Midwestern...advice please

[kdawg]

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I wanted to start this thread in the Dental Forum to get some advice from current dental students. I would love to hear anybody's opinion, but especially those who will graduate, or have graduated from, newer schools such as ASDOH & UNLV.

What would be the disadvantages and advantages of being in the first dental class at Midwestern University?

I was fortunate to receive four acceptances yesterday. I am leaning heavily toward Midwestern but want to get as much opinion about the school as I can. Thanks for your input.

 

[Saddleshoes]

I can tell you that the first class at Southern Illinois (30 years ago) were treated like "fair haired boys". The school had so much invested in the first class they were not allowed to fail. The staff led them by the hand though the whole curriculum.

 

[kdawg]

I can tell you that the first class at Southern Illinois (30 years ago) were treated like "fair haired boys". The school had so much invested in the first class they were not allowed to fail. The staff led them by the hand though the whole curriculum.

Interesting...so what is your opinion about that, positive or negative?

 

[Saddleshoes]

Well, they all graduated on time. They all did fine on the various board exams. They all were licensed with out problems. They all went on to practice successfully in one fashion or another. As far as I know none of them was ever involved in any kind of a dental practice fiasco.

So it would appear that they all lived happily ever after.

 

[kdawg]

Well, they all graduated on time. They all did fine on the various board exams. They all were licensed with out problems. They all went on to practice successfully in one fashion or another. As far as I know none of them was ever involved in any kind of a dental practice fiasco.

So it would appear that they all lived happily ever after.

Ok, so I guess they ended up fine after all.

Going back to my last post, what is YOUR opinion about being led by the hand through the curriculum...a positive or negative? Sure, they successfully graduated and practiced, but do you think that you would like to be part of that first dental class? Why or why not?

 

[Soflex]

I wanted to start this thread in the Dental Forum to get some advice from current dental students. I would love to hear anybody's opinion, but especially those who will graduate, or have graduated from, newer schools such as ASDOH & UNLV.

What would be the disadvantages and advantages of being in the first dental class at Midwestern University?

I was fortunate to receive four acceptances yesterday. I am leaning heavily toward Midwestern but want to get as much opinion about the school as I can. Thanks for your input.

I am a member of the fifth class to attend UNLV. When the school started, there was no facility yet built to house the dental school so the jerry-rigged something in the law school!😱 A couple of years later they opened our fabulous new building so that problem was solved...but from what I have heard, it was pretty rough going for the first three classes that attended. (UNLV has graduated two classes so far). Things have been somewhat smoother for classes #4 and #5.

It takes a few years to get the curriculum right. I don't know if I would want to be in the first class of a new school...dental school is hard enough without the added chaos of being a "guinea pig" for an unproven administration.

 

[kdawg]

I am a member of the fifth class to attend UNLV. When the school started, there was no facility yet built to house the dental school so the jerry-rigged something in the law school!😱 A couple of years later they opened our fabulous new building so that problem was solved...but from what I have heard, it was pretty rough going for the first three classes that attended. (UNLV has graduated two classes so far). Things have been somewhat smoother for classes #4 and #5.

It takes a few years to get the curriculum right. I don't know if I would want to be in the first class of a new school...dental school is hard enough without the added chaos of being a "guinea pig" for an unproven administration.

Interesting to hear.

As far as I am aware, the dental building at Midwestern will be ready to use just as soon as we'll need it. I believe that most of the science classes are taken with med students in their buildings. And, the clinic should be open by the time we'll need it, from what they say.

As far as the unproven administration, I can see what you mean. Though all are qualified, obviously, you never know how they'll mesh and if all of their plans will actually work to fruition. But, I have heard only good things about Dean Simonsen and I understand he had quite a hand in ASDOH. That should help having gone through a new school's birth within the last decade. Also, I was extremely impressed that one of the new faculty members at Midwestern basically took a demotion as dean of another school to be a part of this new school. That says something.

Thanks for all the comments so far. Any other views??

 

[Tygerm9]

You also have to take into account the cost of tuition ($57,000 a year). Although it sounds like the school will probably succeed without too many hitches, the cost of tuition vs. the uncertainty of the new school is a high price to pay and a huge investment. Just something to consider, but like most people here will tell you, the cheapest school is often the best choice. It would be hard to justify going down $360k in debt when you could get the same degree for much less at a different school

 

[toofshucker]

Look at your 4 acceptances and then choose the one that will let you graduate with the least amount of debt. That school is the best dental school in the country.

 

[Regmata]

Personally I wouldnt want to be the first class of a school...I would prefer the kinks be worked out before I trusted them to take my money and give me a dental education...if something went wrong, it would be one hell of an expensive error, for you

 

[kdawg]

Look at your 4 acceptances and then choose the one that will let you graduate with the least amount of debt. That school is the best dental school in the country.

Your point (along with Tygerm9's) is well taken. I've heard that from a number of current and graduated dental students. Here are my thoughts about that, though...

First, if you choose to go military, this is a non-issue.

Second, to me it depends on what you plan on doing after graduation. I have a cousin who came blazing out of dental school, opened a private general practice, and is now doing better financially than most specialties, on average. He went to UOP, came out with mega debt, and has no regrets.

Lastly, I personally think that your choice in a dental school goes way beyond finances. This is a four year EXPERIENCE. If you have a family, like I do, this is an experience for them as well. What is a good experience worth to you? I met someone at one of my interviews who outrightly told me that he chose the school because it was the cheapest, while turning down his preferred school. He had many gripes about the school and did not show confidence about his education nor demonstrate any satisfaction with any aspect about the experience he was having.

Dental school is hell. I've heard it from dental students and dentists alike, from graduates of many different schools. If we are choosing a school because we think it will be any easier than the others, we're off base. But, I think there is a lot to be said about the psychological satisfaction you gain by choosing the school you think you would like to attend. To me, this seems like it would help you get through the 4 years with reassurance. For someone like me who hates school to begin with, I'm willing to pay more for all of the other "perks" of attending a school of choice.

 

[DIRTIE]

I wanted to start this thread in the Dental Forum to get some advice from current dental students. I would love to hear anybody's opinion, but especially those who will graduate, or have graduated from, newer schools such as ASDOH & UNLV.

What would be the disadvantages and advantages of being in the first dental class at Midwestern University?

I was fortunate to receive four acceptances yesterday. I am leaning heavily toward Midwestern but want to get as much opinion about the school as I can. Thanks for your input.

I would go to a different school, being the first class in anything is difficult. But it sounds like you have already made up your mind. Good luck

 

[kdawg]

I would go to a different school, being the first class in anything is difficult. But it sounds like you have already made up your mind. Good luck

Thanks for replying. I actually haven't made my decision yet...I'm just trying to facilitate some discussion.

I noticed that you are a current student at UNLV. Have you noticed problems at your school that give you your opinion?

 

[Soflex]

Other disadvantages to being the first class:
--No upperclassmen to get advice from
--No previous exams to study off of
--You have no idea what to expect from faculty
--No established patient pool
--No residency programs on-site (if you want to specialize, you might have an advantage applying to your home school)
--The school is not yet accredited and may run into problems.

In my opinion, $57K/year is too much $ to pay for so much uncertainty. If it was the only school you had gotten into, I would say GO FOR IT. But if you have other options....????

Ultimately, I think that you get out of your education what you put into it. Dental schools all have pretty much the same didactic curriculum...I think the difference lies in that some schools prepare students clinically better than others.

Just my humble opinion. Good luck with your decision!

 

[toofshucker]

Your point (along with Tygerm9's) is well taken. I've heard that from a number of current and graduated dental students. Here are my thoughts about that, though...

First, if you choose to go military, this is a non-issue.

Military is not that cut and dry. Many have argued that you have MORE money by NOT doing military. There are a lot of factors to consider when you decide to do military. Military is right for some and wrong for others, but it doesn't necessarily fix your money problems. In fact, I think you mention later on that you have a friend who is doing fine now. It LOOKS like he has more money than anyone in the military.

Second, to me it depends on what you plan on doing after graduation. I have a cousin who came blazing out of dental school, opened a private general practice, and is now doing better financially than most specialties, on average. He went to UOP, came out with mega debt, and has no regrets.

I am sure that he is doing fine, but a hundred grad is a hundred grad. Whether you can afford to pay that extra hundred grand going to UOP over SIU is one thing, but you are still one hundred grand poorer. That is a lot of money. That is 1/2 a dental office. That is $800.00 a month in your pocket. I will never be rich enough to throw away $800.00 a month.

Also, remember that the average dentist makes $177,000 (according to the ADA). So for every cousin doing as well as a specialist, there are 4 dentists making less than $150,000. You have no clue which one you will be yet.

Lastly, I personally think that your choice in a dental school goes way beyond finances. This is a four year EXPERIENCE. If you have a family, like I do, this is an experience for them as well. What is a good experience worth to you? I met someone at one of my interviews who outrightly told me that he chose the school because it was the cheapest, while turning down his preferred school. He had many gripes about the school and did not show confidence about his education nor demonstrate any satisfaction with any aspect about the experience he was having.

Sure, experience is important, but most of your experience is your attitude. Any school can suck, and any school can be great. Most people that hate their schools have bad attitudes and visa versa.

Dental school is hell. I've heard it from dental students and dentists alike, from graduates of many different schools. If we are choosing a school because we think it will be any easier than the others, we're off base. But, I think there is a lot to be said about the psychological satisfaction you gain by choosing the school you think you would like to attend. To me, this seems like it would help you get through the 4 years with reassurance. For someone like me who hates school to begin with, I'm willing to pay more for all of the other "perks" of attending a school of choice.

Dental school is hard, but it is not hell. At least not at Temple. All schools will be hard, and like you said, choosing one that is easy will disappoint you. Hey, if you want to throw $800 away a month for 15 years because you want the "perk" of attending a school in SF, then that is up to you.

I stand by my opinion, it is mine, not yours, but go to the cheapest school you can. No matter how well your cousin is doing now, imagine how much better he would be doing if he had an extra 100k in his pocket. Heck, if your cousin would of went to a cheaper school, he could of taken out that additional 100k that he borrowed at UOP, put it in his retirement, forgot about it and when he retired, he would have over $1,000,000. So, think of how much BETTER your cousin could of been, had he picked the cheapest school he got into.

 

[dentalguy2007]

Hey, toofshucker,

Since you mentioned SIU, have you gone to SIU? If you have, can you share some of your experiences? I am trying to get some info about the school. It looks like it's the best kept secret down south state, but I have no other info.

Thanks.

 

[toofshucker]

Hey, toofshucker,

Since you mentioned SIU, have you gone to SIU? If you have, can you share some of your experiences? I am trying to get some info about the school. It looks like it's the best kept secret down south state, but I have no other info.

Thanks.

No, I don't go to SIU. I was going to go there, but chose Temple over SIU because I thought that if I get residency it would be only 10k a year more but I would get a much better clinical experience.

That being said, I have only heard good things about SIU. Their clinic is beautiful. The school looks really nice, and all the students I talked to (past and present) didn't really have any complaints. There is a ton of opportunity there and you could graduate really prepared to excel. I would go there over pretty much any school (except Temple 😀)

 

[dentalguy2007]

Thanks for the info.

I am trying to find out about this for a friend of mine. He's accepted to Marquette, SIU, and UIC, and can't seem to make a decision on this yet. Of the three, SIU is the cheapest, but also the farthest from Chicago. Somehow I think SIU is a bit better than UIC (no offense to UIC students 😀), but UIC is closer to his house. Marquette is also close, and the facility is real nice, but a little bit pricey.

Any thought?

P.S. Seems like Temple gets so much love from students on this forum.

 

[medschoolsoon]

I'm a first year D.O. student at Midwestern and am on the committee overseeing our class size increase and addition of the dental school.

I wanted to say that I'm sure there will be some kinks, like with any program. However, when it comes to faculty, there is no equal. In all of my higher education I have not experinced anything close. I have had faculty meet with me on the weekends, at night and into their lunch breaks to help me out. I know they have done the same for other students. In this regard, a huge plus.

Second, you won't be in classes with med students or podiatry. We are large enough as is and are not going to make it any bigger. So you will be in class with only your class. Another plus as our class feels big.

The buildings will all be ready and are going up at a ridiculous rate. There will be enough space, cadavers, faculty, etc. to meet all your needs. On the other side, there are still issues being worked out. There will be a new "testing center" for all classes and it seems they are having a difficult time getting this going (don't know much else). Again, I'm sure there will be logistics to be smoothed out as well. Tuition I'm sure is high as it is high for us (you can thank us if/when you get here for paying for it).

Finally, the weather, women, and fun can't be beat (not that you'll have any time).

Best of luck to you in your decision and feel free to ask me any other questions. 👍

I wanted to start this thread in the Dental Forum to get some advice from current dental students. I would love to hear anybody's opinion, but especially those who will graduate, or have graduated from, newer schools such as ASDOH & UNLV.

What would be the disadvantages and advantages of being in the first dental class at Midwestern University?

I was fortunate to receive four acceptances yesterday. I am leaning heavily toward Midwestern but want to get as much opinion about the school as I can. Thanks for your input.

 

[chipab]

I'm a first year D.O. student at Midwestern and am on the committee overseeing our class size increase and addition of the dental school.

I wanted to say that I'm sure there will be some kinks, like with any program. However, when it comes to faculty, there is no equal. In all of my higher education I have not experinced anything close. I have had faculty meet with me on the weekends, at night and into their lunch breaks to help me out. I know they have done the same for other students. In this regard, a huge plus.

Second, you won't be in classes with med students or podiatry. We are large enough as is and are not going to make it any bigger. So you will be in class with only your class. Another plus as our class feels big.

The buildings will all be ready and are going up at a ridiculous rate. There will be enough space, cadavers, faculty, etc. to meet all your needs. On the other side, there are still issues being worked out. There will be a new "testing center" for all classes and it seems they are having a difficult time getting this going (don't know much else). Again, I'm sure there will be logistics to be smoothed out as well. Tuition I'm sure is high as it is high for us (you can thank us if/when you get here for paying for it).

Finally, the weather, women, and fun can't be beat (not that you'll have any time).

Best of luck to you in your decision and feel free to ask me any other questions. 👍

thanks for your information!!

 

[kato999]

As a graduate from the first class at ASDOH, I can agree with what has already been posted as far.

If you are a laid back person and things like constantly changing schedules and policies, uncertainty in grading, not having any upper classmen to show you the ropes won't bother you, you should be fine. Going in with a "go with the flow" attitude will take many points of your blood pressure.

Huge plusses, you will get more one on one attention from the faculty than any other class. The school will do whatever they can to help you succeed. Unless you are caught doing coke off of a typodont mannequin or something, you are pretty much gauranteed you'll graduate.

Dr. Simonsen is good guy, and you will probably get to know him better than most other students at any other school would get to know their dean.

Hope this helps, Phoenix is a great town and you will have a good four years in the Valley.

 

[chipab]

As a graduate from the first class at ASDOH, I can agree with what has already been posted as far.

If you are a laid back person and things like constantly changing schedules and policies, uncertainty in grading, not having any upper classmen to show you the ropes won't bother you, you should be fine. Going in with a "go with the flow" attitude will take many points of your blood pressure.

Huge plusses, you will get more one on one attention from the faculty than any other class. The school will do whatever they can to help you succeed. Unless you are caught doing coke off of a typodont mannequin or something, you are pretty much gauranteed you'll graduate.

Dr. Simonsen is good guy, and you will probably get to know him better than most other students at any other school would get to know their dean.

Hope this helps, Phoenix is a great town and you will have a good four years in the Valley.

thanks for your input! Can't wait to go to Phoenix.