Temple clinical hype

[makushin]

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OK, I'm sure Temple is a great school and all but... what makes Temple so clinically special? I hear it's because it's in Philly, but Philly has two dental schools. Maryland's D-school is in Baltimore, a city that is arguably more 'ghetto' than Philly, and it's the only dental school in the city, so why would Maryland not have a similar clinical experience? And the many other dental schools in poor areas?

I'm just curious about this, I realize Temple staff certainly perpetuates this notion, but I don't understand why Temple would attract patients better than the many other dental schools in poor areas. What makes Temple so clinically special? (Don't say Philly!) I'm actually curious, not trying to bash on Temple or anything, just comparing schools!🙂

 

[1992Corolla]

UPenn is closer to center city where it is 'nicer' and they charge more per procedure. Temple is on North Broad and is slightly cheaper. I think it is also more accesible? Our front door is right on broad street. I am not sure where UPenns front doors are. Maybe this slight play in location?

 

[toofshucker]

North Philly has just over 200,000 people with over half living below the poverty level (which I think is like $12,000 a year income). That is a TON of people that need cheap care. Add on to that Temple's clinical emphasis (whereas Penn seems to emphasize didactic over clinical) you can see how Temple students arrive in the clinic more prepared to see patients (maybe a little less prepared to perform an appendectomy, but I disagree) and are able to do more procedures in less time, thus getting more done in their last two years. It is all about emphasis. Temple requires 120 (I think) Oral Surgery procedures. Penn doesn't require anywhere near that. So, Penn student might be more tempted to study rather then spend an extra week or two in the clinic, while Temple student needs to get those high requirements done.

I can see why you would think the way you do, but what the school decides to emphasize can make a big difference as to what the average student does. As with anything, there are exceptions, but overall, Temple really does have one of the best clinics in the country, in large part, because that is what they strive to have, and have the patients to do so.