Factors to consider when selecting a dental school

[T00thFa1ry]

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I am in the process of finalizing my application. When considering the schools I will be applying to, I factor in cost but wonder why class size matters. If struggling with subject matter, I should be able to ask the professor or seek a tutor. So, why would class size matter for some when applying? Does it have to do with grading?

Also, why does location matter? Maybe I’m boring idk but I feel like my life would revolve around my studies and labs. I’d fear that a social life would cause me to get behind and my biggest motivator is to stay on top of my grades. And why does pass/fail vs. gpa graded schools matter?

I’ve been advised by the dentists I’ve worked with that dental school lays my foundation and that CE after graduation will be where my best skills are refined. So with that advice, my thoughts stray towards wanting to say “I don’t care where I go as long as I get in”. Knowing that I still need to write on my application the reasons for selecting such-and-such dental school, I want to be able to make well informed decisions. Gen dent, community service and research are my goals, and updated tech is on my wish list.

Thanks yo!

 

[JLT223]

I think you really need to do more research into these topics and do some soul searching. Not having a social life and being in a city you despise, focusing on school work 24/7, is a great way to burn out. I’ve been there.

Feel free to pm me.

 

[dreammare]

1. To ask to current students: what is the approximate % of people who graduates ON TIME (IE no extra semester, no repeating a year, no extra months)

2. To faculty: what is the estimated alumni donation to the nearest ten thousands (a low alumni funding suggested students strongly dislike the school)

3. Suppose you need 5 crowns to graduate but you weren't lucky enough to get 5 crowns or your patients who need crowns can't afford them, what can the school do to ensure you graduate on time (do NOT accept answers like "oh you'll get it so don't worry")

 

[benruitz98]

While cost is something to consider it is better to apply broadly to make sure you get in somewhere. It sucks to pay $550-700k for midwestern, NYU, USC etc but it's much better than not getting in at all and then spending 1-3 more years reapplying (without a guarantee of getting into a cheaper school) and possibly only getting into the "Expensive" schools which will be 5-10% more expensive then. The 1-2 years of earlier salary will more than make up for it.

So depending on your stats apply broadly and then pick the cheapest one out of them (unless you have personal reasons for picking a more costly option)

 

[LFA20]

I am in the process of finalizing my application. When considering the schools I will be applying to, I factor in cost but wonder why class size matters. If struggling with subject matter, I should be able to ask the professor or seek a tutor. So, why would class size matter for some when applying? Does it have to do with grading?

Also, why does location matter? Maybe I’m boring idk but I feel like my life would revolve around my studies and labs. I’d fear that a social life would cause me to get behind and my biggest motivator is to stay on top of my grades. And why does pass/fail vs. gpa graded schools matter?

I’ve been advised by the dentists I’ve worked with that dental school lays my foundation and that CE after graduation will be where my best skills are refined. So with that advice, my thoughts stray towards wanting to say “I don’t care where I go as long as I get in”. Knowing that I still need to write on my application the reasons for selecting such-and-such dental school, I want to be able to make well informed decisions. Gen dent, community service and research are my goals, and updated tech is on my wish list.

Thanks yo!

The only factor you need to consider is tuition.

 

[benruitz98]

The only factor you need to consider is tuition.

You mean.... I shouldn't attend the new school with shiny tall glass buildings and *free iPads* ($90k tuition) over the $40k school that looks outdated?

 

[dreammare]

It seems a lot of people are considering costs. Therefore, you should REALLY stress to find out how likely will you graduate on time from a particular school. If that school screws your graduation over, you might be required to pay an extra semester or even an extra year of tuition

 

[2TH MVR]

Going to dental school is a means to an end. 4 years of your life to have a professional career.

Your goal is to earn the DDS/DMD and then plan on CE to augment your skills. Knowing that means that it really does not matter what DS you plan to attend.

Attend the cheapest DS. Period. Doesn't matter if P/F or graded. This might matter if you plan to specialize.

As for "social interaction". Familial or close buddies could be helpful, but could also be a distraction. When you attend DS .... you should be 100% focused on whatever it takes to graduate. You'll make new friends. Study partners.

Now. If you are fortunate and have options on a few cheap DS to attend. My advice is to choose the DS with a small class size. I would also choose a state DS that offers all the specialties. I feel that the interaction with the specialty depts adds a broader scope on dentistry. Sure ... some will say that attending a "Super GP" school such as MWU-AZ will teach you more. Maybe. Whether the added skills you may obtain at these Super GP schools translates into higher income once you graduate is up for debate.

Also. Employers do not care what school you went to. Real world dentistry is vastly different to the ideals taught in DS.

I attended a small, cheap, mid-west state DS located in a small charming college football town. My school had approx 55 students. I didn't have to deal with big city distractions. The students and people there were wonderful. I had a great experience.

Hope this helps.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I am in the process of finalizing my application. When considering the schools I will be applying to, I factor in cost but wonder why class size matters. If struggling with subject matter, I should be able to ask the professor or seek a tutor. So, why would class size matter for some when applying? Does it have to do with grading?

Also, why does location matter? Maybe I’m boring idk but I feel like my life would revolve around my studies and labs. I’d fear that a social life would cause me to get behind and my biggest motivator is to stay on top of my grades. And why does pass/fail vs. gpa graded schools matter?

I’ve been advised by the dentists I’ve worked with that dental school lays my foundation and that CE after graduation will be where my best skills are refined. So with that advice, my thoughts stray towards wanting to say “I don’t care where I go as long as I get in”. Knowing that I still need to write on my application the reasons for selecting such-and-such dental school, I want to be able to make well informed decisions. Gen dent, community service and research are my goals, and updated tech is on my wish list.

Thanks yo!

Go to the cheapest school. Everything will come after you graduate.

Hope you've been well

 

[PerioDont]

1. To ask to current students: what is the approximate % of people who graduates ON TIME (IE no extra semester, no repeating a year, no extra months)

2. To faculty: what is the estimated alumni donation to the nearest ten thousands (a low alumni funding suggested students strongly dislike the school)

3. Suppose you need 5 crowns to graduate but you weren't lucky enough to get 5 crowns or your patients who need crowns can't afford them, what can the school do to ensure you graduate on time (do NOT accept answers like "oh you'll get it so don't worry")

2 is an interesting question. I wonder if regular faculty would even know the answer to that question at most schools. I know ours wouldn’t.

per polls I have seen at my own school and on dental town I think less than 5% of grads plan to donate to their alumni in the current generation, esp as many will be paying for their education for decades anyways. So I’m not sure how this would come across. Could seem hostile