Question about Harvard

[Spangler_Egon]

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Hi Everyone,

I was hoping to get some information about Harvard. I've been accepted to a few dental schools and am trying to figure out which dental school is the best fit for me. I've found that one of the hardest things in the whole "decision-making" process is weeding out stereotypes/rumors from solid information.

In trying to figure out what school I should go to, I've visited schools, read all the lit I could get my hands on, and I've also spoken with a few dentists and dental students. One thing that really struck me was that a few people told me that even though almost everyone graduating from Harvard gains acceptance to a specialty program (which I think is awesome because I'd like the opportunity to specialize if I could), that these harvard dental grads don't end up practicing, but rather end up going into academia after their residency (regardless of where they did their residency).

Also, one dentist that I spoke with said that the HSDM curriculum and profs really try and steer you towards academia. I don't really understand how someone who definitely wants to practice would end up going into solely research/academia just because of pressure (?)....I'm confused...

Now, I know that there are plenty of rumors and incorrect stereotypes about practically every school out there. So, I was wondering, does anybody have any information about this (preferably a Harvard dental student or someone who knows about the program/school)?

Specifically, I was wondering, does anybody know what Harvard dental grads end up doing after they finish their residency programs?

I've searched this forum as well as the pre-dental forum for answers but I am still confused and would appreciate any information that you have to offer.

Thanks everyone!

Spangler_Egon

 

[Stomatologist]

Hi,

Im a second year student at Harvard. The previous post is fairly accurate.

School loans first and academics later.

I hope this helps.

 

[DrJeff]

Two dentists in the town where I practice are a husband and wife Harvard grad general dentist team. No academics, and after 15 years out, they have no interest in pursuing academia.

BTW, they're also a great example of how dental relationships can work, and my partner and I truely look forward to having lunch with them every Tuesday. See "competing" dentists in the same town (and mind you we're just an 8 dentist, 5 practice town) can, and should have very friendly relationships.😍

 

[Spangler_Egon]

thanks for the great info so far...

any more thoughts from anyone? would appreciate it very much! thanks again!

 

[dopa]

i'm a 1st year at hsdm and from my experience, they would like you to make a "bigger" impact in the field than just practicing privately. however, i do not think that they pressure you to go into academics. they put on special optional seminars that highlight the benefits/rewards of going into academia but you're not obligated to go. there are also special scholarships and awards that you can win that will get students interested. and i'm sure you've heard of the research requirement which is pretty relaxed, given our curriculum. in the end though, the school does like its students to specialize or go into academic.

 

[cbc]

Steering you towards academia means making their curriculum as research based as possible. That is, lecture less on practical dentistry and more on research dentistry. Their lectures, classes, and exams focus on research interpretations and newest findings. The basics and fundamental concepts are more diluted.

Another way to steer students toward academia is to implement the research requirement. This exposure will encourage the student to believe that research is cool, fun, and what scholars of any field, including dentistry, should be doing all their lives. If you went to a school that teaches you DAILY: research is cool and fun and the most important aspect of dentistry, would you start believing it too? Also, if a school always emphasize how almost all their students go on to specialize, wouldnt you feel stupid to be the one or two that doesnt?

It's not direct pressure, but there is definitely indirect steering. This also occurs in medical schools that are big on research (Stanford med has a big research requirement).