i want to know how capable a person would be that goes to a research oriented school (Michigan) to practice general dentistry after 4 years. I am in a bind because I am choosing between UM and Temple (an awesome clinical school and I love philly!) but I am instate at Michigan (plus it is overall such a good school). I am pretty set on general dentistry but I would want to practice straight out of dental school (I dont want to have to go into a year long aegd or gpr program)
Any input would be appreciated. Thanks!
it depends on how much effort you put into it. I'm not familiar with Michigan, but I would tell you to spend a ton of time in the clinics and exceed their clinical requirements. I met people at temple who have extracted over 500 teeth, even though the requirement was around a 100. So if you can exceed the minimum requirements they give ya you should be fine. Also, remember that when you first come out of a 4 year school you will be SLOW. It will take time to adjust, that's why a GPR or being an associate may help before you get your own practice.
I have to agree that it is a great benefit to do residency. You will be slow but also dental school teaches the basics of dentistry. to really know what you're doing takes more advanced experience. I don't think you want to go right from the sheltered experience of dental school to working without a net right away. It can be nerve wracking.
I'm a D1 @ Mich right now and although most people view our school as a strict research school, that's not the case. Research is entirely optional. It's not a requirement. I just completed my 1st semester and we did see some clinic time. We went up there once a wk for 8 wks to assist the D3's and D4's. In addition to that, we did a lot of lab work doing preps, waxing and restorations. Once you reach your 3rd year, you spend most of your time in the clinic. Hope that helps.
