UCSF, UOP, UCLA, or UPENN: Where would you go?

[johnstylzes]

If you the choice of any of the above schools, where would you decide to enroll? I realize that schools such as UCSF, UCLA, and UPENN compete for the same high-achieving students, but is UOP in a different category?

Personally, UOP is my top choice because of the 3 year program and the enjoyable environment students brag about.

Thanks for your input!

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[coolslugs]

If you the choice of any of the above schools, where would you decide to enroll? I realize that schools such as UCSF, UCLA, and UPENN compete for the same high-achieving students, but is UOP in a different category?

Personally, UOP is my top choice because of the 3 year program and the enjoyable environment students brag about.

Thanks for your input!

1. UOP
2. UCSF
3. UCLA
4. UPENN

Just because I live only about an hour from SF.

 

[Sephisabin]

1. UOP
2. UCSF
3. UCLA
4. UPENN

Just because I live only about an hour from SF.

Same order for me, and for the same reason.

 

[howui3]

UCLA and then UOP for me.

 

[UOP_Dentist]

If you the choice of any of the above schools, where would you decide to enroll? I realize that schools such as UCSF, UCLA, and UPENN compete for the same high-achieving students, but is UOP in a different category?

Personally, UOP is my top choice because of the 3 year program and the enjoyable environment students brag about.

Thanks for your input!

1. UOP
2. UCSF
3. UCLA
4. UPENN

Just because i'm from UOP and because the rest of the programs is ranked exactly for best chance at specializing. I'd prob put UCLA and UPENN at a tie though

 

[BeachLuvr]

1. UPenn

Great School, Near Great Cities

 

[Beestieboy]

UoP #1 for me.

 

[acceptance]

1. UPENN
2. UOP
3. UCLA
4. UCSF

Let's face it, UPENN is top notch.

 

[drhobie7]

I would pick UCLA first because I hate hippies, fog, cold weather, and the Giants and love LA. Followed by UOP (if I didn't want to specialize), UCSF, and UPENN (because I would never want to live in Pennsylvania).

 

[EyeAmCommi]

1) UCSF Cheaper than UOP and is still in San Francisco.
2) UOP
3) UCLA
4) UPENN

 

[Audio]

All great schools but UPENN for sure is one of the top schools in the country along with UCLA. I don't think it's fair to rank UPENN 4th because you people out west are scared of snow

 

[fleisch]

UCLA!....Only because I go there, and I love it so far! (Just finished my first week!!!!)

 

[Future DDS]

UOP, UPenn, UCSF, UCLA.

first, because UCLA lost my application and second, UCSF delayed my application for 3 f#%* weeks for no reasons.

 

[savvysearch]

A tie for the following:

UOP because of the 3 year thing
UCLA because its an hour drive from my family.
UCSF because it's the cheapest.

UPenn would be my last choice of the four. It would be nice to say, "Hey, I graduated from Ivy League!" But in the end, it's too silly a reason.

 

[drhobie7]

I don't think it's fair to rank UPENN 4th because you people out west are scared of snow

Not only am I scared of bitter, windy cold, but I am also terrified of heat and humidity that rival a Helsinki sauna.

 

[vaio]

UCSF.....cheap and good

 

[Audio]

Not only am I scared of bitter, windy cold, but I am also terrified of heat and humidity that rival a Helsinki sauna.

I'm from Toronto and people mostly think that it's always cold here. In the summer, it gets so damn hot, it's crazy. Oh well, at least I get variety with the change in weather.

 

[Audio]

A tie for the following:

UOP because of the 3 year thing
UCLA because its an hour drive from my family.
UCSF because it's the cheapest.

UPenn would be my last choice of the four. It would be nice to say, "Hey, I graduated from Ivy League!" But in the end, it's too silly a reason.

Yeah but, unlike Harvard and Columbia, UPENN is actually a really really good school

 

[RaiderNation]

UCLA because its cheap and more highly respected (in CA) than the other schools.

 

[Sprgrover]

Penn, of course! The humidity is nowhere near as bad as Florida (46% vs. 96%) where I lived for the past year, and growing up on the the west coast myself, I can say that after a while you do get used to it and tend not to notice it on most days.

 

[johnstylzes]

1. Uop
2. Upenn
3. Ucsf
4. Ucla

 

[mcshow2]

1. Uop
2. Upenn
3. Ucsf
4. Ucla

UCLA #1

They are the only place I got in!!! Makes that choice easy doesn't it!?!?!?

From what I have gathered, many professionals in the field are skeptics of UoP dentists because of the 3 year thing... I donno though.

UCSF needs to get on the damn ball with my application.

 

[mkdhappy]

UCLA!!!! no doubt! heheh. MY TOP CHOICE! Great school, a lot cheaper, and CLOSE TO HOME. ^_^ AWESOME.

 

[Unemployed]

From what I have gathered, many professionals in the field are skeptics of UoP dentists because of the 3 year thing... I donno though.

I have to disagree with this. The dentist are either biased to their school, bitter b/c they didn't get accepted into Pacific, or just plain uninformed. There are plenty of forums here that discuss this rumor. Do a search and you will see the light.

 

[mcshow2]

I have to disagree with this. The dentist are either biased to their school, bitter b/c they didn't get accepted into Pacific, or just plain uninformed. There are plenty of forums here that discuss this rumor. Do a search and you will see the light.

The dentists/ specialists that i spoke with weren't bitter i am pretty sure, as they all did well in thier classes from highly respected schools. I have spoke with a few dentists from pacific, and they loved it, would do it all over again.

I am just saying this, there are a lot of people in the field (maybe uninformed, maybe biased, maybe a lot of things) who are leary about the 3 year education.

Look at this analogy: It's like getting a fat nose ring and tatoo on your face. Are you a different person? No. Are you still a good person? Yes (if you were to begin with). But there are a lot of strong opinion people that will have you marked, oh that's just tatoo face. Oh that is Dr. 3 year. That's all I am saying, i'm sure Pacific pumps out great dentists, but some of the field is definitely leary.

 

[drhobie7]

I have to disagree with this. The dentist are either biased to their school, bitter b/c they didn't get accepted into Pacific, or just plain uninformed. There are plenty of forums here that discuss this rumor. Do a search and you will see the light.

I spoke with a residency applicant from UOP who said that during his interview the interviewer questioned specializing coming from UOP. Take what you will from this, but I'm sure this topic would not have been raised if he was from UCSF....or maybe even USC.

 

[mcshow2]

I spoke with a residency applicant from UOP who said that during his interview the interviewer questioned specializing coming from UOP. Take what you will from this, but I'm sure this topic would not have been raised if he was from UCSF....or maybe even USC.

Yup. That is all i am saying. I am not saying whether or not they are equal dentists is an issue; just trying to raise the point that there is some question within the profession.

 

[Jess_SB]

I'm tired of this rumor too. People don't seem to understand how UOP can fit four years into three. But the 2003-2004 ADA survey of Dental Eduaction should put this all to rest. The hours devoted to each subject are tallied over the entire curriculum, I not about to write out all of the subjects, but the here is a run-down of the major categories:

Clinical Sciences:
UOP - 5356 Hours
National Average - 3895

Biomedical Sciences:
UOP - 684
National Average - 800

Behavioral Sciences:
UOP - 178
National Average - 158

Grand Total:
UOP - 6218
National Average - 4853

The average instructional week at UOP is 47.1 hours vs the National average of 30.6 hours.

I am not saying that total class time is the most important factor, but that normally seems to be what people are confused about.

I also understand that people will argue that there is no time for research or volunteering - but we still do it!

Hope these numbers clear some things up - personally I am loving my experience here!

 

[Unemployed]

I'm tired of this rumor too. People don't seem to understand how UOP can fit four years into three. But the 2003-2004 ADA survey of Dental Eduaction should put this all to rest. The hours devoted to each subject are tallied over the entire curriculum, I not about to write out all of the subjects, but the here is a run-down of the major categories:

Clinical Sciences:
UOP - 5356 Hours
National Average - 3895

Biomedical Sciences:
UOP - 684
National Average - 800

Behavioral Sciences:
UOP - 178
National Average - 158

Grand Total:
UOP - 6218
National Average - 4853

The average instructional week at UOP is 47.1 hours vs the National average of 30.6 hours.

I am not saying that total class time is the most important factor, but that normally seems to be what people are confused about.

I also understand that people will argue that there is no time for research or volunteering - but we still do it!

Hope these numbers clear some things up - personally I am loving my experience here!

I told you so, I told you soooo

 

[shingshing]

1. UCSF
2. UOP
3. UCLA
4. UPenn
-------------
UCSF is in SF and less expensive than UOP, and at least they have summer break!
I talked to a dentist in SF who graduated from UCLA. He told me that UOP was not very well known to their generation (he's in mid 30's). So if you are looking for a job after you graduate, UOP may not sound nice enough. UCSF and UCLA sound much more solid in reputation among dentists. I want to go to UOP, but UCSF is definitely my 1st choice!

 

[E. coli]

I'm tired of this rumor too. People don't seem to understand how UOP can fit four years into three. But the 2003-2004 ADA survey of Dental Eduaction should put this all to rest. The hours devoted to each subject are tallied over the entire curriculum, I not about to write out all of the subjects, but the here is a run-down of the major categories:

Clinical Sciences:
UOP - 5356 Hours
National Average - 3895

Biomedical Sciences:
UOP - 684
National Average - 800

Behavioral Sciences:
UOP - 178
National Average - 158

Grand Total:
UOP - 6218
National Average - 4853

The average instructional week at UOP is 47.1 hours vs the National average of 30.6 hours.

I am not saying that total class time is the most important factor, but that normally seems to be what people are confused about.

I also understand that people will argue that there is no time for research or volunteering - but we still do it!

Hope these numbers clear some things up - personally I am loving my experience here!

Wow, 47 hours per week! I rather take it easy over 4 year stretch and take my summer breaks, then to have absolutely no life and worn out for 3 years. But I agree, you get to make money and come out a year earlier, which is definitely a plus $$$$$$$$

 

[mcshow2]

I told you so, I told you soooo

this isn't a debate about whether uop dentists are skilled or good etc.

this was about how other dentists, for whatever reason, are sometimes skeptical about the three year deal. I don't need to be convinced, you should post those numbers and what not to the critical dentists.

Congrats on anyone who is in or going to uop. I KNOW it's a good school.

 

[nothen2do]

Just to be clear with the 47 hours/week figure for UOP. You have class 8-6 3 days a week, and 8-8 2 days a week?

 

[nothen2do]

Just to be clear with the 47 hours/week figure for UOP. You have class 8-6 3 days a week, and 8-8 2 days a week?

I'm bumping this since no one from UOP answered my question. Whats the schedule like for a 47 hour week?

 

[Audio]

If I was from Cali and I got into all those Cali schools and UPenn, I'd pick a Cali school. It's a no brainer to me. Especially since a couple of those schools are pretty damn good!

 

[Jess_SB]

I'm bumping this since no one from UOP answered my question. Whats the schedule like for a 47 hour week?

Well, you pretty much nailed it, normal class three days a week and night clinic Mondays and Thursdays which go till 8:30.

I'm glad you're so concerned with our schedule, it's really quite endearing.

As I mentioned, these numbers are from the ADA Survey of Dental Education 2004-2005, not from some 'UOP brain-washing' publication.

Also, I wanted to comment on the issue that many in the dental community are skeptical of UOP's program: Any dentist that has met or heard Dean Dugoni speak would be a skeptic no longer - he is quite influential and is our biggest advocate. Additionaly, in California 60% of the leadership positions (ie local and state dental associations) are filled with UOP alumni, and believe me UOP alumni are quite vocal and proud of their school. Certainly if you want to practice in California or anywhere in the West you will have no one questioning your education.

I have also talked to dentists who have recently graduated from other schools and their general sentiment seemd to be that the 4th year was rather unnessecery.

whatever, I'm tired of this arguement. We make different choices for different reasons...

 

[jrsdsu]

from the list, i will choose
1.UOP-3 YRS,CLINICAL SCHOOL IS GREAT
2.UCSF-CHEAPER,BUT IS 4 YEARS,P/NP GRADING SYS
3.UPENN-IV LEAGUE,BUT IN EAST COAST!
4.UCLA-CHEAPER THAN ALL ABOVE,BUT NEED TO RECRUIT YOUR PATIENTS. ITS IN A VERY RICH NEIGHBOORHOOD, SO THEY NEED TO GO OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY IN SEARCH OF PATIENTS, WHILE MOST GO TO USC!

ACCEPTED:UOP WITH SCHOLARSHIP,UPENN,UCSF,USC,CREIGHTON,TEMPLE.
IM IN THE SAME BOAT AS YOU, SO I GOT SOME SERIOUS RESEARCHING TO DO ALL THOUGH UOP IS COMING IN FRONT AS OF NOW

 

[Unemployed]

I got accepted to all those schools except UCLA (didn't apply). If it helps, I'm going to Pacific. It's a fairly easy decision for me since I'm from the Bay Area.

 

[Audio]

It seems like people on the west coast are scared of the east coast. It's not that cold people. I'm from Toronto and Philly is like friggen Florida for me

 

[Unemployed]

It seems like people on the west coast are scared of the east coast. It's not that cold people. I'm from Toronto and Philly is like friggen Florida for me

What are you smokin? Its 20 degress COLD!!! My gf goes to med school in Philly and she has 6 pairs of uggs-like boots, 2 snow board jackets, 3 North Face vests, butt-load of scarfs, sky-rocketing heat bill, needle-pins on the face, etc. I'm in California and right now I'm wearing cargo shorts, UCLA sweatshirt, and my rainbow sandals. And I'm sweating...I should really take off the sweatshirt.

Philly may be paradise compared to Toronto, but brotha, you would think California is heaven in December. Ahh, 72 degrees feels nice...

 

[jrsdsu]

Got to love California, especially sunny san diego. Why cant there be a dental school in san diego yeah toronto is almost next to the north pole. Say hi to santa!!!

 

[Audio]

Got to love California, especially sunny san diego. Why cant there be a dental school in san diego yeah toronto is almost next to the north pole. Say hi to santa!!!

It's also safer, cleaner, and has much more culture than any US city, unless you consider a burito stand culture . If you look at world rankings of the best cities to live in, Vancouver is usually 1st and Toronto isn't far behind, around 4th in the world.

 

[Unemployed]

It's also safer, cleaner, and has much more culture than any US city, unless you consider a burito stand culture . If you look at world rankings of the best cities to live in, Vancouver is usually 1st and Toronto isn't far behind, around 4th in the world.

Canada is like a loft above a great party and they're always telling us to keep it down, eh.


No disrespect to Canadians out there...all fun and games.

 

[Audio]

Canada is like a loft above a great party and they're always telling us to keep it down, eh.


No disrespect to Canadians out there...all fun and games.

None taken you loud, annoying neighbors

No disrespect to Americans out there...all fun and games

 

[applescrapple]

1. UOP
2. UCSF
3. UCLA
4. UPENN

Just because i'm from UOP and because the rest of the programs is ranked exactly for best chance at specializing. I'd prob put UCLA and UPENN at a tie though

UCSF has a higher chance of specializing than UPENN and UCLA??

 

[cowsgomoo]

None taken you loud, annoying neighbors

No disrespect to Americans out there...all fun and games

You know what both of you are wrong because Australia is da coolest.

 

[msdentist06]

UCSF has a higher chance of specializing than UPENN and UCLA??

No it's the complete opposite:
#1 UCLA
#2 UPENN
#3 UCSF
A few days ago, I looked at a magazine published by UCSF. It says that around 10-12% of UCSF graduates specialized in 2004 (2 of which got into an OMFS program). 10-12% also encompasses the international dentists that join the rest after the 2nd year. Around 32% of students go beyond DDS (including teaching, GPR, and AEGD). If you put GPR, AEGD, and teaching aside you are left with 10% match rate. If you exclude the international dentists you end up with a lower match rate. Some international student dentists may be orthodontist, endo or ....
P.S. The magazine also says "2% unreported." I am assuming these are self-reported numbers.

 

[msdentist06]

from the list, i will choose
1.UOP-3 YRS,CLINICAL SCHOOL IS GREAT
2.UCSF-CHEAPER,BUT IS 4 YEARS,P/NP GRADING SYS
3.UPENN-IV LEAGUE,BUT IN EAST COAST!
4.UCLA-CHEAPER THAN ALL ABOVE,BUT NEED TO RECRUIT YOUR PATIENTS. ITS IN A VERY RICH NEIGHBOORHOOD, SO THEY NEED TO GO OUT INTO THE COMMUNITY IN SEARCH OF PATIENTS, WHILE MOST GO TO USC!

ACCEPTED:UOP WITH SCHOLARSHIP,UPENN,UCSF,USC,CREIGHTON,TEMPLE...

#1 UCLA should not even be your #4 because you are not accepted

#2 UCLA students graduate. It's not that bad. If UCLA doesn't recruit enough patients for students the school will be closed by ADA. Each student (in any school) must do a certain number of procedures to get a license. ADA doesn't lower the number of requirements just because a school is in a super rich neighborhood.

#3 In any case, UCLA has the second highest match rate in the country and produces the highest number of specialists per year. 1 / 2 of students specialize. 2 / 3 of students pursue either a specialty or GPR/AEGD. If UCLA graduates weren't good other schools wouldn't accept that many UCLA students for their specialty programs. Your #1, #2, and #3 choices don't produce as many specialists per year.

 

[KAP]

Go Bruins!

 

[ziptree]

My rankings when I applied - I felt the need to stay competitive in case I wanted to specialize, thus my ranking of UOP at #4:
1) UPenn - loved the school, the city, decent specialization rates, my interviewer was great.
2) UCLA - 2nd highest NBDE scores, high specialization rates
3) UCSF - good school, research opportunities available
4) UOP - expensive, not very high in specialization, great for people who know for sure they want to be GPs since they can easily make up the money in that extra year of practice.