Finally woke up after my coma. Three days in Manhattan took its toll on me. I'll start by describing my adventure in the city, then I'll give my thoughts about NYUCD. (some of you's might want to skip the next paragraph)
wow, New York City, what a crazy place! I had been in the area a few times before, but mostly when i was younger. For three days, I averaged 3 hours of sleep per night. The Marcel hotel is a hip place in a great area, although its pricey (like everything else beside pizza 😛) My room was the size of a broom closet, but very decorative. Like Tom said, the Marcel is a good headquarters for a stay in NYC. I got to learn the subway system and used it like a pro with the help of my trusty pocket map. I ice-skated at Rockerfeller Center with my fiance (priceless pictures), did some good shopping at the world's biggest Macys and Century 21, saw the WTC firsthand (very emotional), and ate dinner on Mulberry St. (little Italy). Times square reminded me of old school Vegas and I got my picture in front of the Nasdaq (been wanting to do that forever!) Lots of other stuff, but I wont bore you. Very cool place to visit, had a fun time...
NYUCD, despite what others may say, I am convinced it is a great school and produces great dentists. Its located on 1st Ave, which is like hospital row. I now understand why they accept 200+ students. The city is huge, the dental school is huge (11 floors), the population of the city if huge. The large class makes sense, considering the location and circumstances. The physical facility itself was not too impressive (besides the lower floors). I liked the Larry Rosenthal Institute for Aesthetic Dentistry, but I got the impression students don?t really benefit from it much. It seemed more like a CE operation rather than part of the dental school. The Bluestone research dept was also very nice, but research is not one of my major considerations. One thing was evident, the students do not have a shortage of patients. The city is a zoo! I think NY is a great city and a great place to develop into a clinician, but it comes at a cost ($300+ k).
There were a couple things that raised an eyebrow. First, the class size of 240 will grow to 350ish once the advanced standing people join you. There are about 120 simulators, so the class divides into 3rds and share. Second, I learned the students must do their own lab work. This can quickly turn into a pain in the neck. I wouldn?t mind learning a little, but I don?t want to become a professional lab technician. The cost of living also seems outrageous. I hear that a studio runs $1600, a 1 bedroom runs $2500, and a 2 bedroom about $3,500.
The teachers seemed cool. I met Dr. Weiselberg, who was one of the funniest guys ever. He really cracked me up, just a classic Jewish New Yorker. I also met Dean Alfano and Dr. Rosenthal. Didn?t really get to talk to them much, but they seemed nice.
I liked the school, but I am not sure if I would enjoy staying in New York (especially after the initial excitement wears off). Maybe I'm just a Californian at heart. Overall, I think it?s definitely a school worth looking into, especially if you want to be a GP, and I will consider it further if accepted.
