NYU vs Two-year program?

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Desi-Dentist

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Speaking with most students and reading over SDN, there seems to be a clear preference in selecting a two-year program over NYU. I have yet to hear of one student who has chosen NYU over another school when selected to multiple universties.

The reason I am bringing this topic up is that I just received my new NBDE results today and I was able to improve my score to an overall average of 93. I have already been accepted at NYU, but no where else. As a fresh graduate and based on what I have heard from current students in various international dental programs, NYU seems to offer the highest patient pool and the best clinical experience. NYU grads seems to be more satisfied with their clinical experience, and students from other schools place a higher priority on completing early, and then perhaps doing a residency program to compensate for their (lack of) clinical experience.

Assuming money is not an issue, (because I understand the financial differences), what do you believe is the best option for a student who simply wants the best learning (clinical) experience?

1) Going to NYU for the three year program

2) Going to a two-year program and then searching for, and completing a residency program.

I would really appreciate an honest and prompt opinion, especially from those people who have been in residency. I am very excited about my NYU acceptance, but after receiving this score, I am wondering if I should consider other options.

Please keep in mind that I am not considering deferring my NYU admission. I would only consider other options if I was selected NOW from UCSF, or BU (my waitlisted schools).
 
my heartiest congratulations to you! 👍 i'm very happy for you!thatz some awesome score! :wow: :clap: KUDOS!yes,i perfectly agree ....anyone out there...to clarify...??
Desi-Dentist said:
Speaking with most students and reading over SDN, there seems to be a clear preference in selecting a two-year program over NYU. I have yet to hear of one student who has chosen NYU over another school when selected to multiple universties.

The reason I am bringing this topic up is that I just received my new NBDE results today and I was able to improve my score to an overall average of 93. I have already been accepted at NYU, but no where else. As a fresh graduate and based on what I have heard from current students in various international dental programs, NYU seems to offer the highest patient pool and the best clinical experience. NYU grads seems to be more satisfied with their clinical experience, and students from other schools place a higher priority on completing early, and then perhaps doing a residency program to compensate for their (lack of) clinical experience.

Assuming money is not an issue, (because I understand the financial differences), what do you believe is the best option for a student who simply wants the best learning (clinical) experience?

1) Going to NYU for the three year program

2) Going to a two-year program and then searching for, and completing a residency program.

I would really appreciate an honest and prompt opinion, especially from those people who have been in residency. I am very excited about my NYU acceptance, but after receiving this score, I am wondering if I should consider other options.
 
Congrats on the fantastic score!well done!! 🙂
Coming to your question....I would ask myself what is it that I value the most? Competence, confidence, time it takes to finish the degree,what other things I may have going on in my life,what is it that I want to do in the future.
For eg:A thirty year old,with come clinical experience and wanting a child soon,interested in getting a PhD and teaching may prioritise a shorter duartion of training and research exposure, as opposed to a 24 year old fresh grad who wants to have a general practice and more clinical exposure.
Bottom line....what are your interests,what do you want to do 10 years from now,is your chosen school supportive of your goals...answer these honestly and there is your answer.
Obviously this is a good ol' opinion 🙂 .Hope it helps
As for me ...I am waiting on interviews and biting my nails to my knuckles.
:laugh:
 
Dear Desi -Dentist,
First of all, accept my congrats for both your admission and your brilliant score.
I'm not going to answer your question because it is a completely personal and complicated matter and no one could tell you for sure which one is the better option.
I'm just wondering the way you put up some principals to make a decision. You beleive NYU will give you the most possible clinical experience compare to other dental schools, is it REALLY true or just word of mouth? Did you see any article showing NYU graduates got better skills or it's just sort of feelings of somebodies who were impressed by NYU environment and possibly Manhattan lifestyle!!!! sure NYU is a great school but you can't just simply expect an extraordinary training from them. Indeed, as a dentist with 8 years work experience, I assure you working just 6 months in a corporate dental office will give you some point of views which even Harvard couldn't teach you. I believe rather than emphasizing on training quality, see what you will be up to after graduation. Consider this senario: you deny NYU and you will join for example UPENN next year, you will graduate in 2009 anyway but with less debt and a great chance to get in a specialty program and with just a few months working in a crowded clinic you'll get everything you might need.

I wish you a great successful future in your career.
 
Desi -Dentist,
Congrats on your great score.
Here is my two cents: the ultimate judge of your decision is YOU. We can only provide our points of view.
I have chosen a two year program as I have a different prespective. If you are really interested in pursuing your residency, the part 1 score is good and if you can get above 90 in part 2, you can surely try to get into a residency program.
I would choose a two year program over a three year one. There are few two year programs which provide you very good clinical training and would save you a lot of money.
 
Hi Desi Dentist, its really a awesome score, congratulations, I would say go with NYU, don't wait for getting admission in residency program, because residency program is really competitive, you can't predict your part_II score ( which is also very diff to get 90) and if you didn't get that then you will have to wait again, as you were doing. if there is a financial factor, then wait for one year, you will definately get the admission in 2 year universities with good score. My suggestion is with your previous opinion in one of the post of NYU thread, don't waste your time and start your DDS program as early as possible. all the best. bye.
 
Thank you for all the feedback everyone. However, I want to clarify a few things that I did not make clear in my previous thread.

1) I have no intention of deferring NYU admission. I would never want to go through the entire interview/application process again. Besides, no score guarantees acceptance.

2) I want to know that if I am accepted to another university now, with my new score (since I have been waitlisted at two universities), should I consider them over NYU, based on my preferences and goals.

I agree that it is a personal decision and everyone is in a different position. My priority, as a fresh graduate, is to gain the most experience. The feedback I have heard from current students and grads of B.U, Upenn, UCSF, and most other two year programs is that the clinical experience is limited compared to NYU, where the patient pool is extensive and you get to do a fair number of complex cases, including crowns, veneers, many root canals, and even implant courses. Now would I gain an equivilant amount of experience doing a two-year program (if accepted) plus a one year residency, than studying at NYU for three years.

Also, does anyone know how competitive residency programs are, and what are the requirements are?
 
Great score! Congrats Desi-Dentist!

Assuming training at NYUCD gives you same clinical skill (If not better) as any other school in this country, other than financial reason, I don't see why one should wait for another year to join a 2 year program (Graduating year will be same). There is one more factor against NYU and that is the class size. In fact for me this is the only factor against joining NYU vs Other 2 year programs next year. Faculty/Teacher vs Student ratio is too diluted. And when it comes to getting recommendation for the future who can remember me in the melee?

For me the reasons to join NYU are :

1) Complete 2 years of clinical training not offered by any 2 year program

2) The honor student status in the final year, where I can chose a speciality of my interest and get extra training, provided I finish my clinical quota before time etc

3) Incorporated training in Invisalign, Cerec restorative technique etc (otherwise gained by attending CE at an extra cost and time)

4) Tech savvy school

5) Some of us will be lucky to get exposure/training in cosmetic/aesthetic dentistry at Rosenthal center

6) Undoubtedly one of the largest patient pool

p.s. In reply to your recent post...if accepted this year to any 2 year program you will definitely save one year + >$50k. Also during residency you will earn 35-40k (+experience as a dentist and not a student). Hmmnnn, I see the choice is difficult!!

rahmed
 
Just to clarify again, I will not wait another year to gain admission in a two year program. If I am accepted NOW, since I am waitlisted, should I select that school (ie: BU, UCSF) over NYU?


rahmed said:
Great score! Congrats Desi-Dentist!

Assuming training at NYUCD gives you same clinical skill (If not better) as any other school in this country, other than financial reason, I don't see why one should wait for another year to join a 2 year program (Graduating year will be same).

rahmed
 
Desi-Dentist said:
Just to clarify again, I will not wait another year to gain admission in a two year program. If I am accepted NOW, since I am waitlisted, should I select that school (ie: BU, UCSF) over NYU?

Please refer to the p.s. of my post (added later)

thanks,
rahmed
 
Desi-Dentist said:
Just to clarify again, I will not wait another year to gain admission in a two year program. If I am accepted NOW, since I am waitlisted, should I select that school (ie: BU, UCSF) over NYU?

I can speak bout BU.Since they have a 20/21 mth course 7 the 1st year totally dedicated to Pre-clinical,u then hav only the remaining 8/9 mths of clinical training.Most of my friends who graduated from BU are currently doing residency.Soo I guess it just equals up.

Also since I stay in NJ going to Nyu will probably work out to be the amout that I 'll end paying in BU for 2 years.

Personally I feel that its u at the end of the day,who has to put ur best foot out.No lecturer/instructor is going to spoon feed u.

Well thats my point of view.
 
Hey Desi.
Congrats for the outstanding score on part I ! 👍 Great job (what sources did you choose to refer to by the way, because I am planning on re-taking mine).

OK, this thread will generate lots of controversy, if not disagreements from lots of the members, specially the ones who have been accepted @ NYU already.

What I would say, if I understand your situation correctly, is stick with NYU. Don't look back at your wait list at the other 2 year programs, unless you have their acceptance letter in your hand. In that case, I would say definitely choose the 2 year (specially UCSF were you would be saving tons of money, and not having to go through living in busy Manhattan let alone the huge NYU class size).

The ADA itself has not ranked dental schools in avoidance of such situations. All dental schools really do graduate equally competent dentists.
The differences emerge whenever you get into post grad career options. Definitely some schools are stronger than others in the research/academic arena, while others may offer more extensive clinical options.
Anyways, from my point of view, NYU being one of the best Universities in the country, and the College of Dentistry being a great dental school, has no clinical advantage over any of the other schools. My proof is the newly instated law, requiring ALL New York state dental graduates to complete an at least one year residency program, following their graduation if they wish to practice in the state of NY. NYU was obviously no exception to the law.

So answering your question, no. Graduating from NYU does and will not relieve you of doing a residency of any sort. Dental school is dental school, and residencies are residencies. There is no DMD/residency combined program so to speak, as there are DMD/MPH. Both hold unique differences and experiences.

If I were you, I would be proud of myself, having got accepted at NYU, and look forward to your future. The best is yet to come !
Good luck !
 
NileBDS said:
Another thing to consider in a 2yr vs 3yr program is one year of lost potential income in the 3 yr case.

I don't think Desi-dentist puts too much of an emphasis on that. I think her number one goal is to get as much clinical experience/exposure as possible, which is a fair enough goal/concern
 
Desi-Dentist said:
Speaking with most students and reading over SDN, there seems to be a clear preference in selecting a two-year program over NYU. I have yet to hear of one student who has chosen NYU over another school when selected to multiple universties.

The reason I am bringing this topic up is that I just received my new NBDE results today and I was able to improve my score to an overall average of 93. I have already been accepted at NYU, but no where else. As a fresh graduate and based on what I have heard from current students in various international dental programs, NYU seems to offer the highest patient pool and the best clinical experience. NYU grads seems to be more satisfied with their clinical experience, and students from other schools place a higher priority on completing early, and then perhaps doing a residency program to compensate for their (lack of) clinical experience.

Assuming money is not an issue, (because I understand the financial differences), what do you believe is the best option for a student who simply wants the best learning (clinical) experience?

1) Going to NYU for the three year program

2) Going to a two-year program and then searching for, and completing a residency program.

I would really appreciate an honest and prompt opinion, especially from those people who have been in residency. I am very excited about my NYU acceptance, but after receiving this score, I am wondering if I should consider other options.

Please keep in mind that I am not considering deferring my NYU admission. I would only consider other options if I was selected NOW from UCSF, or BU (my waitlisted schools).

Congrats Desi-dentist for an awesome score!!
 
Desi-Dentist said:
Just to clarify again, I will not wait another year to gain admission in a two year program. If I am accepted NOW, since I am waitlisted, should I select that school (ie: BU, UCSF) over NYU?

Hey Desi-Dentist,
It looks like we are in the same boat - Accepted at NYU & waitlisted at BU.
However, I have already made my decision & went ahead with NYU, reason- a bird in hand is worth two in the bush. I see no point waiting for BU as I dont know if or when they are gonna call me, & even if they do it will be somewhere around june-july. By that time, it would be too late for me to go get my F1 visa from India.
Regarding the rest of the Qs about clinical stuff- I was in BU a couple of days ago & what I saw was really not much compared to NYU(sorry BU students).
I believe NYU is the best around, especially if you are looking for clinical exposure!!
 
I've tried to stick to only reading the posts in this thread and avoid saying what I think because of the controversy and the potential to misread words and intentions, but I had to say these few words

I think that if you ask yourself and be honest with yourself you can always find the true answer, are you confident enough to take on a 2-y program and start practicing in the real world (where you actually gain the true strong clinical experience, and this is a fact !), provided ofcourse you got accepted into such program, or your situation makes you consider staying a 3rd year in school to gain more work experience under the secure & controlled school environment.

Another important point if you've been in the school and liked it during the interview, go for it, especially if you like the city, NY is a great city, I love it!

One last thing, absoluetely don't consider "delaying" accepting offers, you just can't gamble with your future by waiting for something that you don't know for sure will happen.

Congratulations for your acceptance and good luck
 
Disclaimer......this is just my honest opinion u guys, with no intention of reiteration or defence to anyone's opinion!!!

hey guys...i have a question...lets assume we r given a choice that all of we foreign trained dentists could take bench exam to practice here without adv. standing program(DDS/DMD).....wouldnt all of us just go after that option???...will anyone of us say... no i need clinical exposure...so i will shell out 150-200k and 2-3 years so that i can face the real world dentistry????

I have my BEST FRIEND IN nyu....she is in her clinical years.....so i have first hand information abt NYU....its clinic/experience etc etc.......i am in no way defending BU bcoz i'm going to attend bu...i am in touch with 4 people who graduated from BU recently.....i know pros and cons of both BU AND NYU!!!


both are good schools....u r a winner wherever u go,but when u have a choice try to bring up pros and cons of both schools and weigh them properly....TRY TALKING TO A PERSON WHO HAS GIVEN UP A SEAT IN BU TO JOIN NYU...if u can find one..then his opinion abt NYU/BU is worth it...bcoz opinions from people who have got into only nyu or only bu...may be biased!!!

to all friends who think nyu's experience is the best in the country and that after that extra year u will be better placed than graduates from other schools....i'm sure 6 months into ur practice....THERE WILL BE NO DIFFERENCE!!!
 
enamelina said:
hey guys...i have a question...lets assume we r given a choice that all of we foreign trained dentists could take bench exam to practice here without adv. standing program(DDS/DMD).....wouldnt all of us just go after that option???...will anyone of us say... no i need clinical exposure...so i will shell out 150-200k and 2-3 years so that i can face the real world dentistry????

Well... when I have a tough time getting a job as an associate, when they prefer only dentists with a degree from a US accredited institution... I would 🙂
 
Reading the various inputs,all we can conclude is that a bird in hand is better than 2 in the bush.

I am sure that both Bu and Nyu r good schools in their own ways.
But the most important thing for u to consider is whether u will infact get into the schools that u r waitlisted in.

do let us know wat u decide and all the best for ur future endeavours.

aruck80
 
g3k said:
Well... when I have a tough time getting a job as an associate, when they prefer only dentists with a degree from a US accredited institution... I would 🙂
Excelent point ! And it is very true ... plus you might end up paying the $150k in malpratice insurance and lawsuits !
Do things right the first tme if you ask me ...
 
i think u shud decide for yourself rather than forming your opinion on the basis of what others say.Every one would like to prove that their school or program is the best whether 2 or three years.acc to me every school is the same no one is going to ask you once you start practicing.you shud base your decision on your ease , priorities,where you are located ,.
 
enamelina said:
Disclaimer......this is just my honest opinion u guys, with no intention of reiteration or defence to anyone's opinion!!!

hey guys...i have a question...lets assume we r given a choice that all of we foreign trained dentists could take bench exam to practice here without adv. standing program(DDS/DMD).....wouldnt all of us just go after that option???...will anyone of us say... no i need clinical exposure...so i will shell out 150-200k and 2-3 years so that i can face the real world dentistry????

I have my BEST FRIEND IN nyu....she is in her clinical years.....so i have first hand information abt NYU....its clinic/experience etc etc.......i am in no way defending BU bcoz i'm going to attend bu...i am in touch with 4 people who graduated from BU recently.....i know pros and cons of both BU AND NYU!!!


both are good schools....u r a winner wherever u go,but when u have a choice try to bring up pros and cons of both schools and weigh them properly....TRY TALKING TO A PERSON WHO HAS GIVEN UP A SEAT IN BU TO JOIN NYU...if u can find one..then his opinion abt NYU/BU is worth it...bcoz opinions from people who have got into only nyu or only bu...may be biased!!!

to all friends who think nyu's experience is the best in the country and that after that extra year u will be better placed than graduates from other schools....i'm sure 6 months into ur practice....THERE WILL BE NO DIFFERENCE!!!
hi,
well said enamalina..........i agree with you.........
 
hello enamelina!firstly plz accept my heartiest congradulations on your acceptance at bu!infact i have a friend of mine who was eventually accepted last year at bu...but she still opted for nyu..!howz that? 😉
enamelina said:
Disclaimer......this is just my honest opinion u guys, with no intention of reiteration or defence to anyone's opinion!!!

hey guys...i have a question...lets assume we r given a choice that all of we foreign trained dentists could take bench exam to practice here without adv. standing program(DDS/DMD).....wouldnt all of us just go after that option???...will anyone of us say... no i need clinical exposure...so i will shell out 150-200k and 2-3 years so that i can face the real world dentistry????

I have my BEST FRIEND IN nyu....she is in her clinical years.....so i have first hand information abt NYU....its clinic/experience etc etc.......i am in no way defending BU bcoz i'm going to attend bu...i am in touch with 4 people who graduated from BU recently.....i know pros and cons of both BU AND NYU!!!


both are good schools....u r a winner wherever u go,but when u have a choice try to bring up pros and cons of both schools and weigh them properly....TRY TALKING TO A PERSON WHO HAS GIVEN UP A SEAT IN BU TO JOIN NYU...if u can find one..then his opinion abt NYU/BU is worth it...bcoz opinions from people who have got into only nyu or only bu...may be biased!!!

to all friends who think nyu's experience is the best in the country and that after that extra year u will be better placed than graduates from other schools....i'm sure 6 months into ur practice....THERE WILL BE NO DIFFERENCE!!!
 
fido! said:
hello enamelina!firstly plz accept my heartiest congradulations on your acceptance at bu!infact i have a friend of mine who was eventually accepted last year at bu...but she still opted for nyu..!howz that? 😉

hey fido,
firstly, congratulations to u too on ur acceptance to NYU!!!
I want to know if that friend of urs had her family in NY...??? If she did make this decision not for her family/personal reason,and chose NYU purely on academic/clinical basis...her opinion really counts...honestly!!!
I never said NYU is not a good school.....i just meant that it is just like any other dental school with its own flaws....it was never meant to offend nyu and defend BU......as someone said on sdn...the best school is the one that accepts u...but when u have achoice...its tough, i know it first hand having had multiple acceptances myself.
everyone here is entitled to their own opinions...i completely understand and respect them.
 
hello enamelina,thanks for the wishes !i do appreciate it!
well coming to my friend's decision to choose nyu ahead of bu was purely on academic and clinical basis!according to her ,at nyu she would get a much more clinical exposure,which she knows is lacking at bu!thatz it!
all the best to u! 👍
enamelina said:
hey fido,
firstly, congratulations to u too on ur acceptance to NYU!!!
I want to know if that friend of urs had her family in NY...??? If she did make this decision not for her family/personal reason,and chose NYU purely on academic/clinical basis...her opinion really counts...honestly!!!
I never said NYU is not a good school.....i just meant that it is just like any other dental school with its own flaws....it was never meant to offend nyu and defend BU......as someone said on sdn...the best school is the one that accepts u...but when u have achoice...its tough, i know it first hand having had multiple acceptances myself.
everyone here is entitled to their own opinions...i completely understand and respect them.
 
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