old post

[deleted533265]

Advertisement - Members don't see this ad

old post

 

[Hawkteeth]

The cost of the program isn't usually a measure of how good the school is.

 

[Conflagration]

What is the cost a measure of then?

How many dollars come out of your pocket.

In all seriousness, some of the most common advice given is to try to go for a less expensive school whenever possible, because you'll eventually have to pay them back plus interest later.

Less expensive =/= crappy/cheap/sketchy/what have you. Use your noggin when you pick a school.

Best of luck, OP. ^^

 

[dentalWorks]

Hi everyone,

So I am fairly new to all of this, I've done a lot of research and a few hours of shadowing and decided I would like to pursue dentistry as a career. This place is a great resource!

I tried searching but didn't find any thread on this subject so I will ask you experts: what is the advantage of going to a dental school that costs $20,000 per semester rather than a $10,000 dollar one? Other than the quality of your education which I presume is a big factor, what are the differences?

Thanks

some schools are state based (they get some help from government) and generally their tuition is considerably less

other schools are private (meaning they are private businesses, their #1 intention is to make profit), their tuition is very high, and its reaching into the ridiculous levels

Since every school in the USA is accredited by ADA, their quality of education is, relatively the same. Sure some schools have a "stronger" clinical program or bigger patient pool, that however, does NOT correlate with tuition.

 

[mid]

other schools are private (meaning they are private businesses, their #1 intention is to make profit), their tuition is very high, and its reaching into the ridiculous levels

I'm nearly positive there is not a single private for-profit dental school in the US.

 

[Hawkteeth]

Thanks for the info. I assume though that when the school attended would be a factor when applying for specialist residencies like for ortho? Would a more expensive school get you a higher chance of getting into a program or is it all dependant on grades?

I don't think you understand, cost is just another factor and has nothing to do with the education. It's dependent on grades, recommendations etc. You may want to go to a school that has specialties as some schools concentrate on producing general dentists. Also there is a thread about whether a pass fail school is worse than a graded one on terms of specializing. Either way if your determined to specialize you fill find a way no matter what school you are at.

 

[Dr. Dai Phan]

Thanks for the info. I assume though that when the school attended would be a factor when applying for specialist residencies like for ortho? Would a more expensive school get you a higher chance of getting into a program or is it all dependant on grades?

Hi there,

Names of the school or tuition cost do not offer any advantages to residencies admission. It is all what you make of yourself. I said this before and I will say again. Go to the school with the cheapest tuition and live in the city with lowest cost of living. That means graduate with the lowest debt as possible. Take my advice and you will thank me later. DP

 

[UCSFx2017]

Hi there,

Names of the school or tuition cost do not offer any advantages to residencies admission. It is all what you make of yourself. I said this before and I will say again. Go to the school with the cheapest tuition and live in the city with lowest cost of living. That means graduate with the lowest debt as possible. Take my advice and you will thank me later. DP

Two thumbs up!

 

[crashblades]

Hi there,

Names of the school or tuition cost do not offer any advantages to residencies admission. It is all what you make of yourself. I said this before and I will say again. Go to the school with the cheapest tuition and live in the city with lowest cost of living. That means graduate with the lowest debt as possible. Take my advice and you will thank me later. DP

So if someone went to Howard and another from Harvard, they will have an equal chance for residencies assuming they score the same on whatever qualifying exam there will be in the future (GRE, etc)???

 

[UCSFx2017]

So if someone went to Howard and another from Harvard, they will have an equal chance for residencies assuming they score the same on whatever qualifying exam there will be in the future (GRE, etc)???

If both scored the same 95th percentile and if the one from Howard had a high standing in class rank (Harvard has no ranking), they will both match into a program.

Don't get so wrapped up on some third party that has no business in the program itself. The residency directors are picking people who they can get along with for the next 3-6 years and who will go on to give the residency a good name. The name of the dental school that individual graduates from is irrelevant compared to the person.

 

[sparky450r]

Thanks for the info. I assume though that when the school attended would be a factor when applying for specialist residencies like for ortho? Would a more expensive school get you a higher chance of getting into a program or is it all dependant on grades?

Generally the schools with lower tuition have higher GPA averages...and the opposite is also true.

 

[Teeths]

Generally the schools with lower tuition have higher GPA averages...and the opposite is also true.

👍