I mean, I might be a little biased here, but so far I've really enjoyed my time at the U.
Yes, the school feels a little "dark/cold" at times, but truthfully I don't even realize it. You're going to be so caught up in schoolwork that you will not realize it. I get to school when it's dark, and when I'm leaving lab...it's dark. It's a weird feeling lol, sometimes like a casino. The day flies by when you cant see a clock or windows. Also, you will have classes in the new HSEC building and there's a top floor student lounge solely for health science majors. No undergrads (with a couple exceptions) are able to get up there. It's a really nice space.
Also, the professors here are so nice. I have yet to have a bad professor, and we've had a ton of them. They all genuinely care about us as students and want us to succeed. And yes...we are a tad behind in other schools in terms of technology. But truthfully..I don't think it's that big of a deal. I can go take some CE to learn, I can watch youtube or take online CE, or just jump in and go. I've always done well being thrown in and figuring my way out. They're also trying to increase access to new tech. We've been doing some digital dentistry stuff with the itero machines and learning new things about the tech coming out. But yes, that is one "draw back".
Iowa will train you well, and I doubt you'd have trouble finding a job in MN. But do think where your support system is. Thinking back, I'm glad I chose the U because being in close proximity to home has saved me a couple times this semester. I've had a couple instances where I really needed family help and being close had made it a lot easier. You will rely on your support system during your time, and having it as close as you can is really a lot more helpful than you might realize.
In the end, it won't matter too much. Both schools are Big10 and will train you to be an excellent clinician! If you really need extra time, drop deposits for both schools.
