[Mithridates]

Hi,
I was wondering about the educational system in Canada.
I know the educational system in canada is very good but what is the
main difference between college and dental education in Canada versus the
US. How many years is it? I was told college varies from 2-4 years-Is this
true? What do you think about the dental education?
Thanks

I only applied to ontario dental schools in canada, but I think most canadian dental schools are the same. You'll get a great dental education at a canadian or american dental school. The difference is this: canadian professional schools don't give a crap about who you are, what you've done, or what your goals are. The application process to ontario dental schools is downright offensive: GPA, GPA, GPA. The only thing they wanted besides my gpa and Dat scores was my name, address, and cheque. Literally. So, what type of people make up these classes? I dunno. Ontario dental schools can kiss my white butt!!

Peace

 

[Smilemaker100]

I am curious how dentistry is in Canada? I know in the medical profession,

it's socialized ? with physician not having to worry about job security or

patients.

In the Northern areas of Canada , is there a shortage of dentist?

Thanks

Hi there albany11,

Yes, the Northern parts of Canada (especially in the Indian reserves) are usually short of dentists. As a matter of fact, in Canada, dentists and doctors are attracted to contracts offered to health professionals in the far North because of the attractive salary. A newly graduated dentist can earn $100,000 (Canadian- by the way the Canadian dollar is climbing quite high nowdays around 0.83US$) and the perks include : medical coverage, lodging and food all covered for. However, I don't know about you, but quality of life counts for me as well and I don't know if I would like to live 6 months in darkness in a town that has little entertainment to offer!

A hot spot for dentists in Canada nowdays is Ottawa. The other day, I was talking to an oral surgeon who studied in Montreal where I also studied. He told me that the majority of his collegues from dental school have ended up in Ottawa, Ontario and are doing quite well. Recent studies have shown that Ottawa is among the most prosperous cities to live in in North America
( other cities include Boston and Seattle). Ottawa is not as exciting as Montreal but it is only about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Montreal so I can visit on weekends.

I personally have some contacts in Ottawa who are ready to help me find an associate and am seriously thinking of moving there once I finish my residency program (perhaps after a second year- hopefully they will accept me for a second year) ...I don't think I will settle in the US- it's hard for a single woman to live here. As much as I like my program and living here, I miss all those close friends and family back home. There is no way I am staying in the US unless I meet someone by luck and get married...but I doubt that will happen anytime soon.

About a year ago, I thought that I would eventually practice dentistry in the US and that it would be a quicker way for me to pay off my student loans but after some reflection , I am realizing that my family and friends in Canada mean a lot to me even if that means I earn less money there. Money can't buy me love. 😍

In any case, the Canadian dollar is increasing these days...Life is too short and I value my family and friends more than becoming a zillionaire. When you die, you won't be thinking about all the money you made but about the relationships you had...I know it sounds corny, but in recent years, I always think in terms of "how will I feel in my death bed?" and that puts things in perspective. "My religion is to live and die without regrets."

 

[LestatZinnie]

Hi there albany11,

Yes, the North (especially in the Indian reserves) are usually short of dentists. As a matter of fact, in Canada, dentists and doctors are attracted to contracts offered to health professionals in the far North because of the attractive salary. A newly graduated dentist can earn $100,000 (Canadian- by the way the Canadian dollar is climbing quite high now days 0.80$) and the perks include, medical coverage, lodging and food all covered for. However, I don't know about you, but quality of life counts for me as well and I don't know if I would like to live 6 months in darkness in a town that has little entertainment to offer!

A hot spot for dentists in Canada nowdays is Ottawa. The other day, I was talking to an oral surgeon who studied in Montreal where I also studied. He told me that the majority of his collegues from dental school have ended up in Ottawa, Ontario and are doing quite well. Recent studies have shown that Ottawa is among the most prosperous cities to live in North America ( other cities include Boston and Seattle). Ottawa is not as exciting as Montreal but it is only about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Montreal.

I personally have some contacts in Ottawa who are ready to help me find an associate and am seriously thinking of moving there once I finish my residency program (hopefully they will accept me for a second year) ...I don't think I will settle in the US- it's hard for a single woman to live here. As much as I like my program and living here, I miss all those close friends back home. There is no way I am staying in the US unless I meet someone by luck a and get married...

About a year ago, I thought that I would eventually practice dentistry in the US and that it would be a quicker way for me to pay off my student loans but after some reflection , I am realizing that family and friends mean a lot to me even if that means I earn less money in Canada. Money can't buy me love. 😍

In any case, the Canadian dollar is increasing these days...Life is too short and I value my family and friends more than becoming a zillionaire. When you die, you won't be thinking about all the money you made but about the relationships you had...I know it sounds corny, but I always think in terms of "how will I feel in my death bed" and that puts things in perspective. "My religion is to live and die without regrets."

hello smilemaker. which school in montreal are you? are you doing a GPR?
greetings from 2nd yr student at mcgill

 

[Smilemaker100]

hello smilemaker. which school in montreal are you? are you doing a GPR?
greetings from 2nd yr student at mcgill

I did a B.Sc and M.Sc (M.Sc in Dental Sciences under the supervision of your dear ol' Dr Lund in dentistry) at McGill and my D.M.D at l'Universite de Montreal ( in french of course!). I am presently doing my GPR at St Francis in Hartford , CT and am pretty happy with the program. How is Montreal these days ( I haven't been back since June)? What's new at McGill?

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Is practicing in Ottawa difficult if you dont speak French?

 

[Smilemaker100]

Is practicing in Ottawa difficult if you dont speak French?

Not as difficult as anywhere in Quebec such as Montreal. However, Ottawa being the capital of Canada and being on the Ontario/Quebec border, there is no doubt that there will be a large francophone population. I believe that in Quebec, anglophones have to pass a french exam to meet the criteria of the "Office de la Langue Francaise"- especially if you are a health care professional. Remember, english and french are recognized as the official languages of Canada- it is written by law. Being bilingual would definitely help. Thank God, I am!!!!

 

[Smilemaker100]

I am curious how dentistry is in Canada? I know in the medical profession,

it's socialized ? with physician not having to worry about job security or

patients.

In the Northern areas of Canada , is there a shortage of dentist?

Thanks

Something else crossed my mind which I thought I would share with you. The further West you go in Canada, the wealthier the populace is and the more prosperous the dentists are. In regards to Ontario, the rate of privately insured people is a lot higher than in Quebec.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

Something else crossed my mind which I thought I would share with you. The further West you go in Canada, the wealthier the populace is and the more prosperous the dentists are. In regards to Ontario, the rate of privately insured people is a lot higher than in Quebec.

does this apply to Vancouver or Victoria?

 

[Smilemaker100]

does this apply to Vancouver or Victoria?

Yes, the wealthiest people in Canada reside in BC. Even though BC is a gorgeous and wealthy province, I still wouldn't move there...it's too far away from my close friends and family.

 

[dentite001]

Yes, the wealthiest people in Canada reside in BC. Even though BC is a gorgeous and wealthy province, I still wouldn't move there...it's too far away from my close friends and family.

Ironic you mentioned that. If/when I become a dentist I would like to start a practice out there. Just watch out for the bears, forest fires, and those intimidating pot smokers.
As for moving out to reserves, you can do pretty much anything and still make over $50k. With a B.A. you can pull in close to $80-100k/year. Check it out:

http://www.gov.nu.ca/Nunavut/English/departments/HR/humanresources/jobs/index.shtml

One of the reasons is that its so damn expensive to live up there. A carton of milk is like $6. All the food is imported and the heating bills must be astronomical. I was actually considering it but the isolation would get to me (as it has for the natives).

 

[EHA DDS]

Lestat,

Are you at McGill Dent? If so how are you liking it. You have a few more months withthe meds and then you split off.

Strathcona is a ple of dog **** but go figure, you only pay 5-8K. I volunteered at the dental clinics at the MGH..pretty cool stuff.

Say hi to my Alma Mater for me

 

[LestatZinnie]

i have one more month of medicine then i start dentistry...thank god!! Strath is still pretty out-dated. I think they renovated the anatomy lab and histo lab, but i think the dentistry lab is still the same. but since i'm only going to be at strath for 6 months, i'm not too concerned (yet). The clinic at MGH has pretty new chairs and equipments, so it's good.

it seems like most job postings for ottawa require bilingual. BC may have very rich people but many of them are asian immigrants so you might have to be able to speak their language to have large clientel. In addition, i don't see many clinics in lower mainland hiring at all- it seems to be the small boonie towns in BC that needs dentists. I just heard from a dentist that saskatchewan really needs dentists, if you can stand living there you'll be fully booked from day 1.

As for montreal- this is only my 2nd year here so i dont know what changes have taken place. it's getting too cold for my taste, though.

 

[Smilemaker100]

Ironic you mentioned that. If/when I become a dentist I would like to start a practice out there. Just watch out for the bears, forest fires, and those intimidating pot smokers.
As for moving out to reserves, you can do pretty much anything and still make over $50k. With a B.A. you can pull in close to $80-100k/year. Check it out:

http://www.gov.nu.ca/Nunavut/English/departments/HR/humanresources/jobs/index.shtml

One of the reasons is that its so damn expensive to live up there. A carton of milk is like $6. All the food is imported and the heating bills must be astronomical. I was actually considering it but the isolation would get to me (as it has for the natives).

Sure, the salary seems attractive but like you said the isolation is unbearable. I wouldn't be able to take the loneliness either!

 

[Smilemaker100]

Lestat,

Are you at McGill Dent? If so how are you liking it. You have a few more months withthe meds and then you split off.

Strathcona is a ple of dog **** but go figure, you only pay 5-8K. I volunteered at the dental clinics at the MGH..pretty cool stuff.

Say hi to my Alma Mater for me

I used to volunteer at the MGH McCall Dental Clinic too when I was an undergrad...it seems only like yesterday but it has already been 8 years ago!!!!

 

[Smilemaker100]

i have one more month of medicine then i start dentistry...thank god!! Strath is still pretty out-dated. I think they renovated the anatomy lab and histo lab, but i think the dentistry lab is still the same. but since i'm only going to be at strath for 6 months, i'm not too concerned (yet). The clinic at MGH has pretty new chairs and equipments, so it's good.

it seems like most job postings for ottawa require bilingual. BC may have very rich people but many of them are asian immigrants so you might have to be able to speak their language to have large clientel. In addition, i don't see many clinics in lower mainland hiring at all- it seems to be the small boonie towns in BC that needs dentists. I just heard from a dentist that saskatchewan really needs dentists, if you can stand living there you'll be fully booked from day 1.

As for montreal- this is only my 2nd year here so i dont know what changes have taken place. it's getting too cold for my taste, though.

I think you can still do pretty well in BC even if you don't know Mandarin. If you like doing things outdoors BC is a dream.

Yes, Montreal's bitter winter chill...kind of miss it but not too much

 

[LestatZinnie]

I think you can still do pretty well in BC even if you don't know Mandarin. If you like doing things outdoors BC is a dream.

Yes, Montreal's bitter winter chill...kind of miss it but not too much

I was original from BC, and from what I can see and from talking two a few dentists (as well as recent grad), the lower mainland is pretty much saturated with dentists. Do you have any other source that tells you otherwise?? I'd be interested because I'm eyeing ON, AB, or BC to practice after grad, and so far BC is kinda low on the list due to high competition and insane housing costs in the lower mainland.

 

[Smilemaker100]

I was original from BC, and from what I can see and from talking two a few dentists (as well as recent grad), the lower mainland is pretty much saturated with dentists. Do you have any other source that tells you otherwise?? I'd be interested because I'm eyeing ON, AB, or BC to practice after grad, and so far BC is kinda low on the list due to high competition and insane housing costs in the lower mainland.

Like I said- Ottawa, Ontario seems to be the "hotspot" in Canada and my opinion is based on some studies I have read and talking to recent grads. I am definitely looking into it myself.

 

[LestatZinnie]

Like I said- Ottawa, Ontario seems to be the "hotspot" in Canada and it is based on some studies I have read and talking to recent grads. I am definitely looking into it myself.

thanks. pls do keep us posted!! 🙂

 

[Smilemaker100]

thanks. pls do keep us posted!! 🙂

I am definitely looking into it over the next couple of months, especially if I don't get into the second year of the GPR program.

 

[Woodsy]

Education in Canada is good. The guy who rant about GPA GPA GPA, well it might be true to an extent b/c GPA, according to a prof i have, usually reflects how well you will do in dental school. Even the DAT isn't a good measure because he found that soap carving and how well you do in restorative dentistry has an inverse correlation. That's why U of T doesn't care about carving scores. This prof is American as well so you can't say that he is bias to Canadian.

The interview he says doesn't mean anything because you can always prepare your answers ahead of time. I mean look at SDN, there is a link to questions, given enough preparation and practice, anyone can get good. And usually the interviewer can tell whether or not you get in within the first 30 seconds of meeting you, the questions are just to solidify their premise. There is no difference between students who got in just on marks and DAT, vs. students who got in with interview (4-5 years ago, U of T dental didn't have interviews). So I guess when it comes down to it.

Recently a lot of the seniors that I know in the school have matched for Ortho, oral surg, etc. in the US at places like Tufts, and had interviews at Harvard, Columbia, etc. (they don't know if they matched yet something to do with a release date for the matching service---they won't announce till a particular day)....

So I guess it's not a bad idea to go to Canada for dentistry, just work in the US later if u want money.

 

[Mithridates]

Education in Canada is good. The guy who rant about GPA GPA GPA, well it might be true to an extent b/c GPA, according to a prof i have, usually reflects how well you will do in dental school. Even the DAT isn't a good measure because he found that soap carving and how well you do in restorative dentistry has an inverse correlation. That's why U of T doesn't care about carving scores. This prof is American as well so you can't say that he is bias to Canadian.

The interview he says doesn't mean anything because you can always prepare your answers ahead of time. I mean look at SDN, there is a link to questions, given enough preparation and practice, anyone can get good. And usually the interviewer can tell whether or not you get in within the first 30 seconds of meeting you, the questions are just to solidify their premise. There is no difference between students who got in just on marks and DAT, vs. students who got in with interview (4-5 years ago, U of T dental didn't have interviews). So I guess when it comes down to it.

Yeah, I was the guy ranting about GPA - sorry if I came out a little strong on that post there. But in my opinion, the attitude of you and your professor is what is wrong with the canadian system.

Your professor says that the interview doesn't matter because you can prepare for the interview ahead of time. That's just such a defeatist attitude.
Good interviewers (or interviewers who care I should say) can totally tell a lot about a person from an interview. The information available on SDN about interview questions is just a rough guide, it can't carry your interview.

It blows my mind that Utoronto dental doesn't even ask for any essays, or lists of experiences, publications, etc. Where does one start to judge a person for acceptance into a medical profession?! GPA certainly is a very strong aspect, but what has that person done with their life outside of school? Maybe the answer to that question can help a school judge what that person is all about. Utoronto medicine sure seems to have figured that one out.

 

[Woodsy]

it's difficult to base decisions on what people have done outside of school though because everyone has different experiences. It's like if I volunteer helping the elderly every week and I love it, and it's something I geniunely like, would that make me a better candidate than a person who hates research but because they have hook ups got to participate in world class research studies and got their name published. Also they had the opportunity to volunteer overseas (bull**** their way through since uncle is doctor in Asia) so it looks good on paper but really they just went to vacation and lived with grandma.

GPA is very important because it reflects ur academic ability. MInd you, academic abilitydoesn't mean **** all to show how well you'll be a dentist but for an academic setting, it may have correlation to how well you will learn. And you can only cheat so much in undergrad. Then u have DATS to add to help indicate ur ability. U of T actually used to have essays. They make you write it on the spot.... BUt they replaced the essay with interview that's all.

Again, if you hvae been trained in some sort of acting (or you are used to lying a lot)you can show qualities that people like even though it is fake. It's all about practice. Dude I know so many people who lied through their teeth to get in. I know others who are truly geniune. Both end up in the same place....

Perfect example of the you can't judge anything fairly...: President GWB. Enough said.

He won the popular vote too..

 

[Mithridates]

it's difficult to base decisions on what people have done outside of school though because everyone has different experiences. It's like if I volunteer helping the elderly every week and I love it, and it's something I geniunely like, would that make me a better candidate than a person who hates research but because they have hook ups got to participate in world class research studies and got their name published. Also they had the opportunity to volunteer overseas (bull**** their way through since uncle is doctor in Asia) so it looks good on paper but really they just went to vacation and lived with grandma.

GPA is very important because it reflects ur academic ability. MInd you, academic abilitydoesn't mean **** all to show how well you'll be a dentist but for an academic setting, it may have correlation to how well you will learn. And you can only cheat so much in undergrad. Then u have DATS to add to help indicate ur ability. U of T actually used to have essays. They make you write it on the spot.... BUt they replaced the essay with interview that's all.

Again, if you hvae been trained in some sort of acting (or you are used to lying a lot)you can show qualities that people like even though it is fake. It's all about practice. Dude I know so many people who lied through their teeth to get in. I know others who are truly geniune. Both end up in the same place....

Perfect example of the you can't judge anything fairly...: President GWB. Enough said.

He won the popular vote too..

We shouldn't discount people's outside activities just because some are disingenuous with their experiences (i.e. they did it to pad their resumes, or they lied). From what you have said, you would have dental schools only consider your GPA and DAT scores? Do you think application to medical school should be the same? Dentistry requires compassion, leadership, honesty, and professionalism just like medicine. Where in the application to UToronto DDS do they judge these qualities?! [The interview was just a bunch of psychological questions.]

I go to a school in the US where there's a real emphasis on leadership in the dental profession. A lot of the people in my class have held really important leadership positions. These are examples of things you can't fake. A person who becomes president of their undergrad student government has to have qualities that people admire to get elected.

You are wrong: the more information you have on someone, the better you are able to tell if they'll be a good dentist. Now, a school's definition of a good dentist varies I guess. At UToronto, being a good dentist is being able to handle the loads of material - and interacting with patients isn't as important.

I honestly think that UofT dentistry is one of the best dental schools in the world. I just feel that getting accepted there should have a little more to do with the person.

 

[Dr.BadVibes]

I honestly think that UofT dentistry is one of the best dental schools in the world. I just feel that getting accepted there should have to do a little more to do with the person.

What makes you say this?

 

[Mithridates]

What makes you say this?

University of Toronto dental is a powerhouse! Clinically they're pretty amazing, and their research is huge! I've talked to a lot professors at american dental schools, and pretty much all of them say that U of T is one of the best. So, I base it pretty much on word of mouth.

 

[Smilemaker100]

University of Toronto dental is a powerhouse! Clinically they're pretty amazing, and their research is huge! I've talked to a lot professors at american dental schools, and pretty much all of them say that U of T is one of the best. So, I base it pretty much on word of mouth.

The latest infamous university rankings of Maclean's magazine was just released a few days ago. http://www.mcgill.ca/newswire/?ItemID=13365
In regards to medical/doctoral/research programs, U of T ranked in the number one spot and McGill ranked in at second. I usually take these rankings with a "grain of salt." While I do have "McGill pride" ( I am an alumni - B.Sc, M.Sc), I must say that it isn't necessarily the school but the individual who ultimately shapes the type of professional they will become.

While McGill's faculty of dentistry prides itself in being a part of the McGill Techsquare ( the Wong building for Bone and Periodontal Research), I don't know what state the dentistry curriculum is in but I have heard some students complaining about it. About 5 or so years ago, McGill's faculty of dentistry merged with the faculty of medicine. I suppose it was a way of getting increased funding for their research initiatives, which I don't condone. However, students I have communicated with have complained of not being exposed to an adequate amount of the manual dexterity aspect of dentistry in the early part of the program. I am glad that I attended the "Universite de Montreal" program where they were rather strict with us in regards to our dexterity skills and where we were exposed to the "on hands" aspect of dentistry from day one.

In summary, I think you should make whatever you can of yourself regardless of the school's reputation and Maclean's ranking. It isn't the school which makes a good professional out of you but it is yourself. You have to assimilate a lot of what is taught to you, but more importantly, you have to devote extra time to reading and educating yourself. That is to say- teach yourself as much as you can by reading textbooks and journals (unfortunately I couldn't do much of that in dental school but am doing that now in my residency program ) even if it isn't required reading. It is the mind that thirsts for knowledge which will have more to offer in terms of the best treatment to patients. For in educating yourself, you educate your patients. The more you educate your patients, the more confidence they will have in you. There is no end to knowledge and there is always room to relearning things.

 

[Woodsy]

Mithridates, it's very difficult to judge a person based on 20 minutes that they will be a good dentist in 4 years. People can change and develop into a good dentist or people can change and turn into someone who can't be a good dentist. The whole point is that a 20 minute interview is not indicative of a person's character. If you really want to know about a person, you have to spend a whole day or a whole week with them....coz the bad stuff comes out. Interacting with patients can be easily trained if you are exposed enough to it. If you are unable to, then you're screwed either way because there is no way you can survive in life without any social skills unless u are a hermit. Handling material however, not everyone can do it. And being a doctor you need to be quite knowledgable and comfortable to manipulate the information you learn. U of T is a good school like you said, so they are doing something right. If U of T wasn't known for producing good dentists, then it would not have the reptuation that it has.

I think every year the "class type" changes. Every other year are full of keeners. My year luckily are slackers, at least that is what we are labelled, which is great coz there is so much more to life than school. High GPA requirements just means the school is trying to keep good standards. You're whole argument is based on the faulty premise/assumption that people with high marks do not have the social skills necessary to be good dentists. hence you suggest that the school should focus on getting to know the person rather than just using high GPA. To reiterate myself, you said yourself that U of T was a good school, therefore, if the quality of the students was not up to standard, the school would not have the reputation it has.

 

[Mithridates]

You're whole argument is based on the faulty premise/assumption that people with high marks do not have the social skills necessary to be good dentists. hence you suggest that the school should focus on getting to know the person rather than just using high GPA.

Dude, I've totally said that GPA is important. And my assumption is that if you take the top 60 people in terms of GPA/DAT that apply and make that your class, you're gonna get a couple of people that shouldn't be in health care. You and me have very different philosophies and it isn't gonna get resolved in this forum. Adios, and good luck with dental school.

P.S. UToronto may be one of the best dental schools in the world, but Harvard is number one!!!! And Harvard looks at the whole package: letters of rec, essays, experiences, two long one-on-one interviews, DAT, GPA, etc. 😎

Harvard even had a secondary application! 😱
Whereas Toronto didn't even really have a primary application.

 

[Woodsy]

u at harvard?

 

[Mithridates]

u at harvard?

Yeah, I'm at Harvard. Only Canadian in my year!

 

[Woodsy]

that's good, funny thing though. When my friend was at Western for his dental interview there was a guy bitching about how he got into harvard but couldn't get into U of T....

 

[Mithridates]

that's good, funny thing though. When my friend was at Western for his dental interview there was a guy bitching about how he got into harvard but couldn't get into U of T....

didn't interview at western my friend.

 

[kato999]

one reason many dental school's conduct interviews is so they don't accidentally accept students like woodsy who might look good on paper, but as far as personality goes....

even McDonalds does interviews, although that might just be to check for a pulse.

 

[Woodsy]

didn't interview at western my friend.

never said it was you.

yeah kato999 that's why i got into GOOD american dental schools too...I haven't gotten one rejection so piss off.

they would have accepted me on the basis of my family background personality is overrated.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

Hi,


I was wondering about the educational system in Canada.

I know the educational system in canada is very good but what is the

main difference between college and dental education in Canada versus the

US. How many years is it? I was told college varies from 2-4 years-Is this

true? What do you think about the dental education?


Thanks

Hi everyone,

I'm also a student at the University of Toronto and I also post in the Canadian student forums. I'm actually a classmate of Woodsy's and it was him who referred me to this forum. I knew of this site before and it was really helpful for my American Dental school interviews. This is quite an interesting thread. You might think Woodsy is a real jerk or bad guy, he's not. He just likes to speak his mind and the class have no problems with him. He's not that bad once you get to know him in person. That aside, in regards to education in Canada, dental schools are the same as the US; 4 years.

I have not had any formal education in the US so I do not have a basis by which to compare that to a Canadian education. However, I can tell you after my short experience in a Canadian dental school that it is very pleasant. I have made many new friends including Woodsy and the class is very friendly. There is some competition but it is not very prevalent and most people are just competing with themselves. My class has a very laid back attitude and people in general like to help one another.

Having interviewed and been accepted to American schools, I chose U of T primarily because the cost is substantially cheaper and as a school it has a great reptuation. The school is a bit older but there are new facilities in the faculty and the staff is great. I really like our demonstrators because they make me want to learn more about dentistry. The professors and demonstrators (lab) seem very enthusiastic about the profession and this provides a very positive environment in which to learn.

That is all I have to say in regards to my experiences so far. Hope this helps you decide.

 

[Woodsy]

Hey Somebody I know, you're too nice to these people...they do nothing but trash us Canadians because they are jealous that we are better than them or are insecure at the fact that we possibly might be.... I think I'm going to stop posting in this site because It's a waste of my time to argue with these peons. Obviously they would gang up on every little thing I say because it is not up to standard with their ideals. These are the same fools that voted for Bush... HOwever, there are a few nice people here...I'm just talking about a couple of hicks on this forum who can go back to their trailer homes and practice dentistry on their sister/wife or their pet crocodile eating their mayonaise sandwiches. I'm done with this BS. After reading this they will all be so happy that I'm gone that they will drink their moonshine, get drunk, have a square dance playin' their banjos, watchin' Nascar, and impregnate their mom continuing their lineage of inbreds.

I'll see u in class. lates.

 

[westerndude]

Hey Woodsy, you can tell your friend that Western had the sense to accept the guy who was 'bitching' about U of T. Harvard would have been cool but I defo couldn't afford it anyways. Ended up getting into all of the schools I applied to except U of T... sucks to be them.

Peace.

 

[NobodyYouKnow]

Westerndude, sounds like you have an insecurity issue. Woodsy, as much as we chillin' irl and we are friends, I think that it is inappropriate to post such a vulgar message whether they deserve it or not. But you're a grown man, I'm not going to tell you what to do.

 

[CanuckDDS]

The education system in Canada is really solid. Our undergrad education is second to none. As for dental school, each Canadian school has its positives...
Western graduates the best clinicians, and the most sought after grads for associateships. There is actually a reason for this (don't get your panties in a bunch U of T guys)- at Western the only grad program they have is ortho so you get to do everything....full mouth rehab, complex exo's, cosmetic prostho, pre-prosth Sx, and the endo program is equal to some grad school endo programs in the states (I have done ~4 upper molars, many premolars, ~4 lower molars, re-treats etc.) It is like school and an AEGD in one.

We typically accept 2 US students per year into the program and in my 4 years, not one US student has graduated (most flunk out after year 1). Bad batch I guess.

U of T students like to study, very strong didactically but lacking clinically. All 4th year U of T students I know agree.

 

[Frank Cavitation]

hmm, as a 4th year student I've got a different perspective. Clinic isn't designed as well as U of T (especially info gathering and diagnosis), not enough exposure to extractions, loads of funding issues, half of the faculty leaving last year, etc...

 

[mf83]

Is there anywhere in Canada (Except western) where you can get a good hands-on experience and be at least "fairly" ready to do general practice?

I'm a resident of BC and they always said "UBC sucks" in terms of the amount of practice you get, and "go for U of T, if u can". but obviously this doesn't seem to be the case. the only nice thing about Canadian schools seems to be the cost, other than that....

 

[dravid]

the only thing about Canada is that the country shuts down to watch the NHL playoffs in the spring.

And if you study in Edmonton (University of Alberta), it's a real hassle to get cable to your igloo. Sometimes I have to take time off from my part-time job as an oilfield worker in the spring to fiddle around with the antenna on top of my igloo, because the reception is terrible

 

[SeaBass]

Dalhousie has a good clinical program from what I've gathered.