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Hey pre-dents,
I thought this might be useful to y'all...I wrote an e-mail to the chair of the orthodontics dept. at UNC (Dr. Camilla Tulloch) about my dilemma of choosing a school. I asked her how important it is to go to school where you plan to practice, how much finances should be factored in, and about the importance of research. Here's her reply:
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1. I think it is always an advantage to go to school in the area you will practice in, but the extent to which it is a deterrent to not have been at school in the area depends on your personality. As a specialist you inevitably depend on referrals from your colleagues.
2. Either way your financial burden is going to be a big drag on your setting up in an office. But I really cannot comment on this as I don't
know your circumstances.
3. Research involvement is only one of many things you will have to do gain acceptance into a graduate program. But it is by no means the only
thing. I would say about 60% of our students go on to some sort of post doctoral education. The students from Carolina, providing they have been good students, seem to find no difficulty in obtaining places where they want. I would remind you that orthodontics (and I understand Oral surgery) are very competitive. Last fall we had 230 applicants for 5 places. I imagine it
was much the same elsewhere. You have to do something to distinguish yourself to gain acceptance.
I hope this is helpful to you. My advice is go where you like the program and the people. Don't close your mind to other alternatives too early.
Enjoy your education and do as well as you can in all areas. Dental school can be tough, particularly in the first 2 years. Good luck. CT
I thought this might be useful to y'all...I wrote an e-mail to the chair of the orthodontics dept. at UNC (Dr. Camilla Tulloch) about my dilemma of choosing a school. I asked her how important it is to go to school where you plan to practice, how much finances should be factored in, and about the importance of research. Here's her reply:
---------------------------------------------
1. I think it is always an advantage to go to school in the area you will practice in, but the extent to which it is a deterrent to not have been at school in the area depends on your personality. As a specialist you inevitably depend on referrals from your colleagues.
2. Either way your financial burden is going to be a big drag on your setting up in an office. But I really cannot comment on this as I don't
know your circumstances.
3. Research involvement is only one of many things you will have to do gain acceptance into a graduate program. But it is by no means the only
thing. I would say about 60% of our students go on to some sort of post doctoral education. The students from Carolina, providing they have been good students, seem to find no difficulty in obtaining places where they want. I would remind you that orthodontics (and I understand Oral surgery) are very competitive. Last fall we had 230 applicants for 5 places. I imagine it
was much the same elsewhere. You have to do something to distinguish yourself to gain acceptance.
I hope this is helpful to you. My advice is go where you like the program and the people. Don't close your mind to other alternatives too early.
Enjoy your education and do as well as you can in all areas. Dental school can be tough, particularly in the first 2 years. Good luck. CT
