technologically advanced dental schools?

[MaChVa]

I am trying to finalize which dental schools I am going to be applying to this summer. Lately i've been shadowing an aesthetic dentist who specializes in just cosmetic dentistry procedures and I am pretty sure this is what i want to concentrate on after i graduate from dental school. I know that some dental schools are more up-to-date on the technology that they use in classes/labs and others are stuck in old modern ways and use way outdated technology. I am trying to figure out which schools are the ones that are more advanced and have newer technology similar to what is being used in recent cosmetic dentistry advancements. If anyone has any knowledge of this please let me know! Thanks.

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[browncrack]

Usually the private schools have pretty recent trends for equipment, but you pay for it with higher tuition. I recommend developing good clinical skills with loads of quality time in patient care. You'll need to check with each school but it's not too hard to find out how many clinic hours you can expect at a school.

 

[armorshell]

90% of what you learn about cosmetic dentistry is going to happen after you graduate from school. Go somewhere inexspensive and spend your money on good CE and your OWN "technological advancements."

 

[Brownstain]

90% of what you learn about cosmetic dentistry is going to happen after you graduate from school. Go somewhere inexspensive and spend your money on good CE and your OWN "technological advancements."

Dead On. Dental schools don't waste their time with this stuff, and frankly it only comes with years and years of experience combined with years and years of money to afford the good stuff/training.

 

[crazy4clana]

^ Before we argued about how some dental schools might or might not give you better chances for specialty placement, well a periodontist even told me to choose one particular school over the other because they have higher board scores than another similar school and students have better specialty placement. And this a specialist, not a general dentist that told me this...he also teaches at a dental school. I believe that argument is void, just because you believe it's right doesn't make it true. And I don't think any of us has a valid opinion since known of us are on the specialty/residency committee that determines which student can specialize which one can't. Base it on your opinion, not FACT.

 

[armorshell]

^ Before we argued about how some dental schools might or might not give you better chances for specialty placement, well a periodontist even told me to choose one particular school over the other because they have higher board scores than another similar school and students have better specialty placement. And this a specialist, not a general dentist that told me this...he also teaches at a dental school. I believe that argument is void, just because you believe it's right doesn't make it true. And I don't think any of us has a valid opinion since known of us are on the specialty/residency committee that determines which student can specialize which one can't. Base it on your opinion, not FACT.

What does this have to do with technology in dental school?

 

[crazy4clana]

Just wanted to touch on the subject cause I know you were going in that direction. The price of dental school and success outside of it. OT I know. My point is that going to a more expensive dental school with better technological equipment vs cheaper school better in the long run argument is void.

 

[Brownstain]

^ Before we argued about how some dental schools might or might not give you better chances for specialty placement, well a periodontist even told me to choose one particular school over the other because they have higher board scores than another similar school and students have better specialty placement. And this a specialist, not a general dentist that told me this...he also teaches at a dental school. I believe that argument is void, just because you believe it's right doesn't make it true. And I don't think any of us has a valid opinion since known of us are on the specialty/residency committee that determines which student can specialize which one can't. Base it on your opinion, not FACT.

I'm going to team up with my buddy armorshell and say that was uncalled for, but would be a totally valid argument for the last pissing match we got into in that Penn vs. UCLA thread. Copy and paste it dude!

Just some info for the kid. Remember that dental schools in the end evolve around money. Schools do things like buy entire warehouses of PVS impression material at a time. They also enter contracts with supply companies in which they will only feature a specific brand persay in order to get you hooked on their product (Kinda like how your jr. High only had Coke machines to get you hooked on Coke products for life). So you have to accept that no matter where you go you are going to have a limited palate of materials and whatnot. If you are looking into schools see which ones will let you use more advanced equipment or work in other departments. Kids in my school get by the normal BS of the undergrad clincs by working in the AEGD department with a faculty or in the faculty practice so that they can build up some extra cosmetic skills. My previous post was sarcastic, but true. You aren't going to have magical handskills when you get out of school, in fact you're going to be slow and sucky. Much of the good cosmetics comes with practice, experience, and money. Not just for the equipment and CE's but most imporatantly a good lab! Which only means you pass the expense onto your patients. Do good work and make an effort to try different things in school and it will pay off in the end.

 

[crazy4clana]

Uncalled for? I was admitting that neither of our arguments are really true because they are based on our OPINIONS. Hell I even admitted that back in the old thread. You missed the point, there has been no evidence that supports either theory...just believe what you want but some members of the board post it as fact and refuse to believe that they are wrong, that was what I was commenting on. Again, none of us are on the committee that decides which student gets which specialty spot based on dental school, boards, ect. What part of that is false?

 

[Quattro DMD]

I am trying to finalize which dental schools I am going to be applying to this summer. Lately i've been shadowing an aesthetic dentist who specializes in just cosmetic dentistry procedures and I am pretty sure this is what i want to concentrate on after i graduate from dental school. I know that some dental schools are more up-to-date on the technology that they use in classes/labs and others are stuck in old modern ways and use way outdated technology. I am trying to figure out which schools are the ones that are more advanced and have newer technology similar to what is being used in recent cosmetic dentistry advancements. If anyone has any knowledge of this please let me know! Thanks.

I don't know exactly if the technology relates to cosmetic dentistry, but new schools like ASDOH, UNLV, MIDWESTERN have new start-of-the-art equipment. But to be honest I don't think that will really impact you much as far as your cosmetic dentistry aspirations are concerned. You will probably want to worry more about the amount of clinic time you get as opposed to how advanced the equipment is.

 

[DCRedskinsRule]

I'll try to stay away from the c*** fight going on and attempt to answer your question, Machva.

I don't know about technology in terms of cosmetic procedures, but making sure that the school had the latest and greatest technology was an important consideration for me as well when I was deciding on which schools to apply to. I think everyone realizes that dentistry is shifting from much more of a blue collar profession to a more white collar profession that still utilizes blue collar techniques and now implements more technology. So for me, because of that shift, I wanted to make sure that I went to a school that had the same mentality and that's why I chose Houston.

So in answer to your question, the TX schools I think are very much ahead of the game, but they're virtually impossible to get into if you're not a TX resident. I know that UM Baltimore is a very big fan of their new $140 million "state-of-the-art" facility and they put a huge emphasis on technology (even though they still use paper charting? 😕). I also think Denver is supposed to have a more tech-savy program and I've actually heard good things about Pitt's program too. Just my opinion. Keep asking around though.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

First off, cosmetic dentistry isn't a specialty so end of discussion there.
I agree with armor and brownstain.

 

[crazy4clana]

Actually it is, you have to do an additional year in training. Cosmetic dentistry deals with a lot more than what a general dentist does.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

It isn't a specialty.

 

[armorshell]

Actually it is, you have to do an additional year in training. Cosmetic dentistry deals with a lot more than what a general dentist does.

General dentistry and "cosmetic dentistry" are exactly the same thing. Look in a yellow pages, and every general dentist will be advertising themselves as a "Family and Cosmetic Dentist."

It's definitely not a specialty. The nine recognized specialties are: Ortho, OMFS, endo, perio, pedo, prosth, radiology, public health, and oral pathology

 

[armorshell]

Uncalled for? I was admitting that neither of our arguments are really true because they are based on our OPINIONS. Hell I even admitted that back in the old thread. You missed the point, there has been no evidence that supports either theory...just believe what you want but some members of the board post it as fact and refuse to believe that they are wrong, that was what I was commenting on. Again, none of us are on the committee that decides which student gets which specialty spot based on dental school, boards, ect. What part of that is false?

Again, this thread has nothing to do with specialties. I don't understand what you problem is with someone "refusing to believe that they're wrong." Isn't that exactly the same thing as believing that they're right, stated in some backwards double negative way?

As far as the whole opinion vs. fact thing, I'm going to clue you in on a few things:
1. SDN is an internet message board. Internet message boards are basically made for arguing.

2. People have opinions. Sometimes they even believe in those opinions. Sometimes they believe in them enough to disagree with people who have opposing opinions.

3. When people ask for advice on something, and there's no hard and fast facts, they're actually asking for opinions. You see, people have this amazing ability to read and understand arguments, then decide which one they agree with more

4. As far as people dragging specializing into everything, YOU'RE the one who pulled it out of nowhere into a completely unrelated thread.

 

[Epictetus21]

Actually it is, you have to do an additional year in training. Cosmetic dentistry deals with a lot more than what a general dentist does.

Actually, it's not, as the Dental Students on the forum have confirmed, and as the ADA states on their website http://www.ada.org/prof/ed/specialties/definitions.asp#recognized. Saying you are a "Cosmetic Dentist" is a marketing ploy to try to convince the general public that you have some extra special training, and that you will make their teeth whiter, straighter, and more aesthetically pleasing than "just a regular dentist." It's not necessarily true though, because the day you graduate from dental school and pass your licensing boards, you can hang a sign out in front of your practice saying "Cosmetic Dentist" if you want, and no one can do anything about it.

 

[Chuda2008]

When I interviewed, I thought that NYU had a very technology advanced program and they even have a cosmetic dental spa-type clinic that is geared exclusively towards elective procedures. As a dental student you are able to volunteer in the cosmetic clinic. NYU also offers extensive continuing education classes in cosmetic dentistry.

 

[bigstix808]

Again, this thread has nothing to do with specialties. I don't understand what you problem is with someone "refusing to believe that they're wrong." Isn't that exactly the same thing as believing that they're right, stated in some backwards double negative way?

As far as the whole opinion vs. fact thing, I'm going to clue you in on a few things:
1. SDN is an internet message board. Internet message boards are basically made for arguing.

isn't that the truth

2. People have opinions. Sometimes they even believe in those opinions. Sometimes they believe in them enough to disagree with people who have opposing opinions.

opinions are like ***holes, eveybody has one

4. As far as people dragging specializing into everything, YOU'RE the one who pulled it out of nowhere into a completely unrelated thread.

yup!


i hear NYU has a pretty solid tech reputation, but what do i know, i'm just a petty 'ol pre-dent...haha

 

[MaChVa]

Thanks chuda, thats the type of answer I was looking for. To clear all of the arguing up for everyone... yes cosmetic dentistry isn't a recognized specialty. However, you can get accredited in cosmetic dentistry by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. This is a multi-step process that takes a number of years and consists of attending classes, taking written tests, and performing a specified number of cosmetic procedures (veneers) on your own patients and submitting before/after pictures to the academy for review. The aesthetic dentist that I shadowed is three years into this accreditation process and one of the things that she is currently working on is having to submit approximately 40 cases of veneers that she has performed. This accreditation distinguishes general dentists who try performing some cosmetic procedures when they dont know how to do them correctly, from dentists who are well trained and have mastered the cosmetic procedures. For instance, the day I shadowed this cosmetic dentist, she had two different patients who came in and wanted all new veneers because they were unhappy with the ones their regular dentists gave them that looked like square chicklets.

 

[UCSF2012]

I'm gonna hook up a Dish and Tivo to the tv's in lab. UCSF will be the most technologically advanced school in the way that matters most.

 

[TheWiredNerv]

Maryland and UMDNJ have pretty updated facilities in terms of technology.

 

[TerpFan]

.

 

[DentAZ]

Detroit Mercy just opened their new dental school with state-of-the-art facilities. Clinically it is in an ideal location.

 

[blankguy]

Detroit Mercy just opened their new dental school with state-of-the-art facilities. Clinically it is in an ideal location.

They moved their dental school to a renovated hospital in the middle of detroit.
The hospital had been closed for a few years.

 

[crazy4clana]

Again, this thread has nothing to do with specialties. I don't understand what you problem is with someone "refusing to believe that they're wrong." Isn't that exactly the same thing as believing that they're right, stated in some backwards double negative way?

As far as the whole opinion vs. fact thing, I'm going to clue you in on a few things:
1. SDN is an internet message board. Internet message boards are basically made for arguing.

2. People have opinions. Sometimes they even believe in those opinions. Sometimes they believe in them enough to disagree with people who have opposing opinions.

3. When people ask for advice on something, and there's no hard and fast facts, they're actually asking for opinions. You see, people have this amazing ability to read and understand arguments, then decide which one they agree with more

4. As far as people dragging specializing into everything, YOU'RE the one who pulled it out of nowhere into a completely unrelated thread.

You basically were taking about the same thing, you can get the same education at a crappy, cheap dental school than a more expensive, more technologically advanced school which I don't believe it to be true. My specialty example wasn't unrelated, it all goes into the same category. My main problem with you is that you rarely see the other side of the argument and think everyone else's but your's is correct. But alas, it's a internet forum so all of this is pretty useless.

 

[Hugh Mannity]

You basically were taking about the same thing, you can get the same education at a crappy, cheap dental school than a more expensive, more technologically advanced school which I don't believe it to be true. My specialty example wasn't unrelated, it all goes into the same category. My main problem with you is that you rarely see the other side of the argument and think everyone else's but your's is correct. But alas, it's a internet forum so all of this is pretty useless.

If you want to have an educated and beneficial discussion (as opposed to argument), I would quit pointing the finger so much. Always saying "you" is not a constructive way to get anything accomplished. If you want a honest discussion that will answer the topic of technology in D schools, let's quit having a pissing contest and talk like adults, since maturity is something dentists need.

 

[crazy4clana]

Thanks, but I already took AP English in high school...anyway, I was referring to that poster so using YOU is necessary. Chill out there browsky, it's only an internet forum not a political debate. And considering am only a pre-dent, immaturity is expected.

 

[blankguy]

Guys,
don't hijack this thread with useless bashing/snipping. Get on with the main topic of this thread.
To the OP,
technology in schools is there to facilitate learning. If a school has a reputation of producing outstanding dentists with older technology that means whatever they are doing is great and you should choose that school. I wouldn't put too much stress on having the latest and greatest if the school produced graduates who were a little too green fresh out of school. As to esthetic and cosmetic dentistry, I think a lot of that tends to be about current trends in dentistry once you are out practicing. How are we suppose to know that if we haven't even gotten started with the fundamentals in dental school? We have to get educated first and then worry about current trends, debates and controversies within this field. So this business of esthetic and cosmetic dentistry doesn't have much bearing on schools at this point maybe continuing education.

 

[caffeinehigh]

Of the schools I visited Colorado was the most advanced. The building was built in 2005 on a brand new Health Science Campus alongside the Med School, a new University Hospital, and a new Children's Hospital.

As far as the dental school goes, paperless charting, digital xray, inhouse ICat bone scanning, 2 sim labs, every single op has an iMac in it so that you can show the patient the xray etc. The clinic instructors swipe a card to approve your treatment plan in the op. The building is totally wireless etc....

 

[TheWiredNerv]

You basically were taking about the same thing, you can get the same education at a crappy, cheap dental school than a more expensive, more technologically advanced school which I don't believe it to be true. My specialty example wasn't unrelated, it all goes into the same category. My main problem with you is that you rarely see the other side of the argument and think everyone else's but your's is correct. But alas, it's a internet forum so all of this is pretty useless.

He just served all of you who go to a crappy cheap dental school!

Anyway, OP be weary when you choose a D school with the latest and greatest. Make sure they worked out all the kinks in the system so you don't have to deal with it.

 

[small]

I am gonna plug U of Colorado, too. Maryland was probably just as good, but Colorado has the Mac thing going on. With that said, I chose Colorado for the location, not the technology. I would try to keep it (the high-tech appeal thing) from affecting your decision too much.

 

[blankguy]

I think all this business about digital x-rays, paperless charting and so forth is great but don't pick a dental school solely based on that. The agenda of dental school is to go there and graduate with strong training. If you don't deal with it in dental school with all the latest and greatest you certainly will deal with it once you go into real world dentistry.

 

[DCRedskinsRule]

I think all this business about digital x-rays, paperless charting and so forth is great but don't pick a dental school solely based on that. The agenda of dental school is to go there and graduate with strong training. If you don't deal with it in dental school with all the latest and greatest you certainly will deal with it once you go into real world dentistry.

This makes no sense. If it's something you're going to deal with in the real world, why wouldn't you want a dental school that trains you that way. If it does not, then by you definition, doesn't that mean that the school is not doing a good job of graduating students with strong training?

 

[mantraman1010]

Wow this has become a heated thread. Let me be the ice that calms it down.

1. The OP just asked a simple question to see which schools are more technologically advanced. To the OP, try to apply to the schools you had your mind set on, research them, go to their respective websites. It's common sense that dental schools are all going to be technologically advanced in the equipment they use to a certain extent, it's not like they are going to push you back to the same technology that was used in the 70s. Some may be more than others. All you need to understand is that no matter what dental school you go to, the technology they offer to you will be enough for you to obtain a successful education from whatever respected institution. Tuitions differ because some schools get funding from the state and others are private institutions, but the education they offer should not be questioned, there is a reason why they are accredited. After all, accreditations are not handed out like paper clips. Also, that is what school tours are for on the day of the interview. For you to observe and see if the institution is the right fit for you. Then, make the call that is most comfortable for you.

2. To crazy4clana, I respectfully list all of the specialties of dentistry as defined by the ADA:

Endodontics: Endodontics is the branch of dentistry which is concerned with the morphology, physiology and pathology of the human dental pulp and periradicular tissues. Its study and practice encompass the basic and clinical sciences including biology of the normal pulp, the etiology, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of diseases and injuries of the pulp and associated periradicular conditions. (Adopted December 1983)

Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology: Oral pathology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of pathology that deals with the nature, identification, and management of diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions. It is a science that investigates the causes, processes, and effects of these diseases. The practice of oral pathology includes research and diagnosis of diseases using clinical, radiographic, microscopic, biochemical, or other examinations. (Adopted May 1991)

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology: Oral and maxillofacial radiology is the specialty of dentistry and discipline of radiology concerned with the production and interpretation of images and data produced by all modalities of radiant energy that are used for the diagnosis and management of diseases, disorders and conditions of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted April 2001)

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery: Oral and maxillofacial surgery is the specialty of dentistry which includes the diagnosis, surgical and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries and defects involving both the functional and esthetic aspects of the hard and soft tissues of the oral and maxillofacial region. (Adopted October 1990)

Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics: Orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics is the dental specialty that includes the diagnosis, prevention, interception, and correction of malocclusion, as well as neuromuscular and skeletal abnormalities of the developing or mature orofacial structures. (Adopted April 2003)

Pediatric Dentistry: Pediatric Dentistry is an age-defined specialty that provides both primary and comprehensive preventive and therapeutic oral health care for infants and children through adolescence, including those with special health care needs. (Adopted 1995)

Periodontics: Periodontics is that specialty of dentistry which encompasses the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the supporting and surrounding tissues of the teeth or their substitutes and the maintenance of the health, function and esthetics of these structures and tissues. (Adopted December 1992)

Prosthodontics: Prosthodontics is the dental specialty pertaining to the diagnosis, treatment planning, rehabilitation and maintenance of the oral function, comfort, appearance and health of patients with clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or oral and maxillofacial tissues using biocompatible substitutes. (Adopted April 2003)

Cosmetic dentistry is not included. Cosmetic dentistry is general dentistry, with more specifics placed on the aesthetic aspects (please do correct me if I am wrong, I have not shadowed or visited one, just read about them).

3. Let's all calm down.

 

[blankguy]

This makes no sense. If it's something you're going to deal with in the real world, why wouldn't you want a dental school that trains you that way. If it does not, then by you definition, doesn't that mean that the school is not doing a good job of graduating students with strong training?

The agenda of dental school is education. It may mean making students do things manually maybe stuff that is usually delegated to dental labs and/or assistants. The focus in private practice is efficiency/bottom line. You don't want dentist to be tied up doing stuff that is usually delegated to somebody else. There are limitations as to what dental schools can do also students going into dental schools are computer literate so they can figure things out themselves more so than dental school faculty who have been at this for 20/30 years. Having stated this despite this limitations as to what schools can do all of them will try to keep up so long as it doesn't encroach on the quality of education.

 

[aphistis]

And considering am only a pre-dent, immaturity is expected.

...And while you're fulfilling your mandate admirably, you're also confusing the meanings of "expected" and "justified." Didn't they cover that in AP English?

 

[crazy4clana]

Um what? I used the term "expected" correctly and never said "justified". And yes, thanks for asking as the class and the test let me bypass 2 semesters of English in college. 😉

 

[aphistis]

Um what? I used the term "expected" correctly and never said "justified". And yes, thanks for asking as the class and the test let me bypass 2 semesters of English in college. 😉

You too? Congratulations. Though, in that case, I wouldn't have expected my last comment to have flown over your head the way it apparently did. C'est la vie.

 

[golfer]

You too? Congratulations. Though, in that case, I wouldn't have expected my last comment to have flown over your head the way it apparently did. C'est la vie.

I understood your comment even though I only had one AP english class.
OP.
I have not been to Maryland but the two most advanced places I visited were ASDOH and Colorado,( Midwestern has not finished their dental building yet). I don't think tech. should sway where one decides to go to school.