Hey guys good luck this cycle! Just had my first day of school on Friday. You get 90 or so books on Vital Source (online) that you can download with limited printing if you want, they even have boards reviews on there. Also all of the books that are required had a hard copy in the library to read if your eyes fall out of your skull from reading on the computer.
The school itself is in a developing part of Bradenton but I wouldn't say it's in the middle of nowhere, plenty of restaurants nearby but you will need your car. Tampa is only 45 min north, and theres plenty of stuff in Downtown Bradenton and Sarasota.
As for the school, the clinic is close to completion, everything is shiny and new but yes, beware of the creepy clown display case. Not sure what the hell happened when they let someone bring their collection of clowns to the school, but at least it's on the patient entrance side.
Also, dress code for the med building is shirt and tie all the time, but at the dental school you can wear scrubs, which it looks like 100% of the students do.
I am a D1 as well and agree with this. The "library" also has some non dental related books, like the Harry Potter series. But with all the books on your electronic devise (you can have it on two devises and access it from any computer with your log in info), or you can print the book (unlimited printing), why do you need to have thousands of books sitting on a shelf collecting dust. Then after you leave LECOM, you still have access to the virtual books for life.
A lot of people are having doubts about the school, even as accepted students. But, it is a new school, and there will be bugs (which they have found out with the inaugural class), but they have changed it for the C/O 2017. Examples: PBL is no longer with the DO students, and the dental assisting was changed because most of the D2 students stated that it was like shadowing instead of actually assisting. Which, we all did to get into dental school. So now it is more focused, on the business aspect of the dental office. The program will get better with every class that comes into the school. They also give you a big" (someone from the upper class), to help answer any questions you may have (either about the area or about the school, classes, or anything else you can think of. They are here to help you, not screw you.
As for being in the middle of no where. We are right in the middle of everything. From my house it is: 15 min to the school, 40 min to TPA international airport, 8 min to the river, 15 min to a beach, 30 min to Sarasota (many beaches and "nightlife" activities). I would say I am fairly close to everything, and I live further from the school than most students.
The school is not that bland. The color scheme is relaxing and inviting. Very simple. I would rather it be this way so I can keep my focus. But how many times do you actually walk somewhere in any building, and actually look at the walls the entire time? You don't. You look at the people, you converse with others, or look at the amenities that are offered, the technology that is offered, or the visionary of a unique dental program. But, if you really want to look at something, then look at our strange (seemingly out of place clown displays), our huge pond in the back with three fountains, or the metal art in the back of the parking lots. But, I guarantee you that you not even care of the "bland aspect of the walls. You will be so intent with conversing with others and actively learning, you won't care. Plus, it is the students and the faculty that give the school its personality, not the decor. To give you an idea, the SGA and ASDA has hosted four or five "mixers" to get to know your class as well as the inaugural class within the first week of school. This was fantastic, and should be mentioned.
Someone wanted to know about the facilities. So here is your description....... Everything is new. The clinics are not finished, but will be by the beginning of next year. You get your own chair so you wont have to "fight" to get one once you get to the clinical aspect. As for the chairs, they are some of the best out there ( they have memory foam and have a massage feature). And if I am not mistaken, they cost over $10,000 apiece. In the sim lab, you work on a dummy with a computer screen attached. Again, expensive and nice.
I must talk about the clinical experience now. This is THE school for that. Yoi uget get more than any other school in the country, and you WILL be sought after because of this once you graduate. You start doing dentures for individuals who are in need during the spring of your first year, and your clinical hours increase as you progress through the program. Your entire fourth year will be at an offsite dental clinic that LECOM has built and paid for to service individuals in need. You will get thousands of hours of experience before you graduate.
Security is one of their primary focuses. SO for the person who came unannounced, that is why. They have dentists who want to come and look at the new building. They turn them away just as they did you. Everyone has to follow the same guidelines. Either make an appointment or be invited. They want to show off the building because they are proud of they they did and are very willing to show it off. Just make an appointment or find someone who is willing to show you. It is for the students security, which is a great thing. There are over 125 cameras in the building if I remember correctly. During registration day, they did host tours show your friends and family can see the building. So why not show off where you will get the training to become a Dr???? Take advantage of it. Plus if someone can not make it, or you just want to show the building to someone, just fill out the form and get it approved. Its that simple.
I am only a D1 and have completed my first week of school, so I really only know what I have experienced this past week. But I will tell you that I was waitlisted for the inaugural class and was amazed by the school, that this is the ONLY school I applied to this past year, and I got in. And it was the right choice for me. I will be happy to answer any questions anyone may have IM or through this thread). It is a great opportunity with a high return.
I'm not really sure how they're going to handle that. I imagine anyone who has a husband/wife and/or kids would be given priority to stay in the area if they want to. It'll be interesting once the first class gets up to that point, because I doubt 1/2 the class wants to move to PA. Personally, I've lived in PA before so I think it'd be an absolutely great experience to be there again.
